Developing an oral hygiene routine for your dog can be beneficial in the short and long run. Why? Since dogs can’t brush their own teeth, bacteria and plaque-forming foods can build-up on a dog’s teeth. Eventually, this build-up hardens into tartar which can lead to tooth loss, receding gums and gingivitis.
Brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis is a great way to prevent gum disease and loss of teeth. The hard part of course is brushing your dog’s teeth.
One way, is to take your dog to a pet groomer or veterinarian who provides this service. But this could turn out to be costly and time consuming in the long run, especially if you have multiple dogs. Or you can go the Do It Yourself route.
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Step 1: Get them used to the idea. By nature dogs don’t brush their teeth. So if you plan on brushing your pooch’s teeth you will need to ease them into the concept. By gently massaging your dog’s lips with your finger in a circular motion for 30 to 60 seconds once or twice a day for a few weeks should get them used to the idea.
Step 2: Introduce toothpaste. Now that you have gotten your four-legged friend accustomed to having its lips massaged, you can move to toothpaste. Apply a little bit of dog-formulated toothpaste onto your dog’s lips to get it used to the taste.
Step 3: Time for the toothbrush. Using a toothbrush designed for dogs (and cats), place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and clean in small, circular motions. Work on one area of your dog’s mouth at a time. Lift the lip as necessary.
Tip: Tartar builds up on the side of the tooth that touches the cheek. You can remove it with a gentle, downward stroke. If your dog resists having the inner surfaces of her teeth cleaned, don’t fight it—only a small amount of tartar accumulates there.
Once you get the technique down, set a goal of brushing two or three times a week.
Toothbrushes • Toothpaste • Dental Wipes • Rinses
CET Enzymatic Toothpaste
for dogs and cats contain the CET Dual Enzyme system. It is formulated for dogs and cats to inhibit the formation of plaque. CET Enzymatic toothpaste contains no foaming agents and is meant to be swallowed.
CET Dual-Ended Toothbrush has a long handle with reverse angle allows for easy application. Tapered end conforms to pet’s mouth and teeth. Dual-ended makes it easy to clean large and small tooth surfaces. The soft bristles assure a gentle, well tolerated application.
OraVet Home Care Kit significantly reduces plaque and tartar formation by creating an invisible barrier that prevents bacteria from attaching to your pet’s teeth. It is safe and drug-free.
DentAcetic Tooth Wipes are a convenient method to remove plaque and prolong the interval between dental cleanings. DentAcetic tooth wipes come in convenient, ready to use 2-inch diameter round wipes.
Oratene Veterinary Drinking Water Additive allows you to care for your dog or cat’s dental hygiene at home. Simply add it to your pet’s water. The natural enzymes in Oratene Drinking Water Additive inhibit odor-causing bacteria and help remove plaque.
Clenz-a-dent Chlorhexidine Rinse is a palatable, fresh antimicrobial formula for reducing plaque and freshening breath in dogs and cats. The combination of chlorhexidine, zinc acetate and cetylpyridinium chloride offers protection against plaque, tartar and bacterial build up.
In addition to brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis, you might consider giving your pooch some dental chews.
Dental Chews for Dogs
CET Chews beef rawhide strips contain a dual enzyme formula to help prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria. CET Chews taste great and are effective in keeping your dog’s breath fresh and teeth clean.
Dentahex Oral Care Chews feature Chlorhexidine Gluconate which along with the natural abrading action of beef hide aid in the removal of plaque and help prevent the buildup of tartar forming bacteria in your dog’s teeth/mouth.
OraVet Dental Chews contain delmopinol, a compound used to inhibit plaque buildup. Formulated for daily use in dogs, they are proven effective at reducing halitosis (bad breath), plaque and calculus (tartar) build-up. Helps keep your dog’s teeth healthy, fresh and clean.
To sum it up, keeping your dog a regular oral hygiene regimen can help reduce gum disease and tooth loss, greatly. Have your veterinarian check your dog’s teeth and gums during regularly scheduled visits. In addition, brushing your dog’s teeth two or three times a week can help reduce plaque and tarter buildup. You can also give your dog dental chews that will help in maintain your four-legged friend’s teeth strong and healthy for years to come.
0
0
