At home dog teeth cleaning and care will keep your dog's teeth strong. It will also decrease or even remove the need for cleanings done by a vet. Because dental harms are pleasing dogs' number one health issue, don't ignore your dog's spoken health.
By the way, when a vet cleans your dog's teeth, he performs the procedure under general anesthesia. As you can estimate, it's not cheap… The hardest part of dog teeth care is… first. But once it becomes a custom, you'll see that teeth cleaning is not hard and does not take a lot of time.
Let’s take a look at some dog dental care essentials first and then I will show you how to clean your dog's teeth. I also have a short video on how to brush your dog's teeth...
The Basics...
While dogs can get cavities, they are rare. Plaque, on the other hand, can construct up and if not removed, will twist into tartar (hardened plaque) and cause gum frustration, called gingivitis. Some signs of gingivitis are reddening of the gums right next to teeth and a terrible breath (bad breath can also be a sign of puppy worms).
If you don't stop it, tartar buildup can lead to periodontal disease, which in turn may lead to infections of the heart, kidneys and liver.
Dog teeth cleaning can avoid all of the above…
Dog Teeth Care
I inspect Bo's teeth every time I brush them, which is daily. Don't get afraid, it doesn't take a lot of time. What I seem for are…
- Red or swollen gums
- Tartar buildup or stains
- Cracked teeth
Before I show you proper dog teeth cleaning method, let's review the effects of dog food and dog grind toys on dog's teeth.
Dog Food
According to various studies, solid kibbles are better for your dog's teeth than soft canned food. Why?
They offer "
natural" dog teeth cleaning by fighting plaque growth on your dog's teeth.
According to Veterinary Oral Health Council, some foods and treats are much better than others for keeping your dog's teeth healthy. Here are some of the products that have established their seal of support…
- Greenies® Edible Dog Treats (these are Bo's favorites)
- Iams® Chunk Dental Defense Diet for Dogs
- Science Diet® Oral Care Diet for Dogs
Dog Chew Toys
Like hard kibbles, chew toys also provide "
natural" dog teeth cleaning. Bo likes 2 types of toys…
Rope toys such as this KONG Goodie Bone with Rope Dog Toy (it's finished out of rubber and rope). And
Rubber toys that you can stuff with food, such as this Classic KONG Dog Toys for regular Chewers. You can stuff it with little pieces of Greenies that I mentioned earlier, or use any dog luxury. Rawhide chips are also very fine.
Dog Teeth Cleaning practice
Try to brush your dog's teeth on a each day basis.
Create slowly. Don't control your dog too much, or you'll alert him. Initially, go during the action of cleaning your dog's teeth with your finger to show him that there is nothing to be scared of. After your dog is relaxed, you are ready to go forward to a toothbrush.
I find finger toothbrushes are less enveloping and dogs are less scared of them. Don't use toothpaste until your dog is happy with a toothbrush.
Before you really start brushing your dog's teeth with toothpaste, put some on your finger and let your dog stink and lick it. Since dog toothpastes come in many enjoyable flavors, he will not mind!
When your dog is used to a toothbrush and toothpaste, you are ready to start dog teeth cleaning on a daily base. Again, start gradually and make sure the practice is a pleasant one for your dog.
Here is a short video that demonstrates some of the dog teeth cleaning techniques I discussed above. I hope you find it supportive...