Your dog's teeth and gums are sensitive, and it's natural for them to struggle against something giving them pain or discomfort. Investing in a proper toothbrush designed for dogs can make a huge difference. Ensure the one you get is soft to avoid hurting them while brushing their teeth.
Be gentle, pat and talk to your pet while you are brushing their teeth. When you have finished, give them a reward. Rewards could include a dental treat, pat, praise, a toy or playtime. This way they will associate tooth brushing as a positive experience, making it easier for both of you.
Like us, it is best to brush your dog's teeth at least twice every day. For many dogs, once brushing becomes a part of their daily routine, they will begin to expect and enjoy it. Brushing three times a week is the minimum recommendation to help remove plaque and prevent tartar accumulation.
Praise and reward.
Getting their teeth brushed is unnatural for dogs. To make this a positive experience, frequently praise your dog. You can also give the dog a treat at each step. This seems counterintuitive because you are cleaning the teeth and then giving some food.
The Differences Between Human and Animal Oral Health
Another reason animals don't need the same oral care we do is because they have much shorter lives; chances are good their teeth will outlast the body's longevity.
While starting earlier is better, it's never too late to start giving your dog's dental health more attention. Unfortunately, brushing won't undo any damage, but it will prevent dental disease from worsening.
It's been estimated that only 2 percent of dog owners brush their dog's teeth daily, despite recommendations from veterinarians across the United States. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that 80 percent of dogs have some kind of oral disease by the age of three.
Brushing the teeth can be done by groomers
If your dog is friendly enough to allow this kind of contact, it should still only be done for light brushing. The main reason for this is that, as listed above, groomers are not licensed to conduct any kind of medical treatment on pets.
To prevent serious dental disease, it is recommended to brush your pet's teeth at home at least two to three times per week and take your pet for a professional dental cleaning once a year. If you've never brushed your pet's teeth, this article will help you learn the proper teeth-brushing technique.
Dogs without teeth can lead a life relatively similar to dogs with teeth, and might even be happier and healthier. Diseased teeth cause pain when chewing, and risk spreading infection to other organs through the bloodstream.
Regular grooming relaxes the dog who's used to it, and it becomes a special time that you can both share. A coat free of mats, burrs and tangles and skin free of fleas and ticks are as comfortable to your dog as fresh, clean clothes are to you. It makes you feel good, and the effect is the same for your pet.
A major reason why wild animals don't need professional dental care is their diets. Many animals spend a lot of time chewing their food, much of it rich in fiber, which cleans their teeth at the same time. Animals also chew on sticks, barks, bones, and grass to help clean their teeth after big meals.
As carrots are a lovely, crunchy vegetable, if you give them to your dog in large pieces they will have to bite into them rather than swallowing them whole. This chewing mechanism helps clean your dog's teeth and gums by removing residual food pieces and help clear plaque from tooth surfaces.
For dogs, Lee recommends brushing in a downward direction (and for cats, a horizontal motion is preferred). Ideally, you'll brush their teeth every day.
Both vets we spoke with preferred using finger brushes to remove plaque from dogs' teeth, rather than a regular toothbrush.
Perhaps the best toothbrush for dogs is a regular human toothbrush. Children's toothbrushes or small-headed toothbrushes with soft bristles work well for large and small breed dogs alike. The soft bristles clean canine teeth without causing discomfort. Some dogs even seem to enjoy electric toothbrushes!
Rescue dogs, in particular, will often have a fear of abandonment and may be negatively reacting because they don't trust you. If your dog is biting while being brushed, it may be because they don't enjoy brushing, they're scared, or have been abused.
If you're looking for a more natural way to brush your dog's teeth, consider using coconut oil. Coconut oil is safe for dogs to consume, and can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up on their teeth. To use coconut oil to brush your dog's teeth, simply rub a small amount of coconut oil onto their teeth and gums.
Neglecting annual dental cleaning could put your dog at risk of developing gingivitis, periodontal disease, bad breath, and in severe cases pain, tooth decay and tooth loss.
Yes, brushing your dog's teeth is still important even if you give them greenies or dental health chews. While these chews can help maintain dental health, nothing can replace the effectiveness of brushing your dog's teeth.
Working up to brushing daily is ideal. But if their mouth is healthy, even three days a week can make a difference. Without brushing, plaque can build up, putting your dog at risk for bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. It can also cause painful infections.
Begin by finding a time when your dog is the most calm and relaxed. If they're a ball of energy in the morning, brush their teeth when they've mellowed out at night. Every time you brush your dog's teeth, you should be brushing them around the same time of day at least three times each week.
Once your dog is comfortable with your fingers in their mouth, wrap one finger in medical gauze. Touch it to their teeth and follow with a reward. Repeat once daily at the same time every day for 1-2 weeks. Now, your pet is ready for a finger toothbrush.