Brush My Dog's Teeth?
Did you know…
- That periodontal disease is the number one diagnosed medical problems in dogs & cats?
- That studies link periodontal disease with damage to the heart, liver and kidneys?
- That by age 4, 85% of dogs have some stage of periodontal disease?
What would happen if you stopped brushing your teeth? Even if you ate only hard food, as most dogs do, there would still be problems. You should brush your dog’s teeth at least 3-4 times weekly, daily if you can. If is not as difficult as you might imagine.
The benefits of brushing the teeth include removing the daily accumulation of plaque from the teeth. Even though dogs do not commonly get cavities, they do suffer from periodontal disease. If left untreated, this gum disease can lead to pain and loss of teeth.
How Do I Brush My Pet’s Teeth?
Step one is to pick an appropriate pet toothbrush. Save yourself time: Do not buy a child’s toothruish, as these are usually too hard for a dog’s sensitive mouth. The idea dog toothbrush has a long handle and an angled head to better fit the mouth, and extra-soft bristles. Another option is a finger toothbrush, which sits over the tip of your finger.Step two is to select an appropriate toothpaste. The best toothpastes contain enzymes that help control plaque. Try to avoid toothpastes that contain baking soda or salt, which are sometimes found in human toothpaste. We recommend using toothpaste designed especially for pets.
Step three is to get the brush with the paste into your pet’s mouth and get all the teeth brushed. Most dogs accept brushing if they are approached in a gentle manner. If you start brushing when they are young, it’s quite easy – but even older pets will accept the process. START SLOWLY! You can use a washcloth or piece of gauze to begin, and gently wipe the teeth back and forth, just as you eventually will with the toothbrush. Do this twice daily for several weeks and your dog will become familiar with the process. Then try the pet toothbrush, soaked in warm water only, and brush with this for several days. The, once your dog accepts brushing, add the toothpaste to the equation.
