5 Tips For Cleaning Dogs Teeth

Dental care should be an important part of your dogs overall health care routine so cleaning dogs teeth is something any pet owner should know how to do.

In fact, one of the major problems that vets see with dogs today is gum disease caused by neglected dog dental care. Not only does this cause your dog to lose his teeth, but the bacteria can get into your pets blood stream and can affect his other organs causing a host of illness and disease that could shorten your pets life.

Here are 5 tips that should make cleaning dogs teeth an easy and even enjoyable job!

1. Use toothpaste your dog loves!
   You should only use toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs because it has special enzymes that help fight bacteria. Human toothpaste isn’t good for pets and they don’t really like the taste. Dog toothpaste comes in flavors that dogs love so your dog might even think it is a treat to have his teeth brushed!
2. Use the right size dog toothbrush.
   You want to use a toothbrush that fits inside the dogs mouth and does the job. Too big and it might be uncomfortable. Too small and it might not cover the whole tooth.
3. Start slow.
   When it comes to cleaning dogs teeth, it’s best to start slow with a dog that isn’t used to it. It could really frighten your dog if you suddenly jab a toothbrush in his mouth and that could turn him off to the whole experience. It’s best to start slowly by touching his mouth gently every night for a couple of weeks. Then move on to lifting up his gums for a couple of weeks. Then start rubbing his teeth with your finger with some dog toothpaste on it. Once he is used to all that, you can try the dog toothbrush.
4. Be Consistent.
   You need to be consistent with your dog dental care in order for you to see results. Try to brush your dogs teeth every day or at least every other day.
5. Make It Fun
   There’s no reason that cleaning dogs teeth has to be a chore - you can make it fun for both you and your pet! Think of it as part of his grooming routine and make sure you give him a treat for being a good boy. Who knows, it could end up being something you both look forward to!

Next, find out more about dog dental health and see a video on cleaning dogs teeth.