Your dog is your best friend in this world. He is always with you, whether you are in a good or a bad mood, you are awake or asleep, you are relaxed or busy. Your doggie likes to be with you, be near you, always. And even you may neglect him, he never neglects you and doesn’t wish that you should get a punishment. He always blesses you, because he is that innocent and sinless. For such a wonderful animal on the earth, you also should do as much as you can. You should take care of his physical and mental health and see to it that he remains always happy. While taking care of dog’s health, dental care is an important factor and you should have some knowledge about your dog’s dental health.
When to Brush your Dog’s Teeth?
Brushing your dog’s teeth daily is ideal; however, if his oral health is good, even thrice weekly brushing is good. Brushing while he is in a relaxed and joyful mood is helpful.
What will You Need?
You will need dog’s toothpaste and toothbrush. Dog’s toothpaste is specially made for dogs and is available in dog-friendly flavors, like peanut butter or poultry. Remember never to use human toothpaste, because some of its contents may cause stomach illnesses in your dog. Regarding dog toothbrushes, they have soft bristles and special angles. For a dog under 30 pounds, a finger toothbrush is okay, while for a larger dog, you will need a toothbrush with longer handle.
Make the Dog Feel Comfortable
While brushing, ensure about the comfort level of the dog first. If he seems upset, discontinue and try again later. Don’t hold him down, or don’t take a scaring stance, or don’t stand above him. Better is to try things like kneeling, or sitting before or beside him.
Make the Dog Familiarized
It is important that the dog should be familiarized of touch of something to his teeth. For this, you can initiate with rubbing your fingers against his gums, using slight pressure. You will have to try this for some days, until the dog gets used to the feel of something against his teeth. You can also make him comfortable with the toothpaste, by taking it on your fingertip and make him lick it and taste it. If he doesn’t like a flavor, and refuses to lick it, you will have to try another flavor. Similarly, you will have to make him familiarized with the touch of toothbrush, after some days. Try toothpaste and toothbrush together now, by lifting his upper lip and massaging the bristles gently against his gum line and cleaning the plaque.
Bleeding
Slight and occasional bleeding is okay, but if the bleeding is profuse and continuous, it means that you are applying excessive pressure or there is a gum disease. Consult a vet in such a case.
Duration
Total two minutes of brushing should be your aim. You can try brushing a few teeth every day. Initially, brush the outer sides. If you can brush the inner ones, it is great, but if he resists, don’t pressurize much. His coarse tongue will take care of that area.
How to Carry On and End?
While brushing, talk to your dog continuously and make him know that what you are doing is good for him. Pat his head and talk with him lovingly. Praise him for letting you do the task. And at the end, reward him with his favorite delicacy or extra attention.
Tools Other Than Brushing
Only brushing is not enough for good dental health of your dog. You can also try some chews, which help prevent plaque. Also take out time for regular professional dental cleanups.