In the following article we will show you how important it is to brush your dog’s teeth.
dental care for dogs
Healthy teeth are important for dogs, especially when eating. Dental diseases, on the other hand, cause severe toothache in dogs and can lead to them refusing to eat. If the food is not chewed properly, the animal can no longer extract enough nutrients from the food. Gastrointestinal diseases can also be the result. This makes it all the more important that you, as a pet owner, provide your dog with comprehensive dental care, which includes regular tooth brushing. But brushing your dog's teeth is often not easy. This article provides tips on brushing your dog's teeth and how to make dental care particularly effective.
Dental care for dogs – why it is so important
Tartar and bad breath are usually just the beginning. The initial problems can quickly develop into gingivitis or periodontitis, which in the long term can lead to tooth loss in the animal. The ancestors of our domestic dogs cleaned their teeth naturally while eating. The food we give our four-legged friends today is only rarely suitable for cleaning the dog's teeth naturally. Without adequate dental care, food residues build up in the dog's teeth. The teeth gradually become covered with plaque, which, like in humans, eventually hardens into tartar. If tartar has formed in a dog, it can only be removed by a vet under anesthesia. If the plaque is not removed, the dog's gums can also become inflamed - periodontitis has developed, which, if left untreated, can even attack the jawbone and result in tooth loss. Dental diseases in dogs are actually relatively common. Veterinarians report that 80 percent of all dogs over the age of three suffer from problems with their teeth and gums, with some breeds being more affected than others.
The right toothbrush for your dog
In order to effectively prevent the formation of tartar and resulting dental diseases in animals, a toothbrush and toothpaste mandatory for the dog. However, when brushing your dog’s teeth, you should not use conventional toothbrushes, because the brushes on these models are usually so hard that they can easily injure the animal. There are various types of toothbrushes available on the market for brushing dogs' teeth.
Dog toothbrush with handle or as a finger cot
Special dog toothbrushes have particularly soft brushes that are also tailored to the dog's teeth. Most dog toothbrushes have a bristle head at each end. You can use the large bristle head of the toothbrush to brush the front teeth, while the small head is designed for cleaning the molars. Toothbrushes for dogs are available with a handle or as a practical finger cot that you simply put on your finger to brush your teeth. Unlike a manual toothbrush, a finger cot prevents the dog from accidentally injuring it because the models do not have any hard spots. A finger cot is a real alternative, especially for small dogs, for whom normal toothbrushes are usually too big. Here it is important that the finger cots also fit on your fingers so that they do not slip when you brush your dog's teeth.
Electric toothbrushes for dogs
Electric toothbrushes are now available on the market for brushing dogs' teeth. These models allow for particularly thorough cleaning of the dog's teeth. The obvious disadvantage is the vibration and noise. Some dogs are so frightened by the vibrating noise of the brush that they do not allow their teeth to be brushed with it, others get used to the vibration over time.
ultrasonic toothbrush for dogs
Dental care for dogs is even more effective with the ultrasonic toothbrush emmi®-pet, which uses a completely new method for cleaning teeth. The ultrasound generated by the brush creates millions of tiny bubbles that penetrate into the smallest gaps, where they implode and destroy plaque and bacteria. The innovative technology also offers numerous advantages for you and your four-legged friend. In contrast to a conventional electric toothbrush, the ultrasound works silently and almost without movement, This makes brushing your dog's teeth extremely easy for both the animal and the owner.
Which toothpaste for the dog?
To ensure that your dog and his teeth receive the best care, it is important that you use a toothpaste specifically designed for dogs when brushing. The active ingredients contained in toothpaste for humans are often harmful to dogs. In addition, the taste of toothpaste is too strong for most dogs.
How to get your dog used to brushing his teeth
If possible, start brushing your dog's teeth when it is still a puppy, so that the animal can get used to the procedure early on and accept it as a normal part of grooming. If you want to introduce an older dog to brushing its teeth, more patience and rewards are required. With dogs, it is a good idea to combine brushing with a specific command so that the four-legged friend knows straight away what is expected of him. The word "teeth" is a good example of this. Introduce your dog to brushing his teeth slowly and playfully, and give him enough time for each step. It is also important to reinforce desired behavior with lots of praise and rewards.
At the beginning of the training, the aim is to get the dog to allow you to touch and put it in the mouth. This is best practiced when you are pampering the animal with caresses. Simply lift the lips a little while you are stroking.
Before you can properly brush your dog's teeth, your four-legged friend must first get used to the toothpaste. To do this, spread a small amount of toothpaste on a freshly washed finger and let the dog lick it off. This way, the four-legged friend gets to know the taste of the toothpaste. You can then gently rub the toothpaste onto the dog's teeth. The next step is to get used to the toothbrush. Give the dog the opportunity to become familiar with the brush in a playful way.
How to brush your dog's teeth
Only when the animal willingly opens its mouth and allows itself to be touched and has become accustomed to toothpaste and a toothbrush can you start brushing the dog's teeth. Make gentle massaging movements from the end of the teeth to the tip. It is best to start with the front canine teeth and slowly work your way back. Only brush the dog's teeth as long as he allows it, and Do not force the animal to do anything. You should clean the front small incisors last because this is uncomfortable for most dogs. Make sure that you do not apply too much pressure, which could injure the sensitive gums. If you use an ultrasonic toothbrush to brush your teeth, this risk is of course eliminated. Over time, you and your dog will develop a routine when brushing their teeth and dental care will become second nature. By brushing your dog's teeth regularly, you can prevent diseases of your dog's teeth and gums - and offer your four-legged friend the best possible care for his health.
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