You think you have done your best in taking care of your Puggle dog? You might have created a checklist of the things your pet needs in order to grow as healthy and trained dog. Nutritious foods, daily exercise, vaccines and good shelter are some of the things you have already checked in your list. But have you ever thought that brushing or dental care should be included in the list?
Brushing your dog’s teeth is not impossible. In fact it should be done regularly to prevent teeth and mouth problems and to maintain the general condition of your dog’s mouth and other related organs.
In order to make brushing easy and enjoyable, it helps if you know the proper techniques apart from gathering everything that is needed. Veterinarians recommend that dog owners must brush their dog’s teeth at least every other day. This is to prevent plaque and build up of tartar. If plaque is not removed, tartar is formed. Tartar is irritating to the gums and causes an inflammation called gingivitis. Tartar also causes bad breath. Disease such as periodontal disease and other teeth and mouth related diseases might be avoided if proper brushing and cleaning of your dog’s teeth is done.
First step in brushing your Puggle dog’s teeth is to have him get used to you putting things in his mouth, especially with cleaning items such as toothbrush, dental sponge or pad. In choosing your dog’s toothpaste, remember that dogs and humans have different sense of taste. Dogs don’t like tingly and minty taste of human toothpaste and toothpastes designed for people may upset your dog’s stomach. So make sure to get specifically made toothpaste as well as toothbrush for dogs. Once your dog is used with the cleaning items you are going to use, brush your dog’s teeth which are easy for you to get at. Then slowly increase the number of teeth you are brushing. As much as possible, make brushing appear to be enjoyable and always remember to praise your dog at the end.
Apart from regular dental care at home, it is also important to have your veterinarian examine your dog. A thorough dental exam can identify potential mouth problems such as plaque and tartar build-up, gingivitis, periodontal disease and fractured or abscessed teeth. Once it has been found out that your dog’s teeth have tartar, your veterinarian needs to remove it and polish the teeth.
Brushing is not just an only way of cleaning your dog’s teeth. Veterinary dentists suggest that giving your dog hard kibbles and toys such as rope toys or rawhide chips will prevent plaque from accumulating on the teeth.
All types of teeth and gum diseases can lead to serious health problems to your Puggle dogs. Therefore, as dog owner, you have to look out for your dog’s teeth and gums to prevent your beloved pet from damaging his dazzling smile.