How to Clean a Dog’s Teeth

How to Clean a Dog’s Teeth

How to Clean a Dog’s Teeth

Dogs don’t just use their teeth to chew their food they use them to lift and move objects but also most importantly to play! Regular dental care is a must for your canine friend because they use their teeth as much as we use our hands!

Studies show that around four out of five dogs showed pathological changes in their gums after more than three years! Therefore, a vast number of older dogs have severe gum problems!

Check out our previous posts on:

  • 5 facts about Dogs Teeth.
  • When to see a Vet Dentist.
  • Signs of poor dental hygiene in Dogs.

  1. Visit the Vet:

    Your vet will examine and clean your dog’s teeth as part of their annual check-up. If they notice any issues or anything untoward, they can advise on prevention and/or treatment.
    Attending these appointments regularly can help to prevent serious dental issues down the road that can be costly to treat. Your vet is the best source of information on how to clean a dog’s teeth. Get your pet’s dental care on the right track and book an appointment with McLaughlins’ vets today.

  2. Feed Them The Right Diet:

    Dry dog food has a mild cleaning effect on the teeth. You can also purchase special dog food that has been specifically designed to prevent gum disease by reducing the build-up of plaque and tarter.
    Here at McLaughlin’s, we offer Calibra dental care diet food, the shape of the nut has a cleaning effect for everyday mechanical tooth cleaning and helps reduce bad mouth odor and helps remove dental plaque, and helps with gingivitis.

  3. Toothpaste

    Another way to fend off dental disease is to apply toothpaste to your dog’s teeth. These kinds of toothpaste are specially formulated for dogs and come in a wide variety of flavours. We recommend trying out different flavours to see what your pup likes best.

    Never use human toothpaste as this contains ingredients that are highly toxic to dogs such as xylitol and fluoride.

    Ideally, you want to start using toothpaste on your dog from a young age so they get used to it. Always give your pet plenty of reassurance to keep them calm. To start, hide a small amount of toothpaste in your dog’s food to familiarise them with the taste. After a couple of days, squeeze a small amount on your finger and encourage them to lick it off. After a few days of doing this, put the toothpaste on your finger and gently apply it to their teeth and gums. Remove your hand from their mouth immediately if they show signs of discomfort. Once you think your dog is ready, move on to using a toothbrush.

  4. Toothbrush:

    Cleaning teeth regularly with a dog toothbrush to remove large pieces of food, you can purchase special dog toothpaste to help with bad breath and make the task easier for you! (Rewarding your doggo after brushing is said to make them get used to brushing in time)

    You can purchase special brushes that are specifically designed for use on dogs. These tend to feature angled handles, soft bristles, and even multiple heads. However, with some dogs, a regular human brush will do the job just as well. We recommend asking your vet for advice on the best kind of brush to use.
    Again, it’s easiest to start brushing from a young age. However, it is possible to get an older dog used to the sensation of brushing with plenty of reassurance and patience. To start, apply a very small amount of toothpaste to the brush. Then gently brush their teeth in a massage-like motion. Once you are satisfied that your dog is used to brushing, you should aim to do this daily or at least a few times a week.

  5. Dental Chew Toys

    Specially-designed dental chew toys aid oral health in several ways:

  • They encourage your Doggo to chew. This action triggers the production of extra saliva that rinses away any food and bacteria in the mouth.
  • This saliva also fights certain acids produced by plaque.
  • The action of chewing itself scrapes away any plaque and tartar on the teeth.Dental chews can reduce the number of oral bacteria in dogs by 60-70%. However, even the best chew toy will not match the efficacy of regular brushing.

If you don’t know where to start you can get your dog checked by the vet and can get cleaning, scale, and polish done.

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