We are not that different than our pets. Taking care of our hair and physical health is important. The same goes for our dogs, too. Therefore, we are brushing our teeth at least once a day, so we have to wonder if is it the same for our furry friends.
For humans, it would be unimaginable to live nearly two decades without taking care of our dental health. Therefore, there is no reason not to pay attention to the dental care of our dog. They do not eat sweet food, but, we need to take care of their teeth.
Doing so will prevent liver, heart, and kidney disease and keep away bacteria from their blood system. Additionally, it will extend their lifespan by around twenty percent. Every dog owner will say yes to that.
Regular dental exams, chewing treats, and brushing your dog`s teeth are the ways of taking care of his dental health. We will mention important things about brushing your dog`s teeth and if you should do so. Additionally, we will share some tips on how to do this.
WHY IS BRUSHING YOUR DOG`S TEETH IMPORTANT?
While doing this is not exactly fun for either of you, keep in mind that it will help your dog stay healthy. Additionally, it will help with stinky breath. According to the vets, we should do this for them, because, of course, they can`t physically do it themselves.
However, this might be difficult. Dogs often don`t love the process and you might not have time to do it daily. It would be a good solution to make a habit out of it during puppyhood. A positive start will make daily oral hygiene achievable and it will make a routine out of it.
Because of a lot of benefits, you should start brushing your dog`s teeth, even if you have never done it before. It is never too late to start a new habit as long as your dog`s teeth are healthy. Before you start, you can consult with a vet and see if the teeth of your pet are healthy. If they are not, you need to treat the problem first and then continue per the vet’s order.
Brushing your dog`s teeth works only as preventative care and if there are any pre-existing dental diseases, your vet would have to treat them first.
Teeth brushing is important because it eliminates bacteria and food particles from the teeth. Bacteria feed on the food particles that stay in teeth and produce tartar. Further, it will lead to dental disease, which will cause bad breath, pain, and tooth loss. Dental disease can even lead to other health problems.
The problems that you want to avoid are health problems, heart infections, diabetes, and different types of cancer. Therefore, you need to discuss pet dentistry with your vet and see what actions you should take.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR BRUSHING YOUR DOG`S TEETH
There are steps to help you do this, and here they are:
1.Find the right timing
Try to find a time when your dog is relaxed and calm. Set a routine and if you can do it daily that would be great. If they have healthy teeth, three times a week will make a difference, too. Without brushing, gum disease might occur, plaque can build up, bad breath, and tooth decay. Not to mention, painful infections.
2.Make sure you find the right position
You should find a sport where your dog feels comfortable. Try to avoid standing above your dog, taking a threatening stance, or holding them down. For instance, try kneeling or sitting to the side or in front of them. If your dog seems upset, do not do it, stop, and try later. You will work through these steps and master them over time.
3.Get the right tools
There are toothbrushes made just for dogs. They have special angles and are softer. Also, there are finger brushes that are great for dogs under thirty pounds. For larger dogs, longer handles will give you a better approach. Likewise, you should use dog toothpaste. There are dog-friendly flavors like peanut butter or poultry. Never use human toothpaste because it contains ingredients that are not good for a dog`s stomach.
4.Make their gums ready
Check your dog`s willingness to let you touch its mouth by moving your finger along its upper gums and teeth. This way they will get used to the feel of something against their teeth. Try to use light pressure to see how they react. It might take a few times to get them comfortable with this procedure before moving on.
5.Test what toothpaste flavor works
Put some dog toothpaste on the tip of your finger and let your dog lick it. That way they will get used to the toothpaste taste and texture. If after a few days, after they tried it for the first time, they refuse to lick more toothpaste, try a different flavor. As a result, you will eventually find the one that they see as a treat.
6.Test the toothbrush
When your pet is familiar with you opening and touching their mouth, you can start using toothpaste and a toothbrush. Lift their upper lip and as you approach their teeth, angle the brush so it can reach the gum line. Place the bristles at a forty-five-degree angle against their teeth. That will help bristles massage the gums and clear away the plaque.
7.Move the brush in circles
Brush using a circular motion and try to get the top and bottom on each side. Moving brittles along the gumline might cause light bleeding. That is okay if it is slight. If there is heavy bleeding, maybe you are brushing too aggressively or it may be gum disease. Therefore, if that happens, talk to your vet for advice.
8.Pay attention to the plaque
Brush a few teeth at a time and work up to more every day. The goal should be around two minutes altogether. If your dog resists, try starting on the outside of the back teeth because that is where we can find plaque usually. Getting the inside of the mouth would be great if possible. If you can`t, do not worry too much, that area is cleaner because of their tongue.
9.Be encouraging
Keep the mood light and cheerful while you are brushing your dog`s teeth. Talk through the process and tell them what you are doing. While you are talking use a soothing voice and that can help them stay calm. Pat their head or stroke their cheeks and remind it what a good dog it is.
10.Finish brushing on a happy note
When you finish brushing, reward them with extra attention or a favorite treat. Stop when you are both still having fun. Remember, good dental care is a little bit more than just brushing. There are chews and treats that can also help with plaque buildup.
THE BOTTOM LINE
To sum up, you should brush your dog`s teeth for the many benefits that can provide. Over two-thirds of dogs over the age of three years have periodontal disease, infection, or inflammation of the tissues around the teeth. It all starts with plaque build-up, which we can avoid by brushing our dog`s teeth.
Make this a positive experience for both of you and a routine that you can both enjoy. Additionally, take your dog to dental exams every six months or a year for prevention.
Getting your pet`s teeth cleaned and keeping them healthy is one of the most important things you can do for you them. If you need any help or advice, feel free to contact us, we are always ready to help your dog to live a long, pain-free, and healthy life.