Chewing can help the soreness that goes with teething so give your dog a chewing bone or toy as a reliever when the puppy tries to chew on your fingers.Provide your pet with an assortment of toys that are an appropriate size to help maintain your dog’s interest. Chewing on things, such as sticks, the furniture and golf balls, may be good exercise for his gums, but is not very healthy, especially if he were to swallow the wrong thing. Or, in the case of the furniture, just chewing on it is not a good way to endear himself to you. Chewing on bones can help to keep the teeth clean and massage the gums. Raw bones are less likely to splinter than cooked ones, but there is a possibility that they may harbour salmonella bacteria.
Start by getting your pet used to having their mouth opened. Allow them to taste pet toothpaste – most will eat it quite happily from the toothbrush. Regular human paste is not good. Toothpaste designed specifically for pets does not contain soap, so it won’t foam up, and it can be swallowed safely. Toothpastes configured for people can upset your dog’s stomach. Pet toothpastes may contain several different specialised active ingredients.
Start brushing your dog’s teeth while they are still a puppy and you will find it much easier to perform the job as they age. Begin slowly, using a cloth or piece of gauze to wipe the teeth, front and back in the same fashion you will eventually be using with the toothbrush. Do this twice daily for about a fortnight and your dog should be familiar with the approach.
Dental care for dogs is a rapidly expanding field of medicine, but is a new concept for many dog owners and potential dog owners. However, many of us have the hope to give our pets long, healthy lives, and this is an useful way to contribute to that ideal.
Tartar build-up can be removed from teeth by rubbing with a solution of not more than three percent hydrogen peroxide. Advanced build-up requires scraping with dental instruments. (Don’t try this yourself at home) Tartar can only be removed from a dog’s teeth if it is taken care of from the moment the dog is still a puppy. This is actually managed by not allowing tartar to form at all on his teeth.
Plaque begins to develop within hours after brushing. Within about three days, plaque is converted into tartar.
Plaque Prevention – Your local veterinarian surgery can instruct you on using or applying a dental sealant. The sealant forms a clear barrier over the teeth that prevents plaque from forming. Plaque doesn’t restrict itself to older dog. There are dental devices available for dogs to chew on to help remove plaque and now some dog foods contain an ingredient which helps to remove plaque/tartar.
Brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis will also help to alleviate bacteria, tartar build-up and dental disease in your dog. A natural oral care gel or oral care spray is suggested, thereby permitting the safe and healthy removal of tartar from your pet’s teeth. Brush one or two teeth at once as well as the gum in that area, for about a dozen to and fro motions, then go on to the adjacent teeth. Brushing a dog’s teeth is never easy but, depending on your dog and it’s diet, it may be really necessary. So, first consider what you are feeding your dog.
Tooth brushing is best but if the dog won’t allow you to brush it’s teeth then giving it something to chew that rubs on the sides of the teeth is useful.
Although dogs do not usually get cavities in their teeth, tooth problems result from soft foods that can leave debris in gum pockets at the base of the teeth, known as gingivitis.
