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Cleaning
you puppy's / dog's teeth is a daily commitment - it should be an enjoyable
time with your dog but does need to approached slowly
to enable your dog to become accustomed to the
procedure. Give lots of praise as you go through the stages below.
Ensure you have the correct toothbrush and paste
both of which should be designed for animal use. Human toothpastes
are likely to upset your dog's stomach. Dog toothbrushes are
smaller, softer and are a different shape. The size and type of
toothbrush will depend on the size of your dog's mouth and the health of
the gums. Finger brushes are available for smaller dogs. Guidance will be
given by either a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse.
If your dog has periodontal disease a specific
toothpaste will be recommended.
How to Begin
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Chose a
time when you are not rushed and both you and your puppy / dog are
relaxed and your dog not overly playful. To get your dog used to
having something in it's mouth, begin by using an index finder and gently
rub this along the gums of the top and bottom jaw on either side of the
mouth. Keep this session short and praise your dog afterwards.
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You can
then use a little of the flavoured toothpaste. Let your dog lick
the paste off your finger which he will view as a treat. Again, praise
your dog.
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After a few days of this, you then
introduce the toothbrush. Apply a pea sized amount of
toothpaste to the brush pushing it down into the bristles.
Allow your dog to lick the paste from the brush and in doing
so get used to the texture of the bristles. Praise your dog.
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When you
begin to use the toothbrush and paste to actually clean the teeth, start
by brushing one or both of the upper canines. These are the large
ones towards the front on either side of the lower and upper jaw.
It is the mechanical action of the brush on the teeth that is important:
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Similarly
the use of a gum massager, unless contraindicated, will provide benefit
to the gums. Talk to your dog and praise him when you have
finished.
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When your
dog accepts having several teeth brushed you can slowly increase the
number you clean at each session.
Aim to brush your dog's teeth on a daily basis -
once you get started it will become part of your daily routine just as
brushing your own teeth is.
Food has a direct impact on your dog's
teeth. Studies have shown that feeding a dry diet will help prevent
plaque accumulating on the teeth. Veterinary dentist- approved
diets are available through our surgery. Avoid feeding sweet treats and
human foods as these will increase the build up of plaque and tartar.
Dental treats are also available from the
surgery for both puppies and adult dogs
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