Mary Allen
Now that the days are full of home time for many dog owners, there may be room to give a few minutes a day to a new great routine – such as regularly brushing the dog’s teeth. At present, as many as 65 percent of dog owners skip brushing the teeth of their four-legged friends. It affects the dog’s dental health and can eventually lead to tooth loss. Here are some tips on how to get your dog used to toothbrush.
Agria’s survey also shows that 43 percent of dog owners believe that you do not need to brush the teeth of dogs, but just like humans, dogs should actually brush their teeth every day to prevent problems such as gingivitis, plaque, tartar, and finally tooth loss.
5 Minutes Makes a Difference
– All dogs are worthy of keeping their teeth high into old age. It is a fairly small effort to spend five minutes a day on toothbrushing, but makes a big difference for the dog who avoids toothache and can keep his teeth, says Lotta Moller, a veterinarian at Agria Djurforsakring.
What Happens To Poor Dental Health?
What happens if you miss the toothbrushing is that plaque forms on the teeth, gingivitis develops, and pockets form between the tooth and the surrounding tissue. Bacterial growth means that the attachment of the tooth is undermined and the infection can spread to the jawbone. When plaque is mineralized, tartar forms, which can grow into large bumps and almost hide the tooth. A certain part of the tartar that forms is not visible but is hidden under the gums.
– The most effective way to prevent tooth loss is to brush the dog’s teeth and the easiest is to get used to it already as a puppy. Also, supplement with regular check-ups at the veterinarian to check the oral and dental status, says Lotta Moller.
How to Get Your Dog Used to Brush the Teeth
If your dog is above while brushing his teeth, it is important to start gently and then gradually increase by a few minutes day by day. A soft start can be to put a damp fingertip on the index finger and gently brush the rows of teeth up and down. As the dog gets used to it, the fingertip is replaced with a toothbrush of the right size. Children’s toothbrushes are usually suitable for smaller dogs, while others use adult toothbrushes or even electric toothbrushes. If you are not satisfied with just water, there is a special dog toothpaste that tastes good. Toothpaste intended for human use is unsuitable for dogs.
Pay Attention to Symptoms
It can be difficult to detect if the dog has a sore mouth. The dog does not stop eating due to the pain but instead eats with the side of the mouth where it hurts the least. Other symptoms may include:
- Bad breath
- Irritated gums
- Loose teeth
- The dog scratches its mouth
- Impaired appetite
- Chewing problems
- Aggression, irritability, and depression
