Dogs have teeth. This comes as no surprise. Now, be honest, how many of you actually consider brushing your dog's teeth? Now, how many actually take a toothbrush and brush their dog's teeth once a day? If you answer yes to both questions, you are in the minority. While many people have made the decision to brush their dog's teeth frequently, others still either brush them irregularly. There are still people who do not brush the teeth at all. This goes contrary to the advice of vets who suggest you brush your companion's teeth anywhere from daily to once or twice weekly, to weekly or several times a month.
There are good reasons why you need to brush a dog's teeth. If you allow plague to increase, you face the conditions of tartar build up. In the case of greyhounds and poodles, a lack of brushing can insure a greater instance of bad teeth and breath. These breeds are more susceptible to such things. This is unusual since most dogs have few instances of cavities.
They need something to counteract the dental problems. In cases where tartar becomes a serious problem, your pet may end up requiring teeth cleaning by a professional. While many vets now do basic veterinary care, such as cleaning and plaque removal, your darling may require a visit to a Veterinary Dentist. This may not only be expensive, but requires anesthesia.
While there are specific bones designed to help you keep your dog's breath fresh and teeth pearly white, you might want to consider or reconsider brushing. It is really not that difficult if you start them as a pup. Of course, puppy teeth fall out and adult teeth grow in. It is adult dogs who may encapsulate the meaning of the word challenge.
Whether your first attempt is an older dog or a puppy, the process is the same. You quietly approach the dog and flip up its gums. You gently touch its gums and teeth, praising good behavior all the while. You then let the dog go. Later you repeat this process until the dog is used to it.
The next step is to utilize a soft, damp washcloth. Again, you lift up the gums. This time, you use the cloth, running it across and over the gums and teeth. Polish the teeth. It is an action similar to that of the toothbrush. Leave the animal. Come back and repeat several times before you finally move on to a brush.
Before you use a toothbrush, make sure it is acceptable. You require a soft bristled one. You can buy such a product at the vet's or a pet store. Alternatively, some people do utilize baby brushes. They are small, soft and fine. You should, however, use dog toothpaste. Dog paste is generally flavored in chicken or malt. This helps your dog enjoy the process. In fact, some dogs like to have their teeth brushed because of the toothpaste.
Whether you actually brush your dog's teeth or not you need to check them regularly. Bad breath may not be the result of what he has just eaten. It may be a bad or broken tooth. If the animal also has a loss of appetite, a lump on or below the tooth, or red swollen gums, there could be a problem. By inspecting the dog's teeth, gums and lips, you may be able to prevent the problem from becoming a serious case of the Vet Dentist.
Article written by Lisa Reid of ohmydogsupplies.com, check out our complete assortment of car seat covers for dogs online.
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