Do you brush your dogs teeth? I have to admit, I have NEVER brushed Lucy’s. I know, I am a bad mommy. In my defense, I only recently found out I was supposed to AND getting Lucy to cooperate is like trying to wrestle a noodle–a very, very energetic noodle.
I know I have to start, though. I totally get that dogs get plaque build-up which leads to health issues down the road, etc., etc. After a little research, I found out that while dog breath isn’t supposed to smell like fresh baked bread, it shouldn’t smell super foul either.
Apparently, really bad breath can be an indication of health problems, including oral diseases.
tooth-brushing kit, designed specifically for dogs. It comes complete with flavored toothpaste: peanut, chicken, beef, you name it {gag!}. Whatever you do, don’t opt for minty human toothpaste, it has ingredients that can ruin their enamel and cause an upset stomach. It’s best to start when they are a puppy {oops} to get them used to the process.
The first time, allow them to lick the toothpaste off of the brush. It lets them know, “Hey, there is a treat on the end of that white stick.” It builds a little trust and excitement, so that when you push it into their mouth, it doesn’t totally tick them off. There’s no need to go gangbusters on their chompers, a nice soft brushing at least once a week will do the trick. {For the record, this may be a two person job at first. One to hold Fido down, the other to brush.}
Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle and brush only below the gum line. The first few times are more about getting the dog used to it, than doing any actual cleaning. Offering a treat afterwards will help to soften the blow.
In between brushings, chews and chew toys are awesome for keeping dogs mouths clean. Just make sure to throw them away if pieces start to crack or fall off of the chew thing.
Looks like I will be getting down and dirty with Lucy here in the very near future. So, do tell, how do you brush your dog’s teeth? Does s/he fight it? Whew, there’s a lot more to this pet owning business than I first thought!
~Mavis
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Comments
We don't brush our dogs teeth, never have. We give them smoked ... by Gwenn
I don't brush my dog's teeth, and I felt very guilty until my ... by Darla
She is soooo cute. There are times I hit your blog just for ... by Cheryl
My boxer has been getting her teeth brushed since she was a ... by Sakura
Hi Mavis! I have the Nylabone toothpaste you have pictured in ... by Lacy
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