Did you know that over 80% of all dogs will develop symptoms of dental diseases by the time they turn three years old?
Worse still, all that plaque and tartar buildup, as well as the resulting gingivitis, can lead to serious infections, causing bad breath, jawbone damage, tooth loss, and even more severe diseases.
To prevent this, all you really have to do is brush your dog’s teeth! You should do this a minimum of twice per week, using special canine toothpaste; do not use human toothpastes! You can also use dental chews if your dog will not allow anyone to touch their teeth. Here’s how to brush a dog’s teeth:
- Start by just using your finger. Put some toothpaste on your finger and rub it over your dog’s gums and teeth, sticking just to the front teeth first.
- Once your dog is used to it, switch to a dog toothbrush. Make sure the bristles are rounded and soft.
- Brush using a smooth motion. Go downwards on the upper teeth and upwards on the bottom teeth.
Once your dog is accustomed to this, move back further, brushing the premolars first. Then, work your way to the molars. Maintain the same motions.
Feature Image Source: Pixabay