Yes, You Need to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth. Seriously.
In San Diego, a killer smile goes a long way. Well, anywhere, actually.
That can also hold true for your dog, which is why it’s a good idea to brush your dog’s teeth — seriously. Not only can brushing your dog’s teeth help keep them clean, but it can also get rid of plaque and bad breath, while also staving off potential health problems like tooth decay or gum disease.
And yes, we offer pet dentistry services at Southpaw Vet — call to ask us more! We’ll also be happy to help you practice brushing your dog’s teeth. It’s not always as easy as it sounds.
Brushing your dog’s teeth: It’s important!
If you are thinking you can brush off brushing your dog’s teeth, consider this: As many as 80% of dogs show signs of emerging dental disease as early as age three. That includes tooth decay, bleeding gums, and more. In fact, there can be many symptoms of dental disease that pet owners should keep an eye out for.
From the American Kennel Association:
Bad breath
Yellow-brown crust around the gum line
Bleeding gums
Pain when eating
Pawing at the mouth
Change of chewing or eating habits
Tooth loss
Subdued behavior
Excessive drooling
Obviously, some of this may seem like typical dog stuff — like the bad breath. But if your dog’s teeth are falling out? It may be a sign of some bigger issues. This is why, again, it can be important to keep your dog’s dental hygiene and oral health in mind. Brushing your dog’s teeth can be a simple way to prevent deeper issues from taking root.
And actually brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t a huge lift, either. It’s more or less like brushing your own teeth, and the more you do it, the easier it’ll likely get. But before you get started, shop around for a dog toothbrush (yes, that’s a real thing) and some dog toothpaste (again, a real thing), and consider the following tips as you get ready to give your dog’s teeth a good cleaning.
Ease into it
The first time you try to brush your dog’s teeth, they’re probably not going to like it — they’ll need to get used to it. To ease them into it, try touching their teeth and gums without the brush, and then with it. You might want to watch a video tutorial or two to see how others do this (or again, ask us!), but you should be able to pull their lips out to see their teeth and feel around.
Gently apply the brush
Again, once they’re used to you looking at their teeth and feeling around their mouth, apply the brush and simply touch their teeth. No need to start brushing quite yet, as they’re still probably wondering what you’re up to. If need be, take a break, try again tomorrow, and perhaps offer a reward. You may also want to introduce the toothpaste to them, letting them smell and taste it.
Try brushing
When you feel your dog is adequately prepared, try applying some toothpaste to your brush, and brushing their top teeth while holding their lip out. Go slow and steady, and offer reassurance throughout the process. Once you're done with the top, move to the bottom. Hopefully, you’re able to get through their whole mouth, but if not, try again the next day.
Give everything a look, and see if you’ve been able to break up plaque or make a noticeable difference. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for changes after you’ve done a few brushes — improved breath, bleeding gums, etc.
If your dog is simply not having it, you can contact your vet for help. You may also want to look at products that are designed to help keep dogs’ teeth clean, like dental chews and certain dog toys — ask us, we may be able to make some recommendations.
But at the end of the day, your dog's teeth need to be cared for, just like your own. That means brushing your dog’s teeth every so often so that they stay happy and healthy.
Contact us to make an appointment today!
Read more: