How To Brush Your Dog's Teeth

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Dog, teeth, brush, home, new, train, dental, puppy, paste, mouth 

How To Brush Your Dogs Teeth

How To Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Brushing your dog's teeth is one of the more common home care activities you should be doing on a regular basis. Most pet parents are afraid to even try it because they think it is so difficult to do, or that their dog will hate it. The truth is it's actually quite simple, and, if done right, most dogs can be trained to, believe it or not, look forward to and enjoy it.

The first thing you need to do is get a doggie tooth kit. These are readily available from your veterinarian or local pet store, and usually contain a doggie tooth brush with one side for medium and large dogs, and the other for small dogs, a flavored, non-sudsing tooth paste, and a small finger brush. You want to make this process fun, so I recommend starting just before a meal or play time, so a positive activity will be following the procedure. I often like to start by approaching the dog with a treat in my hand, letting him know it's there, but not offering it to him yet. I will then apply a very small amount of the flavored paste onto the tip of my index finger, lift up the dogs lip, or sometimes just slide my finger under the lip directly into his mouth, and gently rub the paste onto one or two of his teeth and gums for about 2 or 3 seconds, shower him with praise, offer him that treat, then proceed to feed him or take him out for some play time. I will then do the exact same thing the next day, but instead of 2 to 3 seconds, I'll rub the paste inside the mouth for about 10 seconds. Then, the next day, I may go for 20 seconds, then 30, and so on. Remember, always follow with tons of praise, a treat, and then a meal or play time. Once the procedure and association is a positive one, and the dog seems to be tolerating everything well, I will substitute the finger brush, and follow the same procedure. Once that is accepted, it's time to graduate to the brush. I find that when you gradually do a little more each time, always make it fun, and always offer lots of positive reinforcement, most dogs do amazingly well. Once they get the hang of it and seem to like having their teeth brushed, or at least tolerate it, I recommend continuing the process a few times a week. You'd be amazed how much good you can do and how much healthier you can keep your dog's mouth by practicing good dental care at home!

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