8 Essential Tips to Brush Dog’s Teeth

After the tiring day, when you come back to your home and your beloved pets welcome you with their smile, it is joyful!! But, the scenario is different when your doggy has bad breath- you might feel cringe!! This halitosis could be because of the reason that your pet has consumed something that he doesn’t need or you did not brush dog’s teeth!! Let us make you aware that the foul smell is the sign that the dog’s dental health is not right!!

Is that what makes you the responsible dog owner?

No, not at all!!

If you are keeping the dog’s then you have to take proper care of them. There is no difference between dogs and humans when it is about keeping the teeth healthy. Veterinary care and home care are important to maintain mouth cleanliness. You can take the benefits of dog grooming salons.

If we consult the dentist, then only one advice will be given that brushing every after every meal, and flossing regularly and visiting for cleaning twice a year gives optimal oral health.

The positive thing about the dog teeth is that they are not likely to face the issues of cavities as the human beings are. Besides, the old traditional wisdom that the pet’s mouth is clearer than the humans is not correct; they can also get prone to issues like plaque and tartar build-up and gingivitis.

Though, the veterinarians have examined that approximately 85% of the dogs above the age tends to have periodontal disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Similar to humans, the periodontal disease occurs in dog’s when the food scraps get stuck in their teeth. These types of scraps, when came in contact with bacteria can give an appearance to plaque. It, later, deposits the rock-solid tartar with the gum line.

If you are not letting the tartar to remove then it can inflame and irritate the dog’s gums that will later get separated from the teeth.

These divisions allow the bacteria to survive and make the periodontal disease worse.

And, this in result, gives a lot of pain to the dog, abscesses in their mouth, bacterial infections, tooth loss that can reach the kidneys, heart, brain and liver from the bloodstream,

Unbelievably, this periodontal disease is constant, so it is essential to keep your doggy’s teeth clean to maintain their well-being.

We are here with the guide that reveals how to clean the god’s teeth at home with effective measures. You need to follow some of the notions to make them use to it and to understand the idea of brushing and cleaning.

Do not forget that your pet’s dental care is an effort of the professional teeth cleaning and home care. Let’s get started with the procedure of cleaning your fluffy friend teeth at home. Brush Dog’s Teeth with these below tips.

Tips to Brush Dog’s Teeth

#1. Get a Dog Toothbrush

There are different types of dog’s toothbrushes in the market that you can choose from any of the pet stores. Check out the below points while looking out for the dog’s toothbrush:

Choose the one that has the softer bristles and gives you easy access to reach the hard areas.
Pick the Brush Dog’s Teeth according to the size of the dog. For smaller dogs, the brush that fits easily in the mouth should be chosen and for the bigger dogs, you can choose the bigger toothbrush.
You can also choose the finger brushes that easily get fitted at the end of the finger and give you more accuracy. Beware, your dog can also bite your finger while brushing!!
Say “No” to the adult human toothbrush to clean the dog’s teeth. Probably, you can choose the soft child toothbrush if required.
You can also go with the particularly designed sponges and pads if the pet is resisting the brush.

#2. Pick a Dog-Safe Toothpaste

The dogs do not have any idea of spitting out the toothpaste after brushing the teeth, hence, you need to be extra careful.

Take a look at the ingredients that the toothpaste contains.
Do not use human toothpaste- it could be harmful to them. It contains toxic elements such as xylitol and fluoride.
The pet’s toothpaste also has peanut, butter, beef, and chicken flavours that are more favourable to them, though, there is also an availability of the mint flavour.
Try the flavours of the toothpaste to know which one would be more liked by your dog.
You can choose some of the toothpaste options, like Sentry Petrodex veterinary strength enzymatic toothpaste, Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste, and Vetoquinol Vet Solutions Enzadent toothpaste.
Also, if you are confused to choose the one then you can take help from the veterinarian.

#3. Begin When Your Dog is Growing

Make brushing a positive experience for your pets. It is important that you should make them comfortable with the procedure.

The best time to start brushing is when he is growing or is a puppy. Our advice is that you can start when the pup is eight weeks of age because:
It will help them to become habitual with the feel and act of brushing their teeth.
Though, it will not make much difference to their overall teeth cleanliness. Because till the age of six and seven, they develop permanent teeth.
The ideal time to start it when the doggy is playing or exercising. Surely, this act will be less tiring and less grappling.

#4. Desensitizing The Dog To Gum & Lip Handling

The idea of desensitizing is more fruitful in the puppy’s and less or we say, impossible in the adults.

For desensitizing the pet to lip and gum handling, move their lips and touch their teeth gently as you will while brushing.
When the doggy becomes easy with the procedure of touching in the mouth, make them aware of the piece of gauze and dental wipe covered around the finger to copy the motions of the toothbrush.
You might want to touch their teeth gently and give them some appreciation or treat to assure them good things appear while dealing with the teeth.
Once they get used to this, take the wipe and move your finger in the circular motion on every doggy’s teeth. Your dog might become overwhelmed, so, repeat the step to recreate the overall positive association.
Do not rush, it might be easy for some dogs, but, usually, it takes weeks or months to be a habit.

Moreover, if you have not used these steps before, then it’s perfectly fine. You will anyhow make it tolerable to your pet.

#5. Get Your Hand in Dog’s Mouth Comfortably

While starting the process of brushing the dog’s teeth, take it easy and slow. Let the dog get used to your hands in their mouth.
Touch the doggy’s mouth frequently and adjust your fingers.
Nevertheless, it might take time to get comfortable to touch the inner area of the mouth.

#6. Let The Doggy Lick The Toothpaste From Your Finger

Proceed with this procedure by allowing the doggy to lick some amount of toothpaste from your finger.
It will help you to know how the doggy will react while brushing; also, it will make them used to the taste. Accordingly, they will accept this when it is on the toothbrush.
While the dog is licking the toothpaste, move your finger along the gums and teeth while lifting the lips.
It should be the same procedure that you will follow while brushing their teeth.

These are the best Tips to Brush Dog’s Teeth .

#7. Introduce The Toothbrush To The Doggy

Then, introduce the toothbrush to the doggy and let them examine the brush before settling it in the mouth.
Soon after, the dog gets associated with the toothbrush with positive praises and treats, touching their mouth gently with the toothbrush.
Repeat the process again and again till they get used to it.
But, do not force them. Maintain the slow-motion till they become comfy with every step of toothbrushing.
Obviously, you want them to get tolerate the process comfortably and enjoyably, so, be calm!!

#8. Clean The Dog Teeth Gently

While starting the procedure of brushing the dog’s teeth is to deem their mouth in sections, like, back left, back right, front left and front right. The other better approach is to stay behind your pet with them in the lap.
With this position, you will assure that both of you are facing the same direction and are making it accessible to touch every area of your dog’s mouth.
It is recommended to give brushing to every area of the dog’s mouth and recognize that you only have to centralize your attention to the outward-facing side of the dog’s teeth.
Use the pet safe toothpaste to the toothbrush and moisturize adequately with water.
Apply the brush to the doggy’s teeth with the degree of angle.
While starting brushing, approach every area (back, front, left, right etc.) only. Centre the three horizontal strokes (forth and back) and keep the final stroke from the gumline to tips of the crown.
The back teeth could be placed where the tartar grows quickly. To expose the back teeth, pull the doggy’s lip comfortably back at the mouth corner.
Do not brush too vigorously- it can lead to a gingival loss. Considering it like brushing the tomato, be gentle and follow the same approach and maintain the pressure minimal while applying the toothbrush.

#9. Other Dog Dental Care Options

When Brush Dog’s Teeth is not liked by your pet, you can give attention to the home dental care options. Below are some of the tried and tested methods, have a look:

Natural dental sprays
Healthy/natural diet
Dental chew toys
Raw bones
Raw bones
Tooth wipes
Bully Sticks
Water Additives
Deer & Elk Antlers
Dental treats (apparently the dog’s ideal choice!)

When to Consult a Veterinarian

Even if you are brushing your doggy’s teeth or not, you should get in touch with the veterinarian every after another week. The cases will be different when the dog is having dental issues:

Bad breath
Pawing at the mouth or face
Depression
Development in feeding or dog chewing habits
Missing or Misaligned teeth
Extreme drooling
Swollen, Red, bleeding or painful gums
Broken, discoloured, crooked or missing teeth
Growths or Bumps in the mouth
Yellowish-brown tartar crust on the gum line

How Frequently To Clean The Doggy’s Teeth Professionally?

Even with regular dental care at home, adult dogs teeth have to be cleaned properly and professionally at least once a year. This way of cleaning enables us to estimate the dog’s overall well-being – completely check on the tartar buildup, gum disease, gingivitis and other conditions. Otherwise, it might result in life-threatening diseases like heart disease and organ failure if left untreated.

Value of Professional Dental Cleaning

Undoubtedly, the home care of the doggy’s mouth is powerful preventative care, though, it does not treat the diseased and rotten teeth. It demands professional dental treatment and cleaning at the veterinary office.

The regularity of dental cleaning relies strongly on your dog. Few of the dogs, notably the smaller breeds, require annual professional dental cleaning to keep the dental health optimum.

What are your plans for cleaning your dog teeth?

We think, till now, you have got an the Tips to Brush Dog’s Teeth is important for their health. You should be extra careful and get it done on time.

Their dental health is a contribution to their happiness and well-being. And, as the dog owner, you must know that the happy, healthy dog makes us smile!!

Hopefully, you liked this article, if you have any related query and suggestion then let us know in the comment section below.

We will be happy to hear from you. Thanks for sparing your precious time in reading this.

Be safe and healthy!!