You may have heard that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s, but despite this, dogs can still develop dental problems like cavities, plaque buildup, tartar, and gingivitis. While they are less prone to these dental problems than humans, a seemingly small like issue like bad breath or yellow teeth can quickly lead to life-threatening infections if left untreated.
This makes it all the more important to brush up on your doggy dental knowledge so you can help protect your furry friend from potential diseases of the heart, liver, and kidneys. Here are our top tips for caring for your pup’s pearly whites:
Brushing daily
You are about to become a lot closer to your dog if you haven’t brushed their teeth before! A canine toothbrush with a double head that brushes at a 45-degree angle is the best way to go about this step, as well as a calm demeanor and encouraging them with a soothing voice throughout.
Make sure to start off slow and choose a time after they’ve had tons of exercise so their energy will be all played out and they are more likely to sit still. You can start with small sections of their mouth until they get used to it, brushing more each day until you’re brushing away at their whole mouth! Reward them with a treat afterwards, too!
Choosing the best toothpaste
This is probably the most important thing to keep in mind: never, ever use human toothpaste to brush your dog’s teeth. Most toothpastes contain fluoride, which is toxic to dogs. Instead, find a quality one for dogs at your local pet store.
