How You Can Clean Your Dog’s Teeth If They Hate Brushing

For humans, brushing our teeth is an essential part of our daily routine because good oral hygiene keeps our pearly whites healthy and free from diseases. The same goes for our beloved four-legged friends. However, even though it is advised for parents of fur babies to keep their dogs’ teeth clean, not everyone follows through. After all, it can be quite a difficult task to do even once, let alone regularly.

Dogs who aren’t used to having their teeth clean can put up a fight. If they’re not into it, the act of brushing could take a chunk of the parents’ time and energy. Some owners assume that dog biscuits will be enough to remove any built-up plaque and dirt. However, that’s not necessarily true. What you can do, though, is slowly train your dog to accept and enjoy having their teeth cleaned.

Before we dive right into the tips on how to clean your dog’s teeth, here’s a reminder from your local pet shop that you need to have your fur baby's teeth checked by a veterinarian at least once a year before you begin your home-based dental routine. After all, you wouldn’t want to prod on any broken teeth, or else your dog will retaliate after they feel the pain.

Ditch the Toothbrush and Use Gauze

When you’re just starting, don’t head straight for the toothbrush. Instead, for the first couple of days, let your dog get used to having a finger in their mouth. What you can do is lift your dog’s lip and praise them for letting you do it. Avoid doing this when your dog has just finished eating or is sleeping. You should do this training when you have some treats on hand and your dog is relaxed. Do this activity around two to three times daily.

You should never scold your dog if they don’t want to cooperate with you. After all, when it comes to training pets, positive reinforcement is always the best method to help them learn. You need to make your dog feel that getting their teeth cleaned is a rewarding experience.

Once your dog gets used to having a finger in their mouth, you can transition to a dry gauze. Follow the previous pattern with the fingers. Find the right time to do dental training, praise them for cooperating with you, and then gradually clean your dog’s teeth. By the time your four-legged buddy has gotten used to it, you can dampen the gauze with warm water and complete the whole routine again.

When your dog has gotten used to the damp gauze, you can use a dog-friendly toothpaste instead of warm water. Be patient throughout this process since you are training your dog to get accustomed to teeth brushing. Another alternative would be to use dental wipes that you can purchase from your local pet shop. Follow the same pattern and see how your dog slowly adjusts to these new changes.

Use Dental Treats

Some dogs aren’t that cooperative when their parents try to get close to their teeth. However, it is crucial to get rid of the tartar and plaque at all costs. If they’re uncomfortable with the gauze or dental wipes method, then you can resort to dental treats specifically made to improve a furball’s oral hygiene. Visit your local pet shop to see what they have to offer.

Transition to a Toothbrush

On the flip side, if your dog has gotten used to the sensation of getting their teeth cleaned using gauze, you can begin transitioning to a toothbrush. To make it easier for you and your dog, begin by brushing one side of their mouth during the day and the other side at night. Make sure to shower your four-legged buddy with lots of praises and rewards for a job well done.

Conclusion

Brushing your dog’s teeth is a process that requires patience and cooperation from the pet parent and the pet. If you would like more tips on how to clean a fur baby's teeth, then consult an experienced dog groomer in Fremont.

Earthwise Pet Fremont specializes in dog grooming and nutrition. We also sell a wide range of products for your beloved furball. For inquiries, contact us today.