Key Takeaways
whether you have a small dog or a big dog, one of the most common cases that also requires attention is bad breath caused by poor oral hygiene.
It is estimated that over 2/3 of dogs over the age of three have periodontal disease, an inflammation or infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Periodontal disease starts as gingivitis caused by plaque and often progresses to involve the bony tooth sockets.
Doggy Dental Care
Dental care is also incredibly important for dogs. Veterinarians recommend brushing your canine’s teeth twice a day. Failing to keep up with your pooch’s dental hygiene may lead to tooth loss, gum disease, and bad breath.
What Do You Need to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?
Owners that wish to brush their dog’s teeth will need only a toothbrush and toothpaste.
● Toothbrushes: Use the softest children’s toothbrush available. Alternatively, you can purchase a doggy toothbrush or a “finger brush” toothbrush.
● Toothpaste: Always use a special dog toothpaste when brushing your canine’s teeth. Ordinary toothpastes contain additives that are toxic to dogs, so owners should never attempt to brush their dog’s teeth without the use of a special toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs.
How to Brush Your Canine’s Teeth
Brushing your canine’s teeth can be a bit tricky initially. However, this process becomes much easier once your dog becomes acquainted with the routine. The steps are as follows:
- Choose the right setting: Owners should choose a time when their pet is calm and comfortable. They should also pick a quiet spot where they won’t be disturbed by others.
- Touch your dog’s teeth and gums: The next step is to touch your dog’s teeth and gums with your hands. This helps them feel more comfortable before you approach them with the toothbrush.
- Introduce the toothbrush: Touch your dog’s teeth with the toothbrush without any toothpaste to help them get used to the feel.
- Introduce the toothpaste: Apply a small quantity of doggy toothpaste to your finger and allow your dog to lick it.
- Apply the toothpaste : Add some toothpaste to the toothbrush.
- Brush gently: Lift your dog’s upper lip with one hand and brush their front teeth gently from side to side. Make sure to get the sides and the back before repeating the process with the lower teeth.
- Reward your dog: Once the brushing is complete, you should reward your dog with a treat. This will help make brushing a positive experience that they look forward to in the future.
Do I REALLY need to brush my Dog's Teeth?
Do you need to brush your own teeth? YES - Unless you want to form nasty plaque and tartar to eat you up!
Many veterinarians stress the importance of oral hygiene because tooth and gum problems are common medical conditions seen in pets. If left unchecked, an unhealthy mouth can affect the liver, kidneys, heart and even the brain.
So when you lean in to give your pet a smooch, ask yourself ìDoes my pet need a breath mint?î Studies show that 98% of pets with bad breath are suffering from severe plaque build up. Bad breath not only means that your pet's mouth may be a warehouse...
Here are the 5 best dog tooth brushes for 2020
1- Barkleys 360 Dog Finger brush
I like the ergonomic design of the Barkleys 360º Dog Finger brush Tooth brush. This toothbrush will make this process a piece of cake, you don't need to worry about lining up the toothbrush again!
2- Zadyx Stick Tooth brush for Dogs
Every single dog loves this Tooth brush Toy! Its incredible how all dogs once you throw this Zadyk Dog Tooth brush stick they cant stop cleaning, and by itself! Honestly I kind of think that this is the worlds most effective dog toothbrush just because of the stressless and effortless experience it provides.
3- Pet Republique Dog Dual-Head Tooth brush
Why I like to talk about this Dual-Head Toothbrush is because when you buy any product from the Pet Republique (Seller), we will donate 15% of the profits to the American Animal Rescue Society, where rescued abandoned dogs and cats are homed and loved. Their brushes are made from top materials; the hardness of the bristles is tested and controlled to lower the risk of harming your pet, yet optimize the effect brushing off the grime and tartar. A lot of people favor the two-sided design and have seen improvement in their dogs dental hygiene using this toothbrush.
4- iCare-Pet Ultrasound Toothbrush for Dogs
We all hate tartar build-ups, humans or dogs we both agree on this point. This iCare Ultrasound Toothbrush for Dogs comes with two scrapers that gently vibrate and work through your dogs mouth. What I love the most about this toothbrush is the LED light that allows you to better view the inside of your dog's mouth.
5- Arm & Hammer Clinical Gum Health Dog Toothpaste & Brush Kit
This kit is amazing because it includes a dual sided toothbrush AND a finger brush, as well as a tube of enzymatic toothpaste enhanced with baking soda. A one-stop shop for freshening breath and keeping the plaque and tartar in your dog's mouth cleaner than ever.
More on Dental Care For Small Dogs
Some people don't realize that dental hygiene is as important for dogs as it is for human beings. Just like in people, dogs' teeth can gather plaque after eating. When plaque builds up and hardens it becomes a coarse brown substance called tartar. As tartar accumulates it can work its way under the gums and cause painful infections and gum disease. This goes on in the mouths of dogs just like it does in people. You brush your teeth every day, probably three times. What does your dog do?
Teeth Brushing for Doggies
Veterinarians recommend that dog owners brush their dog's teeth at least twice a week to keep the buildup of tartar at a minimum. Most pet supply stores carry specially designed toothbrushes and toothpaste just for dogs. Remember that a dog's sense of taste and smell is far more acute than that of a human and the zesty, tingly, mint taste of toothpastes for people will be extremely awful to a dog. Try brushing Rover's teeth with Crest just once and it will likely be the last time he lets you anywhere near him with a toothbrush. Use the specially designed doggie toothpaste.
Dental Chew
Some people don't have the time or patience to brush their dogs' teeth on a regular basis. If you're one of these, you'll want to care for Chopper's choppers in another way. A dog's natural tendency to chew is a built-in dental care mechanism. Dog biscuits break into small chunks when chewed and rub against the teeth, providing a cleaning service. There's no substitute for brushing your dog's teeth, but if you can't do that, make sure he gets some sort of crunchy dog biscuit on a regular basis.
Mouth Diseases in Dogs
Dogs that do not receive proper dental care and do not have access to crunchy teeth cleaning foods run the risk of several types of mouth disease. These can be as mild as gingivitis (a gum disease that results in swollen, inflamed gums) and as serious as a bacterial infection that can spread through the dog's bloodstream causing damage to vital organs. You owe it to yourself and your dog to take care of his teeth.
Doggie Dentistry
Dental services are available for dogs, just like they are for people. A dog's teeth can be filled, capped, and extracted if necessary, just like a human's. The best course of action, however, is to avoid the need for such services by properly caring for your dog's teeth. If you can avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort for your furry friend, you should do so. Preventative doggie dental care can save you money as well. Doggie dental procedures can be quite costly.
Last Words
They Call it "Dog Breath" For A Reason
You should be brushing your dogs teeth daily; but if you can't manage that, once every second day should be fine. It's important that you start too see your dogs mouth as your own. By doing this you will ensure that your dogs teeth will last well into old age; and of course his dog breath will improve.
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