How to Clean your Dogs Teeth

By Hillary Marshall

Please clean and brush your Dogs Teeth! We brush them, bathe them and buy them tons of toys, but often we over look one of the most important things about our dogs. A dog's teeth are essential to their daily living , they clean with them, eat with them and play with them. However, due to a number of circumstances beyond their control they often end up needing teeth extracted in numbers. Fortunately, there are plenty of things that we can do as owners and care givers to minimize the likelihood of our dog needing dental work.
 
Things You’ll Need:
Pet Toothpaste and Pet Toothbrush or Cleaning Tool

Step 1 - Starting your dog off with a tooth care regimen at a young age is always a good idea. This will help decrease the likelihood that your dog will need dental intervention. It will also will help the dog develop a tolerance for the activity. Optimally, you should brush your dogs teeth daily. However, if that is not feasible brush them every other day. The more often that you brush your dogs teeth, the quicker that they will become accustom to having it done. 

Step 2 - There are many dental products for dogs on the market currently. It is important that you purchase a dog toothpaste or pet toothpaste. Toothpaste that is made for humans can be harmful to your dog. You can find toothpaste that contains fluoride for dogs, but it is not 100% necessary. Dogs that already have dental issues, like gum disease may benefit from a dog toothpaste with fluoride.

Selecting a toothbrush can be tricky. There are many different types of toothbrushes to choose from. The easiest style of brush to use is the finger brush. This brush fits easily over your finger. This style of brush works well for smaller dogs or dogs who have an adverse reaction to getting their teeth brushed. You can also use dental pads for dogs who are difficult. When you choose a tooth brush, the most important things is to select a brush that is made for dogs, they are softer and smaller than our brushes. 

Step 3 - Staying relaxed and positive is essential to your dog taking to getting their teeth brushed. Practice brushing their teeth with just your finger and a yummy liquid. Next, move on to practicing with gauze and a yummy liquid. You will gently move in a circular motion to remove any plaque. When you graduate to the actual brushing instrument, let the dogs inspect it. Letting them sniff, lick and even bite their toothbrush may help to alleviate any anxiety they have about it being in their mouth. You can start off by brushing the outside of your dogs canine teeth and gradually increase the number of teeth you brush each day. Eventually, you will be brushing all your dogs teeth daily, both on the inside and out. 

Step 4 - Toys and diet can also be a part of your dogs dental care. Dry food tends to cause less plaque then wet food. So, it is an important part of your dogs diet even if it is not their soul source of nourishment. Avoid foods with excess sugars or gluten and limit table scraps. Poor diet is definitely a contributing factor to dental problems. This may become more apparent later in your dogs life. Besides diet, the toys that you give your dog can play an important role in their overall dental health.

Pets stores are filled with toys that can help remove plaque when chewed on. You can buy soft cloth and rope toys that wipe away plaque. Some dogs prefer chewing on harder toys. They have many dental bones and snacks available that are a bit tougher. The most important thing is that you make certain your dog is not chewing hard enough to break or chip a tooth. Dental toys are a great way to supplement brushing your dogs teeth, especially if you do not brush them daily. 

Step 5 - Regardless of your dogs age it is important that you start implementing a doggy dental care routine. Dental intervention with your vet, if need can be expensive and uncomfortable for you pet. Veterinarian dental care can be avoided or minimized if you make your dogs teeth as much a priority to you as they are to your dog. Have fun!