Brushing your dog's teeth is an important part of general care. Fresh breath is just one of the good reasons to regularly brush their teeth, since this aspect of oral hygiene also improves the health, happiness and longevity of your four-legged friend. Plaque and tartar not only cause bad breath, it can also lead to tooth loss. Without proper dental hygiene, serious problems can arise, resulting in the risk of painful and life-threatening infections that can damage the kidneys, heart and liver. By regularly brushing your dog's teeth you are helping to improve the quality of his life and yours.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Brush Your Teeth
Step 1. Get a dog toothbrush
You can find on the market, at any pet store, a wide variety of models to choose from, all designed specifically for dogs.
- These toothbrushes have soft bristles and are designed to facilitate access to those areas of the mouth that are generally difficult to reach.
- Choose a toothbrush based on your pet's size. You can get a larger one if your dog is large, but if your dog is small you need to get a toothbrush that fits easily in his mouth.
- There are also finger brushes that fit on your fingers and allow you to clean your teeth with greater precision. However, keep in mind that these models increase the risk that the animal may accidentally bite you.
- Don't use adult toothbrushes to brush your dog's teeth. You can optionally use a soft bristle baby model if needed.
- If your furry friend is reluctant to clean his teeth, there are different solutions, such as specially designed pads and sponges.
Step 2. Choose a dog-specific toothpaste
Like toothbrushes, there are also many different toothpastes for these animals. You must never use toothpaste for humans to brush your dog's teeth.
- Human toothpaste contains fluoride and sometimes other ingredients that can be toxic to animals as well. People don't ingest toothpaste when brushing their teeth, but many dogs could, and if they swallow toothpaste for humans, they could experience vomiting and possible kidney damage.
- Toothpaste for dogs is available in many different flavors, in order to make brushing easier and more pleasant for the animal.
- You may need to try different flavors before you find the one that works best for brushing your teeth.
Step 3. Start when the dog is still young
The ideal time to start brushing his teeth is when he is still a puppy. You can start as early as 8 weeks of age.
- Starting early can help your dog get used to the brushing sensation and the act of grooming.
- In any case, the procedure is not very different from that used with adult dogs. This is because puppies usually don't develop all their teeth yet until they reach 6-7 months of age.
Step 4. Choose the right time to clean his teeth
It is crucial to find the right situation to be able to wash them successfully. The best circumstance is when the animal is calm and relaxed.
A good time to try is after the dog has run or played. Hopefully at this stage he is quite tired and unwilling to struggle during the procedure
Part 2 of 3: Brushing the Dog's Teeth
Step 1. Make sure your furry friend is comfortable and put your hand in his mouth
The first time you start brushing its teeth, deal with it calmly, to allow the animal to gradually get used to the idea that you keep your hands in and around its mouth. Touch it often around the mouth and on the muzzle with your fingers.
It will probably take some time before I get used to the fact that you touch him in this area of his body
Step 2. Allow him to lick some toothpaste off his finger
Begin the training by letting him lick a small amount of toothpaste. This will let you know if he likes the flavor you have chosen and will help him get used to the product so that it becomes easier for him to accept the toothpaste when you put it on the toothbrush.
Once the dog has licked some toothpaste, rub your finger on his teeth and gums while lifting his lips a little; it will be the same movement you will have to do when you brush his teeth, so it helps to make it easier for him to switch to the toothbrush
Step 3. Show him the toothbrush
Then show him the toothbrush and have him inspect and analyze it before putting it in his mouth.
You can also allow your dog to lick some toothpaste straight from the toothbrush. Praise him and reward him for this behavior, so you can help him get used to feeling the toothbrush in the mouth area
Step 4. Try brushing a few teeth
With or without the toothpaste, start gently cleaning one or some of his easier-to-reach teeth. The canines are the longest and generally the easiest to clean.
- Gently lift his upper lip and brush his teeth. Then slowly start moving it back and forth.
- This helps the dog get used to the new brushing sensation on his teeth and gums and allows you to see how he reacts.
- Some dogs are receptive to having their teeth brushed, but if your faithful friend is reluctant or behaving aggressively, be cautious. The ideal would be to brush his teeth while a friend or family member caresses him and helps him calm down.
- Keeping a calm, soothing voice can also help soothe your dog. However, if he continues to resist or is quite aggressive, take a break and try again later or another day. If you find that this behavior persists, talk to your vet or dog trainer and ask for some advice on some other method to use.
- After brushing a few teeth, reward him with a treat and finish the procedure.
Step 5. Brush the outside of the animal's teeth
When you start getting used to the taste of the toothpaste and the feel of the toothbrush, it's time to pair them. Put a small amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush and slowly start very carefully scrubbing his teeth in the same area as before. Then gradually move along the outer surface of all the teeth in both arches.
- Increase the number of teeth you brush each time until your dog feels comfortable having them all brushed.
- Run the toothbrush over the entire gum line; this allows you to get used to the action of brushing without having to try to open his mouth.
- Limit the duration of tooth cleaning to a few minutes. It will take several sessions before the dog gets comfortable with the procedure.
- Be sure to praise him in a calm, soothing voice throughout the cleansing process.
Step 6. Wash the inside surfaces
When you manage to brush the outside of all his teeth in one session, you are ready to try cleaning the inside of his dental arches.
- Place your hand over the top of his muzzle, lifting his upper lips to open his mouth. If you see that he is reluctant to open it, applying a little inward pressure can help convince him to open it.
- When he opens his mouth, he brushes a small area of the inner surfaces of his teeth with the toothbrush. Remember to always move slowly and the first few times just touch small areas. As your dog gets used to it, you can brush larger areas.
- Know that his tongue naturally helps to control the accumulation of tartar along the internal surfaces. However, cleaning these areas greatly contributes to the dog's oral hygiene.
Step 7. Make sure it becomes a routine
The more often you brush your dog's teeth, the more he gets used to having your hands in and around his mouth. In this way, brushing his teeth will become easier and easier over time.
- The ideal is to clean them every day, in order to try to prevent periodontal disease which can cause painful and dangerous infections.
- If the animal has swinging teeth, sensitivity in some areas of the mouth or you notice bleeding in the oral cavity, you must consult a veterinarian before continuing with the cleaning.
- Start gradually and try to brush his teeth every day. If you can't achieve this, still try to wash them as often as possible.
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning the Teeth of an Uncooperative Dog
Step 1. Use a cloth
It is best to use a toothbrush and toothpaste. But if your dog can't stand getting his teeth brushed, there are other things you can do. If he does not tolerate the use of a toothbrush, try applying the toothpaste with a small piece of tissue.
- You can use an old pair of socks, a frayed cloth, or a piece of gauze wrapped around a finger.
- This "brushing" method also allows you to create some friction during the application of the toothpaste and helps to slow down the accumulation of plaque.
Step 2. Provide chewable toys
These are chew-specific toys that can help eliminate plaque and massage the gums. They are also useful for preventing boredom and reducing dog stress.
- Give him chewable toys of raw leather, nylon and rubber. Ask your vet for advice on the best ones.
- Providing your dog with these chewable toys and bones is a good way to complement regular brushing. However, keep in mind that they are not long-term toothbrush substitutes.
Step 3. Choose a food that helps clean your teeth
If you feed your four-legged friend with dry kibble and treats instead of canned food, you help slow down the plaque and tartar buildup process.
You can also find special foods on the market specifically designed to facilitate cleaning of the teeth when the dog eats, but know that they are not intended to replace brushing
Step 4. Try a gel or spray product
Alternatives to brushing are sprays and gels that you can use regularly for cleaning your dog's teeth. These products contain substances that discourage the bacterial proliferation responsible for tartar.
Consult your veterinarian regarding the use of these and other products
Step 5. Give it a professional cleaning
If your dog completely refuses to have his teeth cleaned, take him to the vet who will take care of it for you.
Be sure to also analyze your pet's dental health during regular vet checkups
Advice
- As with any training activity, you can use rewards and more attention as a reward after each successful cleaning process. This can help make the experience positive and encourage him to cooperate. Choose hard treats, which help in the fight against plaque buildup.
- You don't need to rinse his mouth after brushing. Many dog-specific toothpastes contain enzymes that slow down plaque build-up and are most effective when they stay in more contact with the teeth.
- Smaller dogs and those with short faces, such as the Shih Tzu and the Bulldog, should brush their teeth more often. The ideal would be at least once or even twice a day, because their teeth are closer together and forced into a smaller space, an aspect that can facilitate the formation of plaque and tartar.
Warnings
- If you don't take good care of your dog's teeth, there could be many negative consequences on his overall health, in addition to his oral health. Good mouth care means a longer, happier life for your best friend.
- If you see that the animal needs more attention to its teeth, consult your veterinarian.
- Do not try to coerce or force your dog if he is reluctant to brush. If you experience any signs of fear or aggression during the procedure, stop immediately. In this case it may be necessary to consult a dog behaviorist to resolve this issue.
