Proper Dog Dental Care

By Audrey Pavia

Humans aren’t the only ones who need regular dental care. Dogs must have it too, and for the same reasons. Plaque builds up on the teeth and jeopardizes the integrity of the tooth. Before long, the dog’s gums become infected, and teeth begin to fall out. Your dog’s breath may be atrocious, as well. In worse case scenarios, gum infections spread to the blood stream and cause life-threatening illness.

You can prevent all this in two main ways. First, take your dog to a veterinarian at least once a year to have his teeth checked, and cleaned if necessary. Second, provide regular dental care at home.

Home dental care isn’t as hard as you may think. Providing your dog with appropriate chew toys can do a lot to help keep his teeth clean. (This also gives him something to do.) Make certain you provide him with toys that are designed specifically for dogs to chew, but yet aren’t so hard that your dog breaks a tooth while gnawing on it. The majority of chew toys marketed for dogs are too hard, according to veterinary dentists. Items that give a little when the dog bites down, and then soften as the dog chews (and are safe to swallow) are the best choice.

In addition to providing appropriate chew toys, brush your dog’s teeth. This isn’t hard to do, and should be part of a daily routine.

Follow these steps to brush your dog’s teeth:

1. Have a canine toothbrush and canine toothpaste on hand. You can buy these items at pet supply stores. Canine toothpaste comes in different flavors, such as chicken, beef or peanut butter. (Resist the urge to use human toothpaste instead since this stuff isn’t meant to be swallowed and is unhealthy for your dog.) A canine toothbrush looks like a human toothbrush, although the handle is longer on the dog toothbrush and is more curved. You can also use a rubber finger brush, which is a cap that fits over your finger. Gauze wrapped around your finger is a substitute for a toothbrush and finger brush, although the finger brush and gauze are not as effective as a toothbrush when it comes to removing plaque.

2. Get comfortable. If you have never brushed your dog’s teeth before, he may be confused as to what you are doing. You may need help keeping him still while you are at work. Get a helper to assist you, and put your dog in a position that is comfortable for all of you. Do it in a room that is quiet and without distractions. Have your helper hold the dog while you work.

3. Gain access. Wet the toothbrush and dab a little toothpaste on it. Use one hand to lift your dog’s lip so you can see his teeth. If your dog struggles, tell him “no” or “wait.” When he is still, tell him he’s a good boy. Once he tastes the doggy toothpaste, he should start to be more cooperative.

4. Start brushing. Gently rub your dog’s teeth and gums with the brush, covering a couple of teeth at a time. Make sure you brush the area where the tooth attaches to the gum since this is where plaque causes the most problems. Brush your dog’s teeth the same way you would brush your own: by using a back and forth or circular motion.

5. Go around the mouth. Brush all of your dog’s teeth, especially those in the back since the molars are the teeth most prone to periodontal disease. A good way to circulate around your dog’s mouth is to start with the top teeth and then move to the teeth on the bottom jaw next. You will probably need to put more toothpaste on your brush as you work your way around your dog’s mouth.

If you can’t find time to brush your dog’s teeth every day, then do it as often as possible. Practice dental care at least every time you bathe your dog using COWBOY MAGIC® ROSEWOOD SHAMPOO and COWBOY MAGIC® CONCENTRATED ROSEWATER DETANGLER™ & CONDITIONER. After rinsing and drying your dog, go over his teeth with a canine toothbrush as a finishing touch.