your finger. Add the toothpaste to the toothbrush. Start brushing the top teeth. Hold the upper lip up. Brush the front teeth. Praise your dog. Move from the front teeth further back to the side and back teeth on the top. Start brushing the bottom teeth. Hold down the bottom lip and brush the bottom teeth. Start with the front teeth, then move to the side and back. On the bottom teeth, now brush the sides and back. If your dog is tolerating toothbrushing, you can brush both the outside and inside of the teeth when you are brushing. The inside of the teeth will be a little harder to brush, so if necessary, work on adding this step after your dog is calm with the outsides of the upper and lower teeth being brushed. Praise and Reward. Getting their teeth brushed is unnatural for dogs. To make this a positive experience, frequently praise your dog. You can also give the dog a treat at each step. This seems counterintuitive because you are cleaning the teeth and then giving some food. However, the initial goal is teaching the skill and later you can work on removing food from the equation.
or if you only have a short amount of time to spare, dog dental sprays are the ideal solution. It’s a quick and easy way to take care of your dog’s teeth, as dog dental sprays can be used alone or in between brushings. These sprays kill plaque-causing bacteria to make your dog’s breath smell fresh. In addition to odor-eliminating effect, dental sprays can also remove and prevent tartar and plaque build-up. Most sprays are simple to use: they simply require owners to spritz the teeth and gums. Since some dogs just won’t stay still for an oral cleaning, dental sprays can also be applied to dog toys and licked off for instant fresh breath with minimal effort. Dog dental spray works best when dogs don’t eat for a half hour before and after spraying. Gnaw on Chew Toys If you’re raising a fun-loving dog, they’ll love playing with a chew toy and you’ll love how it destroys their boredom instead of your shoes. When it comes to keeping your dog busy and entertained, chew toys are one of the best solutions. Providing dogs with a chew toy satisfies their natural instincts to chew, keeps them occupied, and helps improve their oral health. Dogs of every age explore the world through their teeth. For puppies, gnawing naturally soothes teething pain and keeps adult dogs mentally-stimulated. Chewing is the natural way for dogs to clean their teeth as the constant gnawing scrapes plaque off of teeth. They are made of a variety of materials ranging from plastic, rubber, nylon, and rawhide. We suggest rotating different types of boredom-busting chew toys to keep dogs interested. These toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes so you’re sure to find something that settles your dog’s playfulness. Dog Dental Powders Dog dental powders contain a probiotic that helps boost healthy bacteria in your dog’s mouth and simultaneously kills plaque-building bacteria. The powder can be applied
to every meal your dog eats for the most benefits. Not only does dog dental powder prevent tartar and plaque from building up on your dog’s teeth, it also helps freshen your dog’s breath.
Attend Regular Professional Veterinarian Cleanings
An essential way to protect your dog’s oral health is through regular professional cleanings with your veterinarian. Veterinarians are skilled at identifying, preventing, and treating any dental problems they find that may otherwise go unnoticed. Most dogs need oral exams and cleanings at least once per year so veterinarians can check for early warning signs of serious problems. Some breeds, like Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, and Dachshunds, are more susceptible to periodontal disease. They may require more frequent cleanings, like every six months. Veterinarians can remove plaque below the gum line, where toothbrushes can’t reach. Dental cleanings involve taking x-rays to evaluate the health of the jawline and tooth roots. Veterinarians will scale and polish teeth to remove plaque and tartar while your dog is under general anesthesia. Veterinarians can also safely fill or extract teeth as needed. Though this is the most expensive and time-consuming option, we recommend making veterinarian oral exams a priority. Your dog’s teeth will thank you for it! What to Do if Your Dog’s Teeth Are Stained We’ve all been told to brush our dog’s teeth. We know we should. We mean to do it. Unfortunately it’s a task that often falls through the cracks. For some, time is the problem, for others it’s an uncooperative dog who makes it impossible to get a toothbrush near her molars. Whatever the reason, your dog’s oral health—or lack of it—may have reached a point where it requires a professional veterinary dentist.
Alternative Dental Care Dog Dental Chews
Dog dental chews clean your dog’s teeth while also stimulating your dog’s natural cravings for a tasty treat. Plus, your dog will be too busy chomping on their treats to create trouble elsewhere. These chews are designed to minimize the build-up of plaque and tartar while polishing a dog’s teeth to a sparkling shine. Dog dental chews come in different sizes and shapes, and feature ridges and nubs that dig into crevices between a dog’s teeth to encourage blood flow through the gums. The hollow shapes and spaces allow dogs to better grip and chew more evenly. Always supervise your dog when they have a dental chew within reach. Spritz Dog Dental Spray If your dog’s stinky breath is causing you to miss out on cuddles or kisses, Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 48
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