Just like us, dogs can develop tooth disease; making it very important to make sure that you care for your pet's health by keeping their teeth clean and tartar free.
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.
You dog's diet has a real impact on their dental health. Dog food and treats which are fortified and made specifically to keep your dogs' teeth in good shape are a healthy choice for your pet. While you can have your dogs' teeth cleaned by your vet, this is very expensive and since your dog must be anesthetized for this to be done, can actually be dangerous for your pet! Professional cleaning should only be done in extreme cases.
With patience and perseverance, you can get your dog to become comfortable with tooth brushing. You adult dog or puppy can learn to have their teeth brushed by using your finger and a canine favorite; peanut butter!
As your pet licks your finger and the peanut butter, begin rubbing the teeth and gums while offering plenty of praise. After a day or so of this, or as soon as your dog begins accepting this new process, use a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger and do the same thing as above. Rub the gauze around the teeth and gums using a circular motion as you would with the toothbrush. Once they are used to this, it's time to introduce them 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 tooth cleaning time a happy time for your dog. Stay calm so your dog won't get too excited. It should only take about a minute a day for effective dog teeth cleaning and maintain their good health.
