dental

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth
Advice

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

In case you've already forgotten, February is National Pet Dental Health month.
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In case you've already forgotten, February is National Pet Dental Health month. So somewhere between the romantic getaways and Oscar bashes you're planning this month, be sure to find time to give your pet's chompers some love! I've given you teeth-cleaning tips in the past, but if you're looking for another primer on doggie tooth brushing, you're in luck: Heidi Ganahl, founder of Camp Bow Wow, has some helpful hints. Keep reading and get brushing!

  1. Buy the Right Tools: The first step to brushing your dog’s teeth is finding the right dental equipment. Make sure you purchase a dog toothbrush that is angled and soft. For large breeds, stick to longer toothbrushes so you reach difficult places. A finger brush is easier to use on smaller animals. Remember to never use human toothpaste on dogs because it contains ingredients that can harm Fido’s stomach. There are many dog-friendly toothpaste options that come in fun flavors like peanut butter, beef, or chicken.
  2. It’s All About Timing: It’s important to approach your dog when he is relaxed and in a good mood. Don’t force contact, because the pup will rebel against you.
  3. Positioning: Make sure your dog is comfortable before beginning. Avoid standing above your dog in a threatening way. Instead, get on the same level and sit in front of your pet.
  4. Prep the Gums: Test your dog’s anxiety level and willingness to have his mouth touched. Gently rub your finger on the top row of teeth and gums. You may have to repeat this step a few times before proceeding.

Four more tips after the jump!

I Need Your Help . . . Anesthesia to Clean My Dog's Teeth?
Advice

I Need Your Help . . . Anesthesia to Clean My Dog's Teeth?

Dirty teeth and stinky breath .
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Dirty teeth and stinky breath . . . no thanks! North lets me brush his chompers (since I got him used to it when he was just a pup) so he's never gone in for a professional cleaning. But one furry family needs our help with this matter – I'm calling on you to share experiences with getting your pets' teeth cleaned by a doctor using anesthesia.TeamSugar member, moco is concerned about having her eight-year-old Cocker Spaniel rescue "go under" for this procedure as recommended by the vet. While she understands the necessity of this treatment, her boyfriend is against it because he's worried about their beloved, Lola simply not waking up.

What do you think about this? Please share any advice and thoughts in the comments below.

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Does Your Pet Have Bad Breath?
Poll

Does Your Pet Have Bad Breath?

Guess they don't call it doggie breath for nothing!
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Guess they don't call it doggie breath for nothing! How's your pet smell when he comes in close for a kiss — super stinky or super sweet?

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Dental Swipes: Spoiled Sweet or Spoiled Rotten?
Health

Dental Swipes: Spoiled Sweet or Spoiled Rotten?

It's hard to keep those chompers clean, especially if your pets aren't too fond of the toothbrushing process.
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It's hard to keep those chompers clean, especially if your pets aren't too fond of the toothbrushing process. Now, the concept of these Fast and Fresh Dental Swipes ($16) sounds great . . . kinda like a disinfecting wipe for your pets' teeth. The pre-moistened pads have an all-natural combo of peppermint, parsley, and baking soda to fight plaque and bacteria and promote healthy gums and teeth. But do you think the 50 pads a pack are worth the price . . . or the application process?

Quick Tip: Carrots for Clean Teeth
Food

Quick Tip: Carrots for Clean Teeth

In the spirit of National Pet Dental Health Month, try a different approach to cleaning a pet's teeth – feed him a carrot instead!
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In the spirit of National Pet Dental Health Month, try a different approach to cleaning a pet's teeth – feed him a carrot instead! Although not meant to eliminate the need to get teeth cleaned professionally or do it yourself, a raw carrot can also help scrub away plaque. Who knew?!

North had never tried a carrot so I was excited to test this out. I washed it off and offered it to him. In typical North fashion (with no trepidation), he snatched the yum right out of my hand and brought it to his bed . . . and I followed to observe. He started out licking and nibbling on it before eventually gnawing off small pieces and eating them. I didn't have any full-sized carrots in my fridge so I gave him a baby carrot and he seemed to get the idea that he was supposed to break off pieces but, as with any edible bone or toy, monitor your pet to make sure he's not biting off more than he can chew (or not chewing at all). I think a larger carrot may work better or even a frozen one – I think it was the gnawing that helped his teeth the most! To learn the other benefits, read more

Clean Teeth With a Brush?
Advice

Clean Teeth With a Brush?

Back when North was still a rascally pup, his "gamma" (aka, my mother) sent me a doggie toothbrushing set as a present.
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Back when North was still a rascally pup, his "gamma" (aka, my mother) sent me a doggie toothbrushing set as a present. Before I could get down to the business of snatching him, my phone rang. I had already put the puppy paste on the brush, set it on the coffee table, and came back to a chewed-up toothbrush. Oops. Guess he liked the toothpaste flavor though the brush itself wasn't salvageable. For February's Dental Health month, I've provided some toothbrushing tips, dental chews, and mints for your furry friend, but now I want to get the real scoop from you! For my anonymous poll, I'm curious how often you actually brush your pet's teeth in the traditional manner, in addition to providing all those other options.

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