How to Clean Your Puppy's Teeth

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How to Clean Your Puppy's Teeth

Easy

10 - 15 Minutes

1 Day

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Introduction

There are many things a puppy can be taught to do for himself, but when it comes to cleaning his teeth, he has to count on you to do it for him. Although your pup's teeth are not subject to cavities like humans', they are subject to gum disease and infection if you don't take the time to care for his teeth and gums. You should be brushing his teeth every day, just like you do your own. Not only will regular brushing help prevent this, it will help give your pup better breath.

Dog's Perspective

Let's face it, your pup really doesn’t care if his teeth are stained the color of café au lait or if his breath could kill a skunk at 20 feet. What he will care about, is when his gums become so infected that it hurts him to bite or chew. Keep in mind the younger he is when you start brushing his teeth, the easier it will be for him to accept this new routine.

The Say Hello to Your Toothpaste Method

Effective

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Toothbrush

Step

Go to the pet shop

Take a trip to the pet shop and pick up a toothbrush and toothpaste for your dog. Be sure to choose a flavor your pup is likely to enjoy and that the one you buy is vet-approved for use on pets.

Step

Avoid the health and beauty aisle

Avoid the health and beauty aisle in your local department store. Human toothpastes contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

Step

Do you like it?

Put a small dab of the toothpaste on your fingertip and let your pup taste it. If you chose well, he will lick your finger clean. If not, try another flavor, it is important that he likes the toothpaste.

Step

Up we go

Lift his upper lip and go to work gently brushing his teeth in nice circular motions. Make sure you get his gums and those molars way in the back, almost in his throat.

Step

And to the front

Finish up by brushing his front teeth inside and out. When you are all done be sure to give him a treat in the form of a dental stick that will help keep his teeth and gums clean and his breath fresh.

The One Step at a Time Method

Effective

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Toothbrush

Step

Choose your spot

Like most other forms of grooming, for this one, you need to choose a place in your house where you will brush his teeth every day. This will help avoid any confusion on your pup's behalf.

Step

Prep your supplies

Put the toothbrush, toothpaste, and a dental stick close at hand and call your pup over.

Step

Sit down

Sit down with your pup, have him sit in front of you and wait for him to calm down and relax. Let him start out at his own pace as this is just as new to him as it is too you.

Step

Get the toothbrush ready

Add a small dollop of toothpaste to your pup's new toothbrush and let him have a good sniff of it before proceeding to lift his upper lip and brush his teeth. Start with the molars on one side, doing inside and out with gentle circular motions. Repeat for the other side.

Step

Go to the front

Finish up by brushing your pup's front teeth and then give him the dental stick and plenty of praise for a job well-done.

Caution & Considerations

Be sure that the products you buy are intended for use with dogs.
Never use products made for humans as they may contain fluoride and many other ingredients that are known to be deadly to your dog.
Use a toothbrush made for dogs. The angle of the head is sharper, making it easier for you to reach the back of his teeth.
If your puppy is wary of the toothbrush, start brushing with your finger to get him comfortable with the process, then move up to the brush.
Go slowly and gently as you don't want to injure your pup's gums or scare him to the point at which he will be scared.
If his teeth are heavily stained, take him to the vet for a thorough cleaning.
Be sure you take your pup in for an annual dental exam and cleaning.
Brush your pup's teeth every day.

Conclusion

It only takes a few minutes to brush your pup's teeth every day, but in doing so, you can save him from a lot of pain. On top of this, his breath won't smell like the back end of a skunk. Take your time and be gentle. Your pup will eventually come to look forward to having a nice clean mouth every day and will come to you to have his teeth brushed when it is time.

How to Clean Your Puppy's Teeth

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Say Hello to Your Toothpaste Method

The One Step at a Time Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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