What to Keep in Mind When Brushing Your Dog's Teeth
What? Is "Black Man Toothpaste" going to change its name?
When this news broke, many people reacted with surprise. However, as a responsible pet owner, when I hear news about toothpaste, what comes to mind is how many pet owners actually brush their dog's teeth correctly with a pet toothbrush.
1. The Right Toothpaste and Toothbrush Make a Big Difference
If you want your dog to calmly get its teeth brushed, starting with the basics from an early age is key, and having the right toothpaste and toothbrush is a powerful helper. The toothpaste we commonly use, such as Black Man Toothpaste, often has a minty flavor, but this isn't always suitable for dogs. When buying products, pet owners should choose toothpaste and toothbrushes specifically made for pets to protect their dogs’ teeth.
Before your dog gets used to the process, it’s normal for them to resist having a toothbrush in their mouth. Pet owners can start by gently touching their dog's mouth, and at first, they can wrap a piece of medical gauze around their finger to replace the toothbrush and lightly clean the dog’s teeth.
If the gauze doesn't seem thick enough, pet owners can also choose a finger-sleeve toothbrush, applying a small amount of toothpaste to help clean the dog's teeth. Sometimes, you can also apply some toothpaste on chew toys or bones and combine it with flavors like honey, which the dog enjoys, to help them get used to the toothpaste's scent.
Once the dog is fully accustomed to this, you can transition from the finger-sleeve toothbrush to a regular pet toothbrush to clean their teeth.
2. Understanding the Right Brushing Force and Frequency
When dogs are still puppies, around one to two months old, pet owners can start using water or a finger-sleeve toothbrush to clean their teeth, usually once or twice a week.
If you prefer using a long-handled pet toothbrush but your dog isn’t cooperating, you can try another method. Before brushing, spend some time playing with your dog or use a pet comb to massage and relax them. Then, gently hold your dog’s nose and mouth with both hands, slowly pulling open the lips. This will expose the dog’s teeth and gums. Be gentle and careful, and use the pet toothbrush along the gum line to clean. Apply a small amount of toothpaste, focusing especially on the area near the gum roots to remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup.
After brushing, make sure to rinse with clean water to ensure there’s no toothpaste left. Once the process is complete, give your dog some playtime as a reward, helping them associate the experience with something positive. In addition to brushing, you can add more fiber to your dog’s diet, as chewing on food can help clean their teeth.
3. Avoid Common Mistakes When Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
(1) Dog teeth brushing should be done 1-3 times a week. Pet owners should check their dog's oral condition regularly by gently opening their mouth, but avoid excessive brushing.
(2) Avoid using electric toothbrushes. Humans sometimes don’t even find electric toothbrushes suitable, and using them improperly can scare your dog. Pet-specific toothpaste and toothbrushes work better.
(3) Don’t apply too much force when brushing. It’s normal for a dog to resist brushing at first. Be patient and avoid rushing or being too rough.
(4) Regularly take your dog to a professional clinic for dental check-ups and cleanings. This is part of the dog's overall health care. Timely attention ensures better overall health.
For dogs, having a healthy, beautiful set of teeth is the foundation of enjoying food. As a responsible pet owner, it’s time to take action and start brushing your dog’s teeth properly!
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