Brushing your dog’s teeth is as necessary as exercising it. Explore the article below to know how to brush your dog’s teeth.

Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

Why is it necessary to brush your dog’s teeth? Because, like humans even the dogs are prone to dental diseases. The deposits that accumulate in the teeth must be cleared regularly so that it does not lead to gum infections. The plaque that forms in the dog’s teeth, if not cleaned, can gradually harden to form tartar, which is then very difficult to remove. Like humans, they can also develop cavities and later it can let to lose teeth and diseased gums. One way to identify if your dog is suffering from periodontal disease is to check for bad breath. Most often, it is the result of bacterial infection of the gums. Once you have realized the necessity of brushing your dog it is time to take the brush in hand. However, many people know difficulties involved and try as much to stay away from it. For the first time brushers it is very much similar to brushing your toddlers. But that doesn’t stop one from keeping the child’s teeth clean. So, why should your loving pet be any different? The trick is to, as with toddlers, get the dog used to it. To know more go through the article below to learn how to brush your dog’s teeth.
 
How To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
 
Materials Required 
  • Dental kits for dogs
  • Toothbrushes
  • Treats
  • Dog toothpastes 
Brushing 
  • First, make the dog comfortable. With a leash attached, talk to it or pat it gently. The point is to keep it calm.
  • Gently try opening the mouth and check the teeth of your pet. It is better that a vet checks it before you go for tooth brushing. This is because if the pet has gum disease or damaged teeth then the process will be painful and irritating.
  • Make it get used to the mouth examination by offering reward every time you do so.
  • First, do not use the toothbrush. Instead put some toothpaste on your finger and gently rub the teeth. This will get the dog used to working with his teeth. Buy toothpaste that is flavored so that the dog likes it.
  • Before brushing, the dog must be placed in a comfortable position preferably lying down. The surface should also be comfortable.
  • Now, take soft bristled toothpaste with proper dog toothpaste. Dog toothpastes come with flavors that are appealing to the dog.
  • Let it taste the toothpaste from your finger and then gradually run your finger along the gums of the upper teeth.
  • Now flip the lip open, and use the brush and rub the bristles along the gum line of the upper back teeth. Make the bristles get under the gum line.
  • The brush should be moved from back to front in small circles along the gum lines.
  • Do not brush the entire mouth at first. The brushing process should not go for more than 30 to 45 seconds.
  • Brush the outside of the upper teeth. Try to brush off the deposits concentrated in those places. Brushing the outside of the teeth helps in preventing many periodontal diseases.
  • Eventually you can brush most of the teeth and with better care. 
Additional Tips 
  • While brushing intersperse your activity by giving your dog treats. Also, place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line to effectively clean it.
  • Try to brush daily as plaque can be easily removed with a brush. However, after 36 hours, the plaque hardens to form tartar, which is very difficult to remove with, by brushing.
  • Make a proper brushing program. Select a particular time of the day for brushing that should be gradually made into a routine. If you offer, some tasty treat while brushing then the pet will also look forward towards having its teeth brushed.
  • Be patient. It will take a couple of brushing sessions for you and the dog to get used to it.
  • Always take your dog for a dental checkup. Also, if the buildup of tartar is more, then only a vet can remove it.

How to Cite

Related Articles


More from iloveindia.com