Brushing Your Dog's Teeth Made Easy

Guest columnist Wendy Nan Rees offers tips on brushing your dog's teeth made easy.

We've talked before about the health benefits of brushing your dog's teeth. Now, let's discuss the best methods for tooth cleaning, as well as ways to accustom your dog to this procedure. We'll even cover a few of my favorite products.

Dental calculus is a very hard substance and, as such, is difficult to remove. When dealing with dental disease in dogs it is even more problematic since it is difficult to get your pet to sit still for extended periods of time. For this reason, anesthesia has traditionally been used for teeth cleaning to combat dental disease in dogs. However, the use of injectable or gaseous anesthesia may be dangerous, and, in some cases, can lead to coma or even death. Understandably, many pet owners are hesitant to allow the dog that they love so dearly to be placed under anesthesia and face the possibility of imminent death.

Unfortunately, by neglecting the dental health care of their dog, owners are inadvertently shortening the lifespan of the pet they love and are trying to protect. In recent years, anesthesia-free sprays and gels have become a viable alternative for pet owners who are wary of allowing their dog to be placed under anesthesia. Sprays and gels are a safe, inexpensive and convenient alternative, as they can be administered by the owner at home.

There are several things to consider when attempting preventing dental disease in dogs. Food is the first thing to take into consideration. There is some controversy as to whether or not hard dog foods can act as an abrasive and remove already existing tartar. At the very least, dogs who eat hard foods are less prone to dental disease than those who eat soft, moist, canned or table foods. Hard foods are less likely to adhere to the teeth and lodge beneath the gums, causing tartar buildup to develop at a less rapid rate than softer foods. Rawhide or milk bones are preferable for the same reason.

Here are some helpful tips to help you get started on brushing and your dog's teeth. Make sure that you never make this a chore, this should be a fun and bonding time!

• The first thing you need to do is get your dog used to letting you put your finger in his mouth. Dip your finger in a little peanut butter and once your dog has licked it off, take the opportunity to run your finger around the inside of his mouth. This will gradually accustom him to the basic procedure. Once your dog accepts your finger, you can progress to wrapping it in a thin layer of gauze before you begin his gum massage. This will also remove some food and debris, so you're already moving in the right direction.
• Now it's time to select a doggie toothpaste to use. Human toothpaste can upset your dog's tummy, and most dogs don't like the taste. Dog dental products come in several tempting flavors.
• We're in the home stretch, and now you can progress to a canine toothbrush. Generally speaking, the smallest and therefore least invasive brush style will be the easiest for converting your dog.

• Petrodex® Finger Toothbrush Gloves: I just love these!
• Petrodex® Dental Rinse: This will freshen breath and help keep teeth clean.
• Breath-Eze®: I like these mints and give them to my dogs all the time.
• I also use fresh parsley and charcoal all the time to help with breath and aid in digestion. Remember, bad breath can come from the gut.

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