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The teeth are a very important part for the dog. Thanks to them, you can eat without problems, but we often forget how important it is to take care of your hygiene, which causes tartar to form over the years that sooner or later will end up causing an oral-dental disease.
Is there any way to avoid it? Not 100%, but we can delay the onset of symptoms if we discover how to brush a dog's teeth, which will be explained below. 🙂
When and how to do it?
Ideally, start when the animal is still a puppy, since as an adult it can make him feel very uncomfortable. We brush it with a toothbrush and a specific toothpaste for dogs that can be found in pet stores (never use those that are for humans) at least once a day, after the last meal. The way to proceed is as follows:
- We will put some toothpaste on the brush and show it to the dog.
- Afterwards, we gently open his mouth and begin to brush his teeth from one side to the other, making circles, while we constantly observe his behavior in case he begins to feel uncomfortable.
- Finally, and as long as you are calm, we will brush the front ones gently.
During the first few times it is normal that he does not like it too much. For this reason It is very important that if we see that it irritates, growls, turns its head in protest or, in short, if it does not want us to brush it more, we stop doing it and let's try it the next day.
Never leave him with a "bad taste in his mouth"; In other words, it doesn't have to be a bad experience for him since they have to be brushed every day. Therefore, after each brushing, even if it has not been finished, it is advisable to do or give him something that he likes, such as a treat, a game session or going out for a walk.
Are there other ways to clean your dog's teeth without a brush?
Yes, of course, but I already anticipate that they will not be as effective as a brush, which is an accessory with which we can remove a good part of the dirt that accumulates in your mouth. For this reason, it is highly advisable to combine the brush with any of these other forms of dental cleaning to achieve an almost perfect result:
Bones
- Natural: They have a very bad reputation for the mistake that is often made, which is to give them cooked. NEVER (and, really, never is) give them to them having passed them through the pot. It is VERY dangerous as internal organs can be splintered and pierced. But giving them raw natural bones that are proportional to the size of the animal's mouth is a very useful way to ensure that they not only enjoy themselves, but also that their teeth are healthy. Of course, do not abuse: one, or two if it is a large dog a day is more than enough; more could make you constipated.
- PressedThey are made of leather and are 100% edible, ideal for dogs over 6 months of age.
Dental toys
They can be made of rubber, rope or mixed. They are very interesting since clean the dog's teeth while keeping it entertained. What's more, there are some that can be given prizes, than with Kong-type toys. We can get them at any animal product store, either physical or online.
And you, how do you clean your dog's teeth? I hope these tips allow you to enjoy her wonderful smile. 🙂