Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Keeping your pets healthy also extends to their dental hygiene care. Like humans, pets can get gum infection or suffer from cavities if proper dental hygiene is not administered. Apart from the normal veterinary checkups, your pets need a dose of dental health care at home, which you can perform regularly. It may seem like an impossible task of introducing your pets to dental hygiene, but with practiced care, you can train your pets towards better tooth health. There are certain techniques, which you can follow gradually, although it is best to start training your pets when they are very young.

It is best to introduce pets to dental brushing, preferably, when they are about 6 to 12 weeks old, when

their baby teeth are still intact. Even if your dog is no longer a puppy, the best time to start is now. You can start by dipping your fingers in beef stock for dogs and tuna water for cats by gently running your fingers over their gums and teeth. When the pets start losing their milk teeth you may need to stop for a while, since they will feel sore. Gradually, you can attach gauze on your fingers and continue with the process. When your pets get used to this method switch over to a very soft brush and introduce them to the feel of the brush. Finally, you can switch over to a canine toothbrush and use canine toothpaste, flavored with the preference of the pets. Refrain from using normal toothpaste or baking soda, as this will only be harmful for your pet’s sensitive stomach.

There are certain techniques to apply while brushing the insides of your pet’s teeth, which require

gentle handling and care. You can hold your pet’s muzzle from the top and gently squeeze one side of

his lips to expose the gum and teeth, so that it remains open and then pull back his head to open the

mouth. Brush the teeth starting from the opposite side and repeat the process on the other side as well.

Let your pet know that you mean him no harm and be affectionate while you carry out the process. Talk

to him and praise him when he obliges, so that your operation can be completed in a minute or so. Keep

these sessions short and do not strain your pet. If your pet shows resistance, then cover his body with a

towel and stick only his head out. Make it appear fun and funny for your pet to participate.

You can now have a pet whose breath will not be offending and this should be good for both of you.

While brushing his teeth, periodically check for any signs of cavity, gum disease, and consult your

veterinarian if the need arises. To check formation of plaque in your pet, you can give him hard biscuit

after every meal. These can check plaque as they produce abrasions on the crown of the teeth. When pets suffer from periodontal diseases, they may stop eating and become listless due to swelling and soreness in the gums.

*****

About the author: Kelly is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Beside

this she is fond of pets. Recently an article on Dog Breeds attracted her attention. These days she is

busy in writing an article on Skin tags.