When it comes to canine hygiene, most people only think about animal bathing. However, brushing the dog’s teeth is also extremely important to ensure the pet’s health.
Ignoring the care with canine dentition favors the accumulation of plaque and can cause periodontal diseases. Without proper treatment, a disease of this type causes inflammation, infections, and even tooth loss.
Therefore, it is ideal that the habit of brushing the dog’s teeth is part of his care routine. The ideal is to start the practice even while the animal is a puppy, but it is also possible to teach him to get used to it as an adult.
How to brush dog teeth
The main importance of brushing in canine hygiene is to eliminate plaques. In a good infection due to their presence, there is already a risk of contact between bacteria and blood vessels in the infected area. In this way, the contamination can spread to other areas, as well as lungs, hearts, and kidneys.
Thus, the ideal is to brush the dog’s teeth on a daily basis. If it is not possible, it is recommended to do it three times a week.
If you have a puppy dog, it will be easier to introduce the habit. This is because the customs of small dogs are not yet rooted, which facilitates the custom. In addition, hygiene is more important at this stage, since the region is more sensitive during early life.
However, it does not mean that it is not possible to brush the teeth of adult dogs.
To facilitate the process, remember to congratulate or reward the animal after the hygiene routine. That way, it will associate brushing with positive reinforcement and get used to it more easily.
Brushing Steps
First step: choose a time when the dog is more relaxed, to avoid irritation;
Second step: start by stroking the animal’s head, in the muzzle and mouth region. Right after the gradual start, start contact with the inside of the mouth;
Third step: use your finger to massage the dog’s gums and then apply toothpaste and use the brush;
Fourth step: for brushing, make short circular movements at the beginning and end with movements from the gums to the tips;
Fifth step: as soon as the dog is more comfortable, you can try brushing the teeth on the side of the tongue.
Equipment
Toothbrushes for dogs with longer handles will facilitate the process. Since it has greater reach, it allows access to all teeth. There are varied models, with soft or fingertip bristles, in specialized stores. However, it is also possible to use toothbrushes for babies.
On the other hand, toothpaste made for humans is prohibited when brushing dogs’ teeth. This is because dogs can ingest the product and suffer intoxication with fluoride in the stomach.
Thus, it is essential to seek specialized toothpastes, or some oral antiseptic. For this, consult a specialized professional.
