Dog teeth are the same as human teeth. They have the same structures and need the same care. If you didn't ever brush your teeth, the plaque that develops on them daily would quickly harden into tartar. Tartar is a hard coating on the teeth that allows bacteria that don't require oxygen to multiply on the surfaces of the teeth. These bacteria strains are very damaging to the teeth and gums. They cause infection, loosening of teeth, and pain.
Good dental health is an important factor in your dog's overall physical condition and well-being. Painful teeth and gums can be detrimental to nutrition, general health, and quality of life. The long-term consequences of poor dental hygiene in dogs can be serious and include the possibilities below.
The good news is that, by caring for your dog's teeth on a daily basis, you can greatly reduce or even eliminate these problems.
First, it's always a good idea to take your dog to the veterinarian for an initial dental health assessment. Your dog may need a professional cleaning before you start a home care regimen. Your veterinarian can also advise you about your dog's dental risk factors, products you should use, and even show you how to brush your dog's teeth.
Once you get the go-ahead from your veterinarian, you can begin the job of finding products that work well for your dog. Be patient, as this process can require some trial and error. You will need:
Dog toothpaste.Use dental products that are made for dogs. Do not use human toothpaste. The strong flavorings are very unappealing to dogs, and the fluoride and foaming ingredients, if swallowed, could be harmful. Many human toothpastes, including those that are labeled natural also contain the chemical xylitol. This is an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs.
Dog toothpastes are safe to swallow (since animals don't rinse and spit) and are made in dog-friendly flavors like chicken, liver, and beef. Some toothpastes contain enzymatic agents to help loosen tartar.
When it's time for the real thing, position your dog in front of you—small dogs on a table, larger dogs on the floor. Restrain your dog gently so as to minimize squirming and maximize access to the mouth. Start by lifting your dog's upper lips and sliding the brush in a fine circular motion along the gum line. Focus on the front teeth first, then the back teeth if you can. Start with the upper teeth, then do the lowers. Brush the outside tooth surfaces only (if you want to keep your fingers, that is) as dogs don't build up much tartar on the inside surfaces of their teeth. As you and your dog get more comfortable, work toward reaching the upper back molars. This is usually where plaque and tartar builds up the most. The entire process should take about one minute once you and your dog get the routine down.
Some tips for dogs that become overenthusiastic at the taste of the toothpaste:
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