Ideally, dog teeth cleaning should be a routine part of your pet's regular care and their teeth should be brushed on a daily basis, or at least every other day or so. Because dog teeth are just as susceptible to disease and decay as are human teeth, it's extremely important keep tartar and plaque at bay to protect your dog's precious health.
Dental Health and Hygiene in Dogs
Dogs can be subject to the same diseases of the mouth, gums and teeth as can their owners. Since you dog has no way of telling you that is has a toothache, dog owners must take care to look after the dental health of their dog. An untreated tooth infection can lead to very serious problems with your pets' vital organs.
Your dog's diet definitely has a direct effect on their dental health. Choosing foods and treats that are fortified and designed to keep their teeth and gums healthy are an easy way to implement dental hygiene into your dog's life. Although professional cleaning by a veterinarian is an option, this should only be considered in extreme cases as unnecessarily having your dog anesthetized is not only expensive, but it also puts undue stress on your pet.
Getting Started with Dog Teeth Cleaning
Even if your dog is no longer a puppy you can train them to accept having their teeth brushed with some patience and perseverance. Both dogs and puppies alike can be acclimated to having the toothbrush in their mouths simply by starting out using your finger and a dab of peanut butter.
Your dog will lick your finger - this will let you start rubbing their teeth and gums. Be sure to offer plenty of praise while you do this. Soon, your dog will be used to this and you can move on to a finger wrapped in gauze. Rub the teeth and gums in a circular motion, just as you would with a toothbrush. When your pet becomes accustomed to this, you're ready to move in to the real thing.
Don't use toothpaste made for people - this will give your dog an upset stomach. Use dog toothpaste instead; these are designed to be appealing to dogs. Let your dog lick some off of the brush, then add more and start brushing.
Lift your dogs' gums so that you can reach their teeth, especially the canines. Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle for the best result. This lets you clean the gums and teeth at the same time. Brush using a circular motion and don't forget your dogs' back teeth, which are more susceptible to disease and decay.
Make dog teeth cleaning a happy occasion for your dog. Keep low key to prevent your dog from getting too excited to hold still. You should only need abut a minute to get your dogs' teeth clean and make sure that they stay healthy and happy. - 29953
Dental Health and Hygiene in Dogs
Dogs can be subject to the same diseases of the mouth, gums and teeth as can their owners. Since you dog has no way of telling you that is has a toothache, dog owners must take care to look after the dental health of their dog. An untreated tooth infection can lead to very serious problems with your pets' vital organs.
Your dog's diet definitely has a direct effect on their dental health. Choosing foods and treats that are fortified and designed to keep their teeth and gums healthy are an easy way to implement dental hygiene into your dog's life. Although professional cleaning by a veterinarian is an option, this should only be considered in extreme cases as unnecessarily having your dog anesthetized is not only expensive, but it also puts undue stress on your pet.
Getting Started with Dog Teeth Cleaning
Even if your dog is no longer a puppy you can train them to accept having their teeth brushed with some patience and perseverance. Both dogs and puppies alike can be acclimated to having the toothbrush in their mouths simply by starting out using your finger and a dab of peanut butter.
Your dog will lick your finger - this will let you start rubbing their teeth and gums. Be sure to offer plenty of praise while you do this. Soon, your dog will be used to this and you can move on to a finger wrapped in gauze. Rub the teeth and gums in a circular motion, just as you would with a toothbrush. When your pet becomes accustomed to this, you're ready to move in to the real thing.
Don't use toothpaste made for people - this will give your dog an upset stomach. Use dog toothpaste instead; these are designed to be appealing to dogs. Let your dog lick some off of the brush, then add more and start brushing.
Lift your dogs' gums so that you can reach their teeth, especially the canines. Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle for the best result. This lets you clean the gums and teeth at the same time. Brush using a circular motion and don't forget your dogs' back teeth, which are more susceptible to disease and decay.
Make dog teeth cleaning a happy occasion for your dog. Keep low key to prevent your dog from getting too excited to hold still. You should only need abut a minute to get your dogs' teeth clean and make sure that they stay healthy and happy. - 29953
About the Author:
Canine teeth cleaning is imperative to overall dog health, and dog teeth cleaning can be done in several ways. You can keep your dog's teeth clean by brushing your dog's teeth, with healthy food, and by adding a dog teeth cleaning agent to your dog's drinking water. All can play a part in keeping your dog's teeth healthy.
