Cleaning Dog Teeth

Cleaning dog teeth is an essential part of your dog’s health program. The teeth are one
of the most important parts of their body. Their teeth are required to chew, eat, play, lick and assist in
picking up objects. Your dog’s teeth must be protected and periodically cleaned.
Just as we clean our teeth daily to remove tartar and prevent tooth decay our dog needs dog teeth
cleaning for the same reasons. Two of the most common dog teeth problems are loose or abscessed teeth.
These problems can lead to bacterial infections possibly causing liver, kidney and heart problems.
These serious problems can easily be minimized by regular dog teeth cleaning.
How Often Should I Clean My Dog’s TeethYou should probably brush your dog’s teeth at least
once a week to prevent decay and bacterial build-up. This will also assist in minimizing dog breath problems.
It is useful to start cleaning dog teeth as a puppy. Your puppies teeth will fall out as the puppy ages but
the habit of allowing you to clean your puppy’s teeth is easier to develop with a puppy than it is with a full
grown adult dog.
Dog Dental Cleaning / Dog Health Issues
Special Dog Toothbrush / Special Dog Toothpaste
You will need to acquire dog toothpaste and a special dog tooth brush. The dog toothpaste
is different from human toothpaste. Human toothpaste has fluoride. Dog toothpaste does not have the
added fluoride and can be swallowed without a problem. It is hazardous to swallow a significant amount of
fluoride that is in human toothpaste.
The dog tooth brush needs an extra long handle to reach the back of the dog’s mouth. Some
dogs are apprehensive to allow a brush into their mouth. A alternate type of brush is a finger brush.
The brush fits over your finger. You can then gently enter the dog’s mouth using your toothbrush finger to
brush the dog’s teeth.
How to Clean Dog Teeth
Before you begin cleaning your dog’s teeth you need to be relaxed. Your dog will feel
the feelings you are exuding. These feelings may cause your dog to feel anxious.
With your dog relaxed and seated, you need to establish a firm grip on your dog’s head
and open his mouth using one hand. Begin using the toothbrush in the back of your dog’s mouth.
Make your movements slowly and gently. Do not put too much toothpaste on the toothbrush.
Work the toothbrush in the rear of the mouth in circular motion. The teeth in the rear
of a dog’s mouth are the teeth that are the most susceptible to periodontal disease. Most of your
brushing effort should be devoted to the rear of your dog’s mouth. Now that you have finished brushing
your dog’s teeth give him a crunchy dog treat. This will remove the taste of the toothpaste and
complete your dog's teeth cleaning.
Cleaning your dog’s teeth is not difficult. Some adult dogs are apprehensive about allowing
someone into their mouth. Your dog may be feeling your apprehension about brushing his teeth. If
this is the situation you may want to leave this to your veterinarian. Cleaning your dog’s teeth is easy but
some people find it kind of awkward.
If you find that this is awkward for you to complete successfully I recommend you provide your
dog with adequate amount of crunchy healthy dog treats.

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