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Did you know that dental disease is the most common disease in our canine friends? Stinky dog breath isn’t just a nuisance- it’s harmful to your dog and a sign that something is wrong. Dogs don’t get cavities the way humans do, but they do get plaque, tarter, and gingivitis, all of which cause foul breath and tooth problems. Poor dental care for your dog can lead to dental infections that travel to your pup’s heart, causing major problems- or even death. A quick, simple way to help avoid tooth problems is brushing your dog’s teeth. Many people do not know how to brush their dog’s teeth, but it’s really quite simple.

You should always have your vet check your pet’s teeth before you start a tooth-brushing program. If your dog has gum disease or damaged teeth, teeth brushing will be painful and your dog will associate this pain with tooth brushing and you could also be bitten. When you are ready to start, you’ll need to buy a few things from a pet store or vet. You’ll want a toothbrush made for dog’s teeth. You can use a regular toothbrush with soft bristles, but the brushes made for dogs are much longer, and you will be able to reach the back teeth much easier. There are also toothbrushes that fit on your finger and dental wipes that you can buy for dogs that refuse to let you use a traditional brush. You should buy a tooth paste made especially for dogs. Do not use human toothpaste. The fluoride compound in human tooth paste isn’t suited for a dog and may make your dog ill. Dog tooth paste comes in many flavors including mint, beef, or poultry. Try them out and find a flavor your dog likes. You’ll want to have treats on hand to reward your dog for good behavior.

Prior to brushing you dog’s teeth, you should get your dog used to you looking into his mouth. Each time your dog lets you look into his mouth, reward him with a treat and praise. You should place your dog on a comfortable surface while brushing his teeth. It may be tricky to brush your dog’s teeth at first, but the more it is done, the easier it will be. Put some toothpaste on your dog’s toothbrush. Hold his muzzle gently and with a finger, lift his lip on one side. Gently brush the teeth using a circular motion, all the way to the gum line. Make sure you get the back teeth, and add more toothpaste if needed. When you are finished, make sure you clean the toothbrush and store it somewhere sanitary. Praise your dog and give him treats. You’ll want to let him get a drink of water to rinse his mouth out.

Try to make your dog’s tooth brushing a daily habit. If you can’t manage to do it daily, try every other day. With a little time and patience, you will find that while your dog doesn’t look forward to having his teeth brushed, he will at least cooperate, and his clean teeth and fresh breath are worth the effort.

Link: Dental Care for Dogs