How to brush your dog’s teeth

Canine dental care does not end with a visit to your veterinarian. You, the pet owner, need to do your part at home.

Brushing your pet’s teeth is an important part of dental care that may be done at home. It breaks down daily deposits of plaque before they form tartar. {{more}}

When introducing your dog to teeth brushing, it should be routinely established. This begins with wrapping gauze or a wash cloth around your finger and use it like a toothbrush. Wipe all the teeth, starting from the gum line to the top of the tooth. This activity should be conducted once or twice daily for two weeks to familiarize the animal to such an activity.

After two weeks using the wash cloth, you may then switch to a toothbrush. This toothbrush should be dipped in warm water, garlic salt or tuna water. Toothpaste should be used after the dog has become familiar to teeth brushing.

Human toothpaste should never be used since it irritates the stomach wall and will eventually facilitate foaming at the mouth or vomiting.

Specially manufactured toothpaste and toothbrushes for dogs are now available in St. Vincent.