How to Clean a Puppy's Mouth

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How to Clean a Puppy's Mouth

Medium

10 - 15 Minutes

1 Day

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Introduction

You should start brushing your puppy's teeth sometime around eight to sixteen weeks of age. This will make it much easier for him to get used to this important daily activity. Yep, you guessed it. Your pup's teeth need the same level of care as your own. Unlike you, your pup's teeth do not get cavities, but at the same time, they do get gum disease that can be painful and result in the loss of teeth as he gets older. Proper dental care can help stop this from happening and give your pup nice fresh breath.

Dog's Perspective

Odds are your pup couldn't care less what his teeth look like or how toxic his breath happens to be. The only time he worries about his teeth and gums is when they start to hurt. While you can teach an older dog to let you brush his teeth, the younger you start, the less likely he is to fuss about it.

The Yum and Tasty Method

Effective

0 Votes

Toothbrush

Step

Hit the pet store

Go out to your local pet store and pick out a tube of puppy toothpaste, a puppy toothbrush, and some dental chews.

Step

Avoid the people paste

You should never try to use toothpaste made for humans as it could contain substances that are toxic to your dog.

Step

Take the taste test

Put a small dab of the toothpaste on your finger, let your pup sniff it, and then let him lick it and get a taste of it. You may find you need to try several flavors before you find one he really likes.

Step

Lift and separate

Lift his upper lips and use a hand to separate his teeth. Brush his teeth and gums using a circular motion. Do the molars first and be sure to get the ones in the far back.

Step

Finish up

Brush his front teeth inside and out and then let him rinse his mouth in his water bowl. Praise him and give him a dental chew as a reward.

The Safe Place Method

Effective

0 Votes

Toothbrush

Step

The right spot

Find a place in your home where you can brush your pup's teeth. Wait until your pup is tired or take him for a walk first, this will make him fuss less.

Step

Gather your supplies

Gather up the toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental treats. Place them all close at hand. Call your pup over and have him sit in front of you.

Step

Break out the brush

Break out your pup's toothbrush and apply a small amount of toothpaste to it. Let your pup smell it and then lift up his lip on one side.

Step

Brush away

While using one hand to hold the lip up, use the other to brush his teeth inside and out. Make sure you get his gums, his rearmost molars and, of course, his front teeth. Switch sides and repeat until you have cleaned all of his teeth.

Step

Fini

Now that his teeth are nice and clean, reward him with a dental stick. Be sure to praise him for a job well done.

Caution & Considerations

Never use products made for humans on your pup, they are toxic to him and could kill him.
Be gentle and go slowly to make sure you thoroughly clean each tooth and every inch of his gums.
If the teeth are heavily stained, you may want to take him to the vet to have them professionally cleaned first.
Take your pup to see his vet for a complete dental checkup once a year and have his teeth cleaned.
Brush your pup's teeth every day, just like you do your own.

Conclusion

It is up to you to keep your pup's teeth clean and healthy. The sooner you start the easier it will be for you to train him to let you brush his teeth. By keeping his teeth brushed daily, you can keep his teeth and gums nice and healthy well into old age.

How to Clean a Puppy's Mouth

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Yum and Tasty Method

The Safe Place Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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