Title: Your Dog's Dental Health & Teeth Brushing
Author: Miss Debra Rae
Your dog's dental care is an important part of a healthy and
longer life. If your dog isn't a rawhide bone chewer, eats a lot
of soft food or just has tarter buildup, brushing your dog's
teeth is probably a good idea. It's been shown that an unhealthy
mouth can lead to other physical problems and brushing your
dog's teeth is simply a training process.
If you're dog doesn't chew regularly on carrots or other teeth
cleaning treats and toys, then the nasty tarter and gingivitis
demons are moving in. Then there's gum disease, tooth loss, pain
and really raunchy breath. It's all ugly.
Buy your dog a tooth brush (the finger kind is easiest) with
flavored doggie toothpaste. Don't use human paste... These will
only create mouth and gum problems and could make your dog
really sick.
To begin the training, just sit with your dog and gently rub
their outside cheeks with your finger for a few seconds or
minutes depending on how your dog responds. It's best to do this
when your dog is relaxed and more likely to have little
objection. Have these rubbing sessions 2, 3, or 4 times. Every
dog is different. Dalai Lama dog only needs 2 or 3 rubbing
sessions and hurricane, frantic or anxious dog needs 5, 6 or 7
sessions. Whatever it is, it's fine. Be sure to praise your dog
after they have allowed this rubbing session whether it's lasted
3 seconds or 3 minutes. .
Once your dog is comfortable with the outside lip rubbing, put
a little doggie toothpaste on your finger and let them take a
taste. Usually they like it. Fortunately, you've purchased the
flavored paste because you're an informed human. Once your dog
has lapped up the toothpaste, praise them for a job well done.
Lots of petting and positive reinforcement is how training
works.
Your next session will be with the toothbrush and toothpaste
together. Put a little dog toothpaste on the toothbrush and
gently rub 1-2 teeth in a very slow circular motion (be sure to
include the gum area). Be very gentle. Remember this is new and
you're still in training. Be sure to praise again with lots of
positive reinforcement. Continue to brush daily adding 1-2 teeth
each session.
It's very important to pay close attention to your dogs energy
while tooth brush training. Stop the brushing session before
your dog starts to squirm. This prevents an aversion to the
training. Always remember after each session, no matter how
long, to praise your dog for doing what you've asked of them.
Over the next several days, continue your training sessions,
praising all the time and before you know it, you're brushing
all your dog's teeth. Brush for about 30 seconds on each side.
You only need to brush the outside of the teeth because dog
tarter does not flourish on inside teeth.
Remember to praise and to use positive reinforcement every time
you brush your dog's teeth. Even after the training is complete
and your dog is a superstar at teeth brushing time. Your dog
lives to please you and a loving pat on their head, a chest or
belly rub along with a "good boy/goodgirl" brings a smile to
their furry canine face.
Good dental hygiene for your dog has been shown to help prolong
life and can reduce your Veterinary bills. If you have questions
regarding your dog's dental health, talk with your Veterinarian
or Veterinary Technician.
About The Author: Miss Rae has been a poet & writer since
college at UW, class of 1996. Click on over to her site for all
your dog's needs from training programs to nutrition to choosing
a vet, dental health and books galore. Visit
http://www.goodpoop
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