Having a dog is like having a baby. Yes, you read it right! Consider yourself a parent if you own at least one dog. It entails a lot of responsibilities to care for a dog.
If you’re new to this role, there are surely lots of things you need to know especially if you’re learning dog raising from scratch.
One of the many things you need to learn is how to brush a dog’s teeth. The first time you hear it, you might find it simple.
Meaning, you may mistakenly think, learning about the proper way of brushing a dog’s feet is less important and that you don’t need it.
Knowing how to brush a dog’s teeth will help prevent the occurrence of dental disease, specifically bad breath later on.
While dental or gum disease is a common health problem for dogs, it is cannot be reversed.
But with the proper or right care, you can slow the illness down or even totally stop it.
The 4 Easy Steps To Brush A Dog’s Teeth
There’s no single doubt that dogs are smart animals, and there is evidence that proved they can also do what people do.
But not brushing their own teeth. They need assistance and it’s your responsibility as a dog owner to do that.
Here are the 4 easy steps that you need to know.
Prepare your dog
The first thing to do, if you want to succeed in learning how to brush a dog’s teeth is to prepare your dog to get used to your finger in his mouth.
Before you use a toothbrush or toothpaste, teach your dog first that it is fun having your fingers in his mouth.
It is important that you dip your finger first in peanut butter or anything he likes, and let him lick your finger.
As he does this, rub your finger along his gums and teeth’ sides.
Repeat this several times for about three days. As you end the process, introduce your dog to doggie toothpaste. Remember not to use human toothpaste.
Open the mouth of your dog
Now that the dog is used to your fingers in its mouth, you can already teach him to open his mouth.
Have some treats in your hand for a successful reinforcement.
Brush its teeth
This is the main action in learning how to brush a dog’s teeth. Once he got used to your hand exploring his mouth and having your fingers move around his gums and teeth, you can now use a toothbrush to actually do the brushing.
Start slowly and again, increase the time as you progress through the days.
Give your dog a reward
Always have his favorite treats ready. This way, he will always look forward to and be happy to let you brush his teeth.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is easier than you think!
You might think that brushing a dog’s teeth is a difficult task. Well, the answer is yes if you approach it in the wrong way.
Take a look at this video below, this Doctor demonstrates the easiest and exciting way of brushing a dog’s teeth.
4 Important tips for your dog’s oral care
Now that you know the easiest steps to brush a dog’s teeth, it is time to share the 4 important tips to improve your dog’s oral health:
Practice Early
Practice brushing your dog’s teeth as early as a puppy. While old dogs can learn to become comfortable with brushing their teeth, it is much easier for you and your pooch if you start this habit early.
Pick the right toothpaste
While dogs need to brush their teeth like humans, but the toothpaste should not be the same.
The fluoride which is the main ingredient for all human toothpaste is very harmful and extremely poisonous for your dog.
Although there’s a lot of formulated dog toothpaste in the market, it is better to consult your vet before choosing the right one for your pet.
Chew Toys
Chew toys like synthetic bones can help strengthen your dog’s teeth and gums.
However, hard objects can break your dog’s teeth in an instant so just make sure to find the safe chew toys for your dog.
Soft food or Dry food?
Did you know that your dog loves crunchy foods? Yes! dry foods like this are more beneficial for your dog’s oral health than soft food.
Studies show that soft food can cause tooth decay as it is more likely to stick to your dog’s teeth and gums.
How to brush a dog’s teeth is not the only thing you should now. You should know how to deal with challenges as you go through the process.
One of the struggles you might encounter is the dogfighting you during the exercises.
If this happens, gently but firmly continue holding the dog’s muzzle until he stops.
Once he stops fighting and holds still for even just a second, you can already release the muzzle.
This also means you may have progressed a bit too fast. Therefore, return and start practicing the steps in brushing your dog’s teeth for a couple of days more.
And, when he appears comfortable at a particular step for about three days, move forward to the next step again and do the same process.
If you find this article helpful, please read also our recent post about how often should you bathe your dog?
