How to Brush a Puppy's Teeth
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Introduction
Starting to brush your pup's teeth between the ages of eight and sixteen weeks is vital to the health of his teeth and starting out this early will make it much easier for him to get used to this daily activity. That’s right, you should be brushing your pup's teeth every day before bedtime, just like you do your own. Failure to do so may not result in cavities, but dogs can get potentially serious gum disease without proper dental care. It is up to you to prevent this from happening--your dog cannot brush his own teeth!
Dog's Perspective
Chances are pretty good that your puppy has no concept of bad breath. Even he did, he probably wouldn’t care. The only time he might think about his mouth is if it starts to hurt when he chews or is painful all the time. The earlier you start working with him and a toothbrush, the less fuss he is likely to put up over time.
The Here, Try This Method
The Step-by-Step Method
Caution & Considerations
- If you don't remember a single thing beyond this, remember that at no time should you ever use toothpaste made for humans on your dog. The fluoride and many other chemicals in common toothpastes are very toxic to your pup and could kill him.
- Always use a toothbrush designed to be used on dogs, the head on one made for humans has the wrong angle.
- Go slowly, make sure you get each tooth thoroughly cleaned. Be gentle, as you don't want to damage his gums.
- Make sure you take your pup to the vet for a full dental cleaning and checkup at least once a year.
- Make sure you brush your pup's teeth every day to keep his gums healthy and his breath fresh.
Conclusion
The sooner you start brushing your pup's teeth, the easier it will be to get him used to it. This is simply because young pups have not learned to object--they are far more accepting of new things. Keep your pup's teeth brushed on a daily basis, preferably at the same time every day. While he may not be able to get cavities, he can still lose his teeth to gum disease.
Success Stories and Grooming Questions
Grooming Questions & Answers
Mollie
How long should dogs claws get before having them cut and how often should you go to get them cut?
0 Dog owners recommended
Hello, don't let Mollie's claws get too long. Sometimes the dew claw can curl and as well, when the claws are long, there is more chance of them breaking or tearing. It can also be uncomfortable for Mollie to walk if they are too long. You can take her to the groomer or to the vet to have them trimmed. How often will depend on the speed they grow, how active Mollie is, and whether she walks often on pavement (which can help wear down nails). Trimmings can be necessary every two weeks, every two months, or somewhere in between. If her nails are clicking, it's time to trim! Good luck and all the best to Mollie!
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