Knowing how to brush a dog’s teeth is one of the most important care to preserve the oral health of animals. Contrary to what many people think, dogs can also develop very unpleasant dental problems, such as dog tartar and periodontal disease. To prevent this from happening, brushing is a process that should not be left out, and it is recommended to brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week. But how to do it right? We’ve prepared a step-by-step guide to guide you on this mission, just take a look!
Step 1: Gather everything you need before you start brushing your dog’s teeth
Before approaching the pet, the tutor must organize and separate all the accessories needed to brush the dog’s teeth. A tip is to always leave everything in the same place so there are no mistakes. You will need a dog toothbrush (or thimble), toothpaste, and treats.
Remember that the products must be specific for dogs, so no need to pick up a brush or human toothpaste to brush your doggo! There are several types of dog toothpaste , and if you have any questions you can talk to a veterinarian specializing in dentistry to find out which is the best option for your friend.
Once you’ve got everything sorted, it’s time to call your doggy on a mission! The ideal is to choose a time when the animal is calm and relaxed so there is no problem. A tip is to do this after walking the dog or even after he has woken up from a nap. It is important that he is not too agitated for everything to go well. In addition, the tutor should choose a comfortable environment to brush a dog’s teeth, preferably where he can stand in front of or to the side of the animal.
Step 3: Start by stroking the dog’s head and then the mouth
Petting your dog is the best way to start. The more comfortable the animal feels when being touched near the nose, the easier the process will be, so everything should happen gradually. Caress the top of the dog’s head first, then move down to near the nose and cheeks. Finally, give him a small massage on the outside of his mouth. If he’s reacting well, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Step 4: Massage the animal’s gums and present the toothpaste
After massaging the outside, you should massage the inside of the dog’s mouth, specifically in the gum area. Some prefer to use their own finger for this, but another option is to use gauze. This way, the dog will get used to both the movement of brushing its teeth and the contact and texture of another object.
Next, you must present the dog toothpaste , letting the animal sniff it and even lick it to taste it. Don’t worry if he ends up swallowing a little, as the product is formulated with components that are neither toxic nor harmful to dogs.
Step 5: Insert the dog toothbrush and make circular movements
At this stage, it’s time to put a little bit of toothpaste on the brush and start brushing. The process is very simple: the dog’s teeth must be brushed from top to bottom with circular movements. A tip is to start with the incisors and then go towards the back. Both upper and lower teeth should be brushed, as well as molars and premolars. Once you’ve finished the outside, try brushing the dog’s tooth from the side of the tongue.
Step 6: Reward the puppy for good behavior with treats or affection
The importance of oral hygiene for dogs
Even though it’s not such a popular practice, brushing our four-legged friends’ teeth can’t be left out. That’s because the proliferation of bacteria in the oral area can cause several diseases that put pet health at risk.
The most common problem is called periodontal disease, caused by the accumulation of tartar on the teeth. In addition to the discomfort and bad dog breath , the development of this disease can cause inflammation of the gums and, in an advanced stage, the loss of some teeth.
The lack of hygiene in the mouth can have consequences for some organs of the dog, such as the heart, kidneys, liver and lungs. In this case, an infectious condition can occur, which greatly affects the health of the pet and offers serious risks.
Therefore, never fail to do the correct oral hygiene of your furry and take him to the appointments with the veterinarian dentist regularly. In addition, on our blog, you will find several content to improve the care of your little friend.
