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Many of us pet owners do not give much thought to our dog’s teeth. However, it should be noted that pets seldom experience tooth decay, due to their non-acidic saliva, cone-shaped teeth and natural cleaning from their habit of chewing and gnawing. This being said, that does not mean that dogs are completely impervious to infection and tartar buildup. An owner who notices that his pet has bad breath must recognize this as a sign that infection is already present and that tartar has already built up. Tartar can be found below the gums and breeds bacterial growth, leading to inflammation.
One way to prevent infection is by brushing your dog’s teeth. Yes, that’s right! Toothpastes and toothbrushes designed especially for dogs are already available in the market. The finger brush – similar to that for the human infant – is a rubber hood worn by the owner over his finger. The product has soft rubber bristles on one side and is used by the owner to clean the teeth and massage the gums of his pet. The finger brush can later be replaced by a regular dog toothbrush after the pet becomes accustomed to the cleaning process.
It is best to use a circular motion when you brush your dogs teeth, followed up by vertical strokes—not unlike the way we humans brush our own teeth! Be sure to keep the brush strokes light, as brushing too hard can cause your pooch’s gums to bleed.
A dog’s teeth should be brushed about three times a week. As mentioned before, dogs have a habit of chewing and gnawing frequently, in addition to their non-acidic saliva, which means that their teeth don’t require cleaning as often as a human’s. If you really want to dedicate yourself to keeping your canine’s chompers in pristine condition, try scheduling a scaling and cleaning session with your vet every two or three years. This will help your dog’s teeth stay pearly white and strong for many years to come. You can also get a copy of the Dog Food for Life eBook, which has helpful information about doggy hygiene and diet.
I encourage you to visit Dog Food for Life for more information about canine hygiene and diet.
