Brushing your dog's teeth: necessary or excessive?

Brushing the teeth of your dog: is it necessary or excessive?

Isn't brushing dogs' teeth a little excessive? Veterinarians disagree. Their experience demonstrates that dog oral health is frequently underestimated. Plaque, which appears to be innocuous at first, may quickly turn into a major disease that affects the entire body. Our dogs are full members of the family, and we try to keep them with us at all times. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we sometimes view and regard our four-legged companion as a human creature. Do you ever find yourself doing this? However, when it comes to dog dental care, the charge of humanization is entirely wrong.

Brushing your dog's teeth is a good idea and necessary.

Brushing your dog's teeth

The good news is that, because dogs have greater interdental gaps, saliva-assisted self-cleaning works far better in dogs than in people. Saliva is more effective in washing away food remnants. Dog teeth, however, are subjected to the same "attackers" as human teeth. As a result, deposits and germs can cause difficulties in the dog's mouth, just as they can in ours.

When it comes to tongue health, leaving everything to nature and sitting back is consequently disastrous. In most situations, the natural abrasion created by chewing is insufficient to maintain good oral hygiene. After all, our dogs' nutrition isn't as primitive as it once was. As a result, things can't take care of themselves. Dental issues, by the way, are regrettably the rule rather than the exception with our dogs. The German Society for Veterinary Dentistry (DGT) estimates that 80 percent of dogs and cats suffer from dental illnesses.

What should I use to clean my dog's teeth?

Many items are now available to help cleaning your dog's teeth easier for you. You should make advantage of such custom-made articles. Human toothpastes are forbidden. Because toothbrushes are too big for your four-legged pet, traditional dental care items aren't ideal for him.

• The brush head's bristles are too hard.
• The toothpaste has an overpowering flavor.
• It's possible that dog toothpaste contains harmful substances (e.g. xylitol).

Toothbrush for dogs

Both ends of a traditional dog toothbrush are slightly curled. One for the front teeth and one for the molars that are difficult to reach. Dog toothbrushes are available in a variety of sizes. The two brush heads, for example, suit both a Chihuahua's and a Great Dane's mouths.

Dogs' ultrasonic brush

Is it possible to get an electric toothbrush for dogs? This is now feasible as well. This brush is completely quiet and vibration-free thanks to ultrasonic technology. By the way, an ultrasonic brush isn't the same as a sonic brush. There are two distinct types of activity at work here.

Ultrasonic technology, unlike all other electric toothbrushes (including sonic toothbrushes), cleans by using a toothpaste that creates bubbles rather than mechanical abrasion with the bristles. The ultrasonic toothbrush for dogs, on the other hand, is a more expensive purchase. Another downside is that cleaning takes a lengthy time if you follow the manufacturer's instructions. This is something that only the fewest four-legged buddies can handle.

Rubber cap / finger brush

The rubber cover for your index finger is an alternative to the brush. It's made of silicone or microfibers with an antibacterial silver component. Finger brushes for newborns and toddlers are also available. They're equally as good as those made specifically for dogs. The finger brush has several advantages, the most important of which is that it makes it easier for you to begin cleaning your teeth. The finger brush is easier to use than a toothbrush since your finger is in close touch with your dog's teeth. This gives the impression of more emotion. You can better estimate and regulate your motions.

Because a finger brush is made entirely of soft material, the chance of damage is reduced. This is also great for acclimating to. Is your dog's mouth particularly delicate? The finger brush is an excellent option if even the tiniest toothbrush type isn't tiny enough. Make sure the finger brush fits comfortably before attempting the first attempt. This is the only way to keep your four-legged pal happy while cleaning.

Toothpaste for dogs

Dog toothpaste is distinguished by its enticing flavors. It's very delectable for dogs and comes in a variety of tastes, including chicken and beef. Toothpaste, on the other hand, is not required. If you brush your four-legged companion at all, you're already doing a lot for his or her oral health. The fact that your pet's nose like the taste of toothpaste might be an issue as well. Some dogs chomp down on the delectable cream right away. This makes brushing their teeth nearly impossible.

Tip: If your dog has a strong chewing response, just leave out the toothpaste when cleaning and set aside a tiny quantity as a reward. That way, you won't lose out on the cleaning properties.

DIY Dog toothpaste made at home

For their four-legged pal, several dog owners swear by homemade toothpaste. There's a lot to be said for a natural toothpaste that's free of additives. On the Internet, there is no shortage of basic DIY recipes. The most popular bases are coconut oil and mud chalk.

Our advice is to speak with your veterinarian. The method you employ to brush your dog's teeth should be determined by the state of his mouth. Brushing your dog's teeth entails the following steps: This is how you go about it. The tagline is: Brush when you've become used to touching the muzzle. So, instead of rushing, take a few steps at a time. Only proceed to the following step if the previous one has gone off without a hitch. Even if you don't use toothpaste after that, it's a fantastic method to get your dog acclimated to brushing (keyword: strong chewing reflex).

Step 1: make it palatable. Allow your four-legged pet to lick a little bit of toothpaste off your clean finger. You'll be able to tell immediately away if you've made the proper decision.

Step 2: Putting your hand on the muzzle Using your clean finger, apply a small amount of toothpaste. Carefully keep the lips closed with your free hand. Now use your toothpaste finger to go beneath your dog’s top lip. Then, working your way back, rub your fingers along the outside surfaces of the upper molars. Keep an eye on your finger!

Step 3: Brush the canines Brush the bristles of the toothbrush with water and, if required, a little amount of dog toothpaste. Lift the upper lip on both sides and clean the canine teeth one by one (longest tooth). Make sure your dog isn't chewing on the brush.

Step 4: Clean the molars Take the brush and, if desired, wet the bristles with dog toothpaste. Brush the upper teeth from beneath the lip. Carry on with the lower molars now. Your dog should do this by slightly opening his mouth.

Step 5: Brush all teeth thoroughly. Prepare the toothbrush for usage. Begin with the canines and work your way up to the molars. Keep your dog's mouth shut now. Raise the top lip over the incisors with care. In this region, dogs are extremely sensitive. Brush the incisors carefully both above and below the gum line. It's probable that your dog will sneeze as a result. Clean all the other exterior surfaces first, then all the inside surfaces after the incisors.

How to brush your dog's teeth

• Atmosphere: Choose a peaceful, distraction-free location to create a relaxing mood. Brush your dog's teeth at roughly the same time and in the same area every day. This will make it easier for your dog to become used to the procedure.
• Less is more in this case: Attempt to keep the operation as brief as feasible. It should just take a few minutes to brush your dog's teeth.
• Prioritize: Because the insides of the teeth are already cleansed by tongue motions, the outsides of the teeth are more significant.
• Be obedient: When your animal friend's patience has run out or she reacts defensively, stop brushing.
• Praise, praise, praise: You know how unpleasant it is to have your teeth messed with. As a result, lavish praise on your dog for his bravery in the face of adversity.

How often should I brush the teeth of my dog?

Brush your dog's teeth once a day, if possible. If you manage to do it every two or three days, you've already accomplished a lot.

Negative events should be avoided: Brush your dog’s teeth only if they are healthy

Why don't you just go out and get a toothbrush and start brushing right away? It's best not to! Before you begin cleaning your dog's teeth, you must first determine the state of his teeth. Brushing well-intentionedly might create discomfort if there are already concerns, such as irritated gums. Cleaning your dog's teeth would be extremely tough in the future as a result of this terrible experience. So, to be safe, get your dog's teeth examined by a veterinarian first.

In dogs, foul breath is also a warning indicator

Does your dog have an unpleasant odor coming from his mouth? Breath that smells bad is a symptom that something is amiss with the dog's mouth. In addition, the following indicators suggest that your dog has dental problems:

• broken teeth
• excessive saliva production
• behavioral problems
• hesitant eating
• one-sided chewing
• scratching at the muzzle
• Visible abnormalities in the mouth
• yellow-brown deposits
• discolorations
• reddened, swollen, bleeding gums
• tartar

Why are dental disorders so deadly in dogs?

The major issue with unhealthy teeth is that they eventually damage your dog's entire body, not just his mouth. If hazardous germs travel via the bloodstream to other organs, they can cause significant sickness. When hazardous germs, for example, develop a constant strain on the kidneys or the heart, it becomes deadly.