Brushing a Dog's Teeth: A Video Tutorial
By Norah Casey
Brushing a dog's teeth: Not just for bad breath
Just as in humans, gum and dental disease in canines can result in very serious complications. The risk of cardiovascular problems, such as stroke, increase when a dog's teeth are not properly cared for. Most dogs do well with chew toys, such as ropes, along with the occasional dental treat. Unfortunately, some dogs like Mellie, my 2-year-old Australian Shepherd, have congenital dental issues that require special attention.
In addition to brushing Mellie's teeth with dog specific products on a regular basis, we give her veterinarian-prescribed chewies, limit her intake of peanut butter and other high-fat treats, and have her teeth scaled annually. The ASPCA's website has a great list of symptoms for various doggie dental conditions. Be sure to take a peek in your dog's mouth once in a while to see if he or she needs a little extra dental care.
Comments
The fact that I can watch this video at work with no sound and still understand (and laugh at) it is just awesome.
Funny, informative Hub!!
AliciaC:
Thank you very much:)
I believe it! Mellie didn't enjoy having her teeth brushed for a long time. This most recent toothpaste seemed to do the trick, but her doggie friends seem to find it revolting, so I decided against recommending it in this Hub.
Camille:
I'm glad you liked it! I was channeling artsy silent films (and My Blue Heaven).
What a good dog Mellie is! I remember when our dog Maggie was a puppy we played with her mouth a lot so we could brush her teeth later. It really helps when your dog allows you to touch their teeth. Great video!
Thanks, Robin!
It is much easier to get a dog used to having their mouth inspected if you start at a very young age, but I have managed to get an adult dog used to this process as well. Of course, I would never attempt to brush a food-aggressive dog's teeth.
Thanks for stopping by!
I love the method you used to slowly acclimate her to the process. In no time, you'll have her inhaling nitrous and consenting to root canal! ;)
@livelonger Haha, if only I could get her to stop exploring trash cans at work! :)
Although I don't have a dog anymore, I do think it's great that you published a hub like this. I remember before I had to put Itchy to sleep, one of the main problems that he had was his teeth being such bad shape, as the veterinarian told me the cancer bumps on his chest were probably a direct result of it. Sadly, I didn't know about how important it was to keep up with a dog's dental hygiene until he was around fifteen to sixteen years old, as I raised him since he was one. I think I was still in elementary school when I got him as a puppy, so I didn't know much about dental hygiene when it came to dogs, and my father and mother never told me either.
In a way, I wish someone would've told me about it when I was younger, as he might have still been alive for at least another few years. It's kind of sad looking back on it now, as we grew up together. However, I hope this hub helps encourages more dog owners to take care of their dog's dental hygiene.
Stevennix2001:
I remember hearing about Itchy. I'm sorry for your loss. :(
I know how you feel. I had never even heard the term "hip dysplasia" until my first dog, Erin, died from complications resulting from the condition. Now that I know about it, I often think about everything I did wrong with her and how her life could have been longer and more fulfilled had I known the right way to take care of her. But I was just a kid, as you were, and my parents also didn't know any better.
If you do decide to get another dog, I'm sure that you will put the lessons Itchy taught you to good use.
Best. Video. Ever.
I love the shot of Mellie lying on her back in the office.
@Maddie Thanks! I had to take it over my shoulder like I was some sort of secret agent. She kept flipping over if I turned to face her :)
AliciaC 7 months ago
This is a useful hub! Your video reminds me so much of my tooth brushing sessions with my dog. Misha doesn't enjoy his teeth being cleaned, but I do it because it's so important for his health.