Health Tips -- Dental Care

Brushing

You can remove excess plaque by brushing your dog's teeth at least once a week. Removing plaque will prevent tartar from ever forming. Tartar will usually need to be removed by your vet since it cannot be removed by regular brushing. It is important to prevent tartar build-up or have it professionally removed if it does appear because it causes gum disease. This leads to bad breath and if not taken care of can eventually lead to tooth loss.

It may seem like an impossible task to get your dog to allow you to brush his teeth, but it is possible. Start slowly by getting your dog used to you handling his mouth before you even start brushing. Reward him with treats and praise every time he allows you to get near his mouth. If he absolutely refuses to let you brush his teeth you can use cloth, gauze, or even your finger to clean his teeth. There are toothbrushes and toothpastes made especially for dogs, or a very soft child's toothbrush can also be used. Never use human toothpaste on your dog because they tend to foam too much and may cause problems with digestion. Also, dogs usually don't like the taste.

You should probably brush your dog's teeth at least once a week. Older dogs may need more frequent brushing because they don't chew as many hard bones and chew toys. If your dog's gums bleed when you are brushing, he may already have gum disease. If this is caught early you can reverse the disease on your own and avoid costly dental procedures.

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