Although it may seem like a joke to you, brushing your dog’s teeth is very important, since your dog, like you, can suffer from dental diseases. It is true that the mouth of a dog is usually cleaner than that of people and that it does not get as many cavities as we do, but that does not mean that it may have some problem, such as gingivitis, plaque accumulation, or infections.
At first your dog will struggle and won’t let you touch his mouth for very long, but you should try this daily until he gets used to it. Then it will be easier for you to clean your dog’s teeth and keep his mouth healthy.
Since your dog can’t just brush his teeth, we’re going to explain how to brush my dog’s teeth so you don’t have any problems and you do it correctly.
Cleaning products
You should buy cleaning products designed for dogs. Sometimes the dog can get used to using a human toothbrush, but as for toothpaste, this should be specifically for dogs, since it is designed for them, so that it can be ingested and that it does not cause any damage. Keep in mind that they do not spit, so they will swallow whatever you use to brush their teeth.
If after trying for a long time your dog still doesn’t accept the toothbrush, there are also other options you can try, such as rubber toothbrushes or even a rubber stopper (this is a rubber that you put on your finger and with it you rub your dog’s teeth).
Start as a puppy
If you have acquired a puppy, this is the best time to teach him to brush his teeth and not let time pass and make it more difficult later. If your dog is older, you can do this too, but it may take a little longer.
Gradually touch his mouth gently, you don’t have to grab it, with your open hand, keep it under your mouth. If your puppy allows you to touch his mouth, you could give him a reward, such as a caress or a treat.
The best time to brush your teeth
Choosing the right time to brush your dog’s teeth is essential, since if you are going to try to brush them when he is desperate to go outside, or wants to play or exercise, then he will not be still and it will be very difficult for you to access to the mouth, and also manage to brush your teeth.
The best thing is that you take advantage of brushing your teeth after playing sports or going for a long walk, so that you have spent a lot of energy and is calmer and quieter to access your mouth.
Strong teeth
It is also important that your dog has strong teeth, so it is good that he eats any type of dog food that is hard. For example, give him feed, or bones for sale that are already prepared for the dogs to bite and that do not have splinters that could harm them.
Chew toys are also another great option for your dog to entertain himself while strengthening his teeth.
Dog’s breath
Normally, the mouth of dogs has a food smell, but if this smell is rotten, it begins to worry you, since it is due to food remains, such as meat, between its teeth, which is causing a dental problem.
Remember that specific foods for dogs already take these problems into account, so if your dog eats only this type of food, it is very rare for him to have dental problems.
How to brush my dog’s teeth:
Start by touching and caressing your dog’s mouth, when he is calm then lift his upper lip a little on one side so you can brush his teeth. Use the brush, the gauze, the towel or the method that you prefer with a little toothpaste for dogs and always brush in circular movements.
You can do a little general cleaning for the teeth on that side, but then clean tooth by tooth. Also make sure to clean the gum and the gum line , (which is the part that joins the gum with the teeth), and also the end of the dental line.
If your dog endures, you can remove a little foam from his teeth with a towel and finally pour a little water in his mouth and teeth.
Now you have one more thing to do together, and although it will be uncomfortable at first, little by little it will become a unique moment of union between you and your dog. Follow these steps and recommendations on how to brush my dog’s teeth and you will have no problem doing it correctly and preventing the onset of dental diseases in your dog.
