Guidelines for Home Dental Care
When to start?
As soon as possible! 8-12 weeks old is best. Pets do not need maintenance this young as these teeth are not permanent, but by brushing regularly, they will be familiar with the routine when the adult teeth emerge.
The first step is to work with your pet’s mouth. With a little patience your pet will soon accept your attention. Make it fun for both of you. Use lots of love and praise to gain their confidence. Make treats part of the routine.
Start by handling the mouth and soon you will be able to rub the upper teeth and gums with your finger.
When your pet is comfortable with you rubbing their teeth and gums with your finger, graduate to something slightly more abrasive. Choose your “brush” according to your pet’s compliance with the procedure and size of mouth. Try a nylon over your finger, a finger toothbrush or in a larger dog, a soft child’s toothbrush. Some intrepid clients have even introduced their dogs to an electric toothbrush. You need a very calm dog to do this!
Brush the outside surfaces of the upper teeth only. Some people with very good dogs are able to do the outside, lower teeth as well. When brushing the teeth, ensure that you are not just brushing the front teeth, extend your finger/brush right to the back teeth as these are often the teeth most affected by tartar and gingivitis.
Make it a game. Some dogs can be taught to go and get their own toothbrush and bring it to you for brushing.
Pet toothpaste can be used to make the procedure more fun but remember, it’s the brushing which does most of the cleaning.
Certain breeds such as POODLES, SCHNAUZERS, BICHONS and YORKIES are far more prone to dental disease. Although an adult dental diet is an excellent choice for all pets, dentally challenged dogs should be on a dental diet. Two excellent diets are Hill’s T/D and Medi-cal Dental Diet. Both foods are formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of adult dogs, use only quality ingredients and are designed to help remove plaque. They are meant to be used in addition to brushing and are not a substitute for brushing.
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