Brushing Fido's Teeth

Did you know that February is Pet Dental Health Month? Dental issues are very prevalent in our canine pals. Fido can develop many painful problems with his teeth! Having your furry pal’s choppers examined regularly is very important! However, home care matters too. The best thing you can do at home is to brush your dog’s teeth regularly. Easier said than done? Maybe not! A Glen Ellyn, IL vet offers some ‘pointers’ on this below.

S  tart Slow

You’ll need to get Fido used to the process. At first, just gently rub his gums and teeth. Immediately reward him, and tell him he’s a good boy. Over time, you can slowly incorporate his toothpaste and toothbrush.

Choose The Right Products

A trip to the pet store is in order. Only use products that were made specifically for dogs. Human toothbrushes aren’t angled correctly for Fido’s mouth, and our toothpastes aren’t safe for him.

Let Fido Say When

If your furry friend is really squirming, or just isn’t having it, don’t force him to submit. Even sweet pups can bite if they feel threatened! Plus, you’ll just be in for a bigger battle next time. Let Fido decide when enough is enough.

Rotate

You don’t have to do all of Fido’s mouth daily. Just do one quadrant at a time, and keep rotating. This will only take you a minute or two, so it’s easy to work into your schedule. Plus, it will help your pooch come to think of it as part of his daily doggy routine.

Make It Fun

When it comes to getting Fido on board with doggy dental care, it’s important to make sure he forms a positive impression of the process. How do you do that? Offer lots of praise and treats!

Pay Attention

When you are brushing your canine buddy’s choppers, keep an eye out for signs of trouble. This would include things like bad breath, swelling, sensitivity, tartar buildup, excessive drool, and bleeding gums. Contact your vet right away if you notice anything amiss.

Pat Yourself On The Back

If you’re keeping up with Fido’s dental care needs at home, you deserve a big round of applause. This will help keep your pup healthy, and can also help prevent many painful issues.

Do you know or suspect that your dog has dental issues? Contact us, your Glen Ellyn, IL veterinary clinic, anytime!