Dog Teeth Brushing Tips And Techniques
How To Brush Your Dog's Teeth
Brushing your dog's teeth can be a fun weekly activity for you and your dog. Teaching your dog to tolerate you brushing their teeth can be a slow process, but once they learn, they will be extremely well behaved. It's best to have your dog trained on some easy commands, like How To Sit, before you try and brush their teeth. Brushing your dog's teeth will cut down on tartar buildup and tooth decay. It will also make your dog's breath smell fresh.
Dog Training
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Making Your Dog Comfortable
Most dogs are extremely sensitive to you touching around their mouth and teeth. The best way to introduce them to your finger in their mouth is simple. Dip your pointer finger in some beef broth and let your dog lick it off. Keep doing this, but as they lick it off more and more, slowly work your finger on to their teeth.
Move your finger around their mouth and across their teeth. Do not touch anything besides their teeth and their gums because it will cause irritation. As you are touching their teeth and gums, praise your dog verbally and let them know how well they are behaving. Repeat this exercise three to five times a day for two days.
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On the third day, use a dog toothpaste in a flavor that your dog will enjoy. Do not use human toothpaste because your dog will swallow it. You must use a special edible dog toothpaste. Put a small dollop of toothpaste on your finger and let your dog lick it off. Repeat this and work your finger onto their teeth and gums. Brush their teeth with your finger to the best of your ability. You should only have to do this exercise once or twice.
Once your dog is okay with the taste and texture of the toothpaste, they are ready to use a dog toothbrush. Put a small amount of dog toothpaste on their toothbrush and introduce it to your dog just like you have been doing with your finger. Slowly work the brush into their mouth onto their teeth. Brush their teeth in a circular motion gently. Continue to praise your dog throughout the brushing process. Work the brush to the front of their mouth and brush their front teeth with care. Once you have done both sides and the front of their teeth, you are done. Reward them with their favorite treat for a job well done.
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