Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Does your dog make you cringe when he offers you affectionate doggy kisses? If so, your pet may have dental issues. Bad breath is often a sign of doggy dental woes. Make sure to get Fido’s choppers examined by a vet at least once a year! Home care is also a big part of any good pet dental care routine. Brushing is actually one of the best things you can do at home to keep your dog’s teeth healthy. In this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair pet clinic, a local vet discusses brushing Fido’s teeth.

Supplies

You’ll need to get a doggy toothbrush, and some pet toothpaste. Choose a yummy flavor, like beef or chicken, to make the process a little more fun for Fido. Never use human products on your dog: things made for us aren’t safe or suitable for pets!

Starting Out

While it’s easier to train a puppy to accept having his teeth brushed, you can still teach an older dog to accept the toothbrush. Start by just rubbing Fido’s teeth and gums with your finger. Talk to your pet in a gentle, happy tone when you do this. Afterwards, offer him a yummy snack. Keep doing this until your pup is used to having his teeth touched. Then, add a little toothpaste. (We know, this is a little icky, but it’s just for training purposes.) The last step is to start using a pet toothbrush.

Treats

After every tooth-brushing session, offer Fido treats and praise. This will help him form a good association with his dental care routine.

Brushing Schedule

You don’t have to do your dog’s entire mouth every day. Just do one section at a time, and keep rotating. This really will only take a few minutes a day. Just make it part of your daily routine.

Tips

If your canine pal won’t sit still to let you brush his teeth, there are still other things you can do to keep his choppers healthy. Dental-formula kibble, treats, and chews can all help, as these products are made to fight plaque and tartar. It’s also important to make sure Fido always has fresh, clean water and plenty of chew toys. Please contact us here at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair pet clinic, if we can ever be of assistance. We are dedicated to providing excellent veterinary care!