You don't need to be a professional to help your pet keep their teeth in good shape! With a little patience, brushing your dog or cat's teeth can be a breeze!
If you are starting with a puppy or kitten, your job will be much easier. An adult dog or cat will be much more reluctant to let you stick your fingers in their mouths. But the first thing you need to do is get your pet used to the idea of fingers near mouth and toothpaste in mouth.
- Pick a time when you are both relaxed. Maybe after a meal, when the pet will be a little less energetic.
- Cuddle the animal on your lap and gently stroke their cheeks with your finger.
- After a few sessions of cheek-stroking, introduce the pet-safe toothpaste. Put a dab on your finger and let them sniff and/or taste it. Pick a flavor that you think will be pleasing to your pet.
You can use a brush, your bare finger, or any number of tooth-cleaning apparatus. But please don't jam it right into your pet's mouth. Start with just the easily accessible teeth, and gradually increase the cleaning area. If you or your pet start to get agitated, it's time to stop for the day.
You want tooth brushing to be a positive experience, something your pet looks forward to as bonding time! Praise them for good behavior as you go, and give them a special treat afterwards. The more pleasant it is for your pet, the easier it will be for you!
Keep in mind that a large portion of everyday cleaning is done by chewing -- gnawing on a rawhide, worrying a stuffed toy or rope, or crunching on biscuits and kibbles. All of these chewing activities help keep your dog or cat's teeth clean and healthy, but you can ensure even better oral health by brushing your pet's teeth twice a week.
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