Dental Care for the Dog
Does the breath of your pooch make you gag? Dogs are not only viewed as pets but most are considered as family members. Notice how a dog lover would constantly touch the pet. Dogs are often seen being hugged and kissed by their owners. Dogs live and even sleep with the family thus it would not be any wonder if dog owners would ensure the pet's health with regular grooming.
While dogs are regularly bathed and brushed, not many dog owners would take the trouble to clean the dog's teeth. Dental care is as important as any other grooming routine but this task is often neglected. Bathing, ear cleaning and even nail trimming are usually tolerated by dogs. Dogs love the attention they get when the coat is brushed. Dogs though would draw the line at tooth brushing given that these animals would not appreciate having the mouth and teeth violated.
Not many dog owners are aware that dental care is vitally important to dogs than to humans as their saliva does not produce the enzyme that prevents food from sticking into the teeth. This condition promotes the buildup of plaque and tartar when the dog's teeth are not brushed. Although dogs do not get cavities, these four legged friends can have bad breath because of the tartar and plaque. Dogs unlike humans cannot use dentures thus ensuring that the pet receives proper dental care is one of the responsibilities of a dog owner.
Dental health concerns that would require canine dentist visits can be avoided if the dog teeth is cleaned at least twice a week. Regular grooming of the dog's teeth would not only remove the dog's bad breath but most importantly, periodontal diseases that can lead to heart concerns can be prevented. Although dog owners are aware of the health benefits dogs can get from regular dental care, most would not dare do the grooming routine lest the hands would get nipped by the dog's teeth.
Dogs though apart from being intelligent have the inherent desire to please the master. Dogs are trained to like tooth brushing especially if treats are given as rewards. Training can be started by getting the dog accustomed to being touched in the mouth. Take advantage of the fact that dogs are food motivated. Gain the dog's interest by placing a dab of peanut butter on the tip of the toothbrush. Allow the dog to lick the treat so that it would get use to the feel of the toothbrush on its mouth. Substitute the peanut butter with chicken, beef or malt flavored doggie toothpaste. Enticed by the promise of a treat, the dog will no longer put up a struggle when the teeth is brushed.
While dogs are regularly bathed and brushed, not many dog owners would take the trouble to clean the dog's teeth. Dental care is as important as any other grooming routine but this task is often neglected. Bathing, ear cleaning and even nail trimming are usually tolerated by dogs. Dogs love the attention they get when the coat is brushed. Dogs though would draw the line at tooth brushing given that these animals would not appreciate having the mouth and teeth violated.
Not many dog owners are aware that dental care is vitally important to dogs than to humans as their saliva does not produce the enzyme that prevents food from sticking into the teeth. This condition promotes the buildup of plaque and tartar when the dog's teeth are not brushed. Although dogs do not get cavities, these four legged friends can have bad breath because of the tartar and plaque. Dogs unlike humans cannot use dentures thus ensuring that the pet receives proper dental care is one of the responsibilities of a dog owner.
Dental health concerns that would require canine dentist visits can be avoided if the dog teeth is cleaned at least twice a week. Regular grooming of the dog's teeth would not only remove the dog's bad breath but most importantly, periodontal diseases that can lead to heart concerns can be prevented. Although dog owners are aware of the health benefits dogs can get from regular dental care, most would not dare do the grooming routine lest the hands would get nipped by the dog's teeth.
Dogs though apart from being intelligent have the inherent desire to please the master. Dogs are trained to like tooth brushing especially if treats are given as rewards. Training can be started by getting the dog accustomed to being touched in the mouth. Take advantage of the fact that dogs are food motivated. Gain the dog's interest by placing a dab of peanut butter on the tip of the toothbrush. Allow the dog to lick the treat so that it would get use to the feel of the toothbrush on its mouth. Substitute the peanut butter with chicken, beef or malt flavored doggie toothpaste. Enticed by the promise of a treat, the dog will no longer put up a struggle when the teeth is brushed.
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