Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

February is Pet Dental Health Month! Dental care is just as important for dogs as it is for us. One of the best things you can do to help keep your pup’s teeth healthy is to brush them. That may sound pretty tricky, but it may actually be much easier than you think! A local Oconomowoc, WI vet offers tips on brushing Fido’s teeth in this article.

If your canine pal is still a puppy, start teaching him to accept having his teeth brushed now. However, you can still get an older dog onboard with the idea. At first, just gently rub Fido’s teeth and gums. Pet him while you do this! Next, incorporate some pet toothpaste. Then, finally, you can start using the toothbrush.

You’ll have a much easier time cleaning Fido’s teeth if he accepts the process. Lecturing your pooch about the dangers of dental issues won’t help much, so you’ll need to sweeten the deal a bit. As you can probably guess, that means treats. Give your pup a yummy snack, and offer him lots of praise and ear scritches.

Only use toothbrushes and toothpastes that were specifically made for Fido. Human toothbrushes aren’t angled the right way for dogs’ teeth, and our toothpastes are neither safe nor suitable for Man’s Best Friend. Look for a flavored toothpaste, such as beef or chicken.

Try to make doggy toothbrushing part of your daily pet care routine. Once Fido is used to the idea, this may only take a minute or two! You don’t necessarily have to do your canine companion’s entire mouth every day. Just do one segment at a time, and keep rotating. Your pet will still benefit!

Some dogs just won’t sit still for having their teeth brushed. If your pooch isn’t having it, there are other options. Dental-formula treats and chews are formulated to remove plaque and tartar. You can also put some pet toothpaste on a chew, and let Fido go to town on it. Oral rinses and dental flakes are also beneficial. Also, make sure that your furry pal always has fresh water and suitable chew toys. Last but not least, have your pet’s teeth checked regularly.

Please reach out to us, your local Oconomowoc, WI vet clinic, anytime. We are here to help!