Teeth Cleaning For Dogs

Brushing your dog's teeth is a good habit to begin when they are still puppies.   If you get an adult dog, slow introduction to the use of a special toothbrush and toothpaste is always a good idea.  The paste used on the brush can be purchased online or at a dog supply store and is usually flavored.  Introducing the brush should be done slowly in both puppies and adults.   This is a job you will be doing for the duration of your pet's life and the last thing you want is for them to be afraid.

I recommend getting a couple of brushes to begin.   Find something your dog really likes and is not allergic to, maybe creamy peanut butter or cream cheese, and put a small amount on your finger.  Let your pet lick it off then move to lifting the muzzle in all places, allowing the reward for you manipulating their face to be the treat you have on your finger.  Soon your companion will look forward to seeing those fingers coming to their mouth.   After the dog allows this movement of their muzzle, then introduce the brush with the creamy treat on it.  Let the dog lick that off and use lots of praise.   When they have made the connection between praise, food, the brush and your hand, then place the brush, with nothing on it, onto their teeth and slowly make a few strokes.

There are some dogs who have no objections to tooth brushing and this process will go very fast, others who may have been abused, lack self confidence, or are very dominant, will take longer.   Let them taste the toothpaste from your finger then place it on the brush.   For a dog who has issues with you handling its mouth and muzzle take as long as the dog needs to reinforce the positive side of this exercise.   Little dogs often have major tooth decay issues throughout their lives.   Sometimes they even require vet care for cleanings as often as once a year.   Larger dogs seem less likely to need this yearly vet dental work, but keep an eye on the teeth as rotten or broken ones will need immediate attention.   Brushing does not eliminate the need to have a vet check the teeth and when one gets yearly shots for their pup would be a good time to address this concern.

If patience and time is taken to teach the dog tooth brushing is not something to fear, doing this once a week will not be such a chore.   One can also add treats that clean the teeth on a daily basis.   I used to believe that feeding only dry food would help clean the teeth but my vet said a study performed recently showed this not to be the case.   Good dental hygene is simply a matter of putting it into you and your companions daily and / or weekly routine.


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