Should I Brush My Dog's Teeth?

Believe it or not, brushing your dog's teeth should be just as much of a priority each day as brushing your own. That may sound a little excessive, but the majority of veterinarians agree that brushing a dog's teeth is vitally important. Unfortunately, most pet owners lack the time or patience to attend to their pets choppers.

A dog's teeth are highly prone to tarter build up which can only partly be controlled by chewable treats such as Greenies or some dog biscuits. Without regular brushing, this tarter begins to build up and harden, forming a gap between the teeth and gums. This gap then becomes a home for bacteria to thrive and eventually leads to irreversible damage. This can be extremely painful to a dog and become a constant source of infection. That means more trips to a vet and more out-of-pocket expenses.

Dogs with short snouts such as pekingese or pugs are more prone to these dental problems than other breeds because their teeth naturally tend to crowd together and form pockets where food particles can get stuck. It is important to help you dog get rid of these food particles and keep gum disease at bay. Also, regular brushing will keep your pooch from having such atrocious breath when it comes around wanting some attention. Most vets recommend brushing daily if it is possible, but at least three times a week should be the minimum.

Most pet owners mistakenly use regular toothpaste when they do clean their dog's teeth. Human toothpaste is pretty abrasive and harsh for dogs. There is specially formulated toothpastes made specifically for dogs that should be used instead. The toothpastes come in canine friendly flavors such as peanut butter, liver, chicken, etc. When a dog swallows human toothpaste, it can irritate the stomach lining and also cause them to vomit.

I don't know if I have the patience to brush my dog's teeth every day, but I will do what I can each week to help his grill stay healthy. Just don't ask me to start flossing!