Mary Allen
Toothbrushing, just like claw clipping, is part of the routine when you have a dog. If neither you nor the dog is so amused by it, here are some tips that will make the whole thing go a little smoother.
Most dogs are moderately amused by toothbrushing, but if it goes quickly and smoothly, they can learn to put up with it – and you too! Brush for a short while often, preferably every day, rather than infrequently and for a long time if you both find it difficult.
Gas Bandage Instead of Toothbrush
If the dog skeptically starts to back up when the toothbrush, toothbrushing glove, or “finger horn” appears, it may be an idea to try wrapping a piece of gauze around the finger and brushing instead. A gauze-wrapped finger can be easily accessed everywhere and can almost be sneaked into the dog’s mouth. According to a hot tip, it should preferably be the pharmacy Hjärtat’s self-adhesive gauze bandage, it is reasonably coarse. The dog’s enamel is more sensitive than you might think, so also be careful with too sharp/rough objects in the dog’s mouth when you brush, or possibly scrape tartar, yourself.
Yellow Teeth
Also, keep in mind that yellow teeth do not automatically mean tartar; The dentin that the tooth is made of is yellow and over the years the dog’s teeth naturally turn yellower. However, if the dog has coatings or smells bad in the mouth, the teeth should be inspected. Other signs that the dog has a problem in the mouth may be that it is not as fond of food, as usual, itches or rubs its jaw against furniture or the ground/floor, or suddenly starts drooling more than usual.
Toothpaste with a mint scent, we humans think smells fresh, but it does not make a difference to the result if the toothpaste instead tastes like liver, for example – but can cause an unwilling dog to suddenly open its mouth.