Brushing Dogs Teeth

Here is a fun and comfortable way to do it.

It is estimated canine gum disease affects 80 percent of dogs by the time they are 3 years old.

Unless you are feeding your dogs raw food including bones to keep their gums and pearly whites in good shape, brushing dogs teeth is a must!

Even if you do feed raw bones, your dog should be comfortable with your fingers in his or her mouth so you can do an inspection.

If you are interested in switching to a canine raw food diet, I recommend the book "Going Rawr" to your right.

How to Brush Dog Teeth

Sit on the floor with your dog on his back. Wrap your legs around his body with his head in your lap.

Hold the lip out with one hand while brushing with the other. Don't try to look, just brush those teeth. Brushing the gums is important too, so they stay pink and healthy.

Give your dog a belly rub afterward as a reward to be sure he remembers it as a positive experience and hopefully look forward to it the next time. Be consistent.

Use whatever dog toothbrush is most comfortable for you and your dog. Whether you use a finger brush or a regular doggie toothbrush, use pet appropriate toothpaste. If your dog is uncomfortable with you putting a toothbrush in his or her mouth, wrap your finger in cheesecloth or bandage gauze and massage the teeth and gums with that.

Brushing Puppy Teeth

Puppy teeth can be pretty sharp but there is no need to clean them on the inside. For our young canines the importance lies in getting them use to having your fingers in their mouths.

Wrap your finger with cheesecloth or bandage gauze and massage the teeth and gums on the outside area closest to his lips.

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When my dog Bonz was a puppy, his teeth and gums were massaged by human fingers. Although I rarely need to look at his teeth, he remembers.

If I touch the side of his muzzle and say, "Show me your teethies" he raises his lips. It looks kind of menacing which is probably why its so darn funny.

Here's a picture of Bonz and his 10 1/2 year old teeth. Naturally, after I bragged about how easy it was to get himto show me his teeth without touching him, he wouldn't. Here my daughter assists him in showing off his pearly whites.

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