Why Brush Fido's Teeth?

[Janie Lerner]

For my complete article go to:   Why Brush Fido's Teeth

How important brushing your dog’s teeth?  It sounds ridiculous, but is it really?  You can’t imagine how many people ask groomers to brush their dogs’ teeth.  People typically have their dogs groomed once every four to eight weeks depending on the breed.  Grooming establishments frequently offer this service for an additional fee.  Now think for a moment.  Would you ever dream of brushing your teeth once every four to eight weeks?  What do you think would happen to your teeth?  It takes only a few days of neglect for plaque and tartar to develop for people and dogs as well.  If your think that crunchy food and treats would suffice, then think again.  That’s like saying that when we chew on crunchy food and snacks there would be no need to brush our teeth.  Some dogs just have great teeth that keep clean without intervention, but for the majority of dogs that is not the case.  The following video show you how to brush your dog’s teeth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHR6FpmkWOY

How important brushing your dog’s teeth?  It sounds ridiculous, but is it really?  You can’t imagine how many people ask groomers to brush their dogs’ teeth.  People typically have their dogs groomed once every four to eight weeks depending on the breed.  Grooming establishments frequently offer this service for an additional fee.  Now think for a moment.  Would you ever dream of brushing your teeth once every four to eight weeks?  What do you think would happen to your teeth?  It takes only a few days of neglect for plaque and tartar to develop for people and dogs as well.  If your think that crunchy food and treats would suffice, then think again.  That’s like saying that when we chew on crunchy food and snacks there would be no need to brush our teeth.  Some dogs just have great teeth that keep clean without intervention, but for the majority of dogs that is not the case.  The following video show you how to brush your dog’s teeth.

The most common disease amongst dogs is gum disease.  Gum begins when plaque accumulates on the teeth.  Plaque is the substance that makes your teeth feel like they are wearing sweaters.  Daily brushing removes the majority of plaque (depending upon the diligence of the person brushing.)  Remember, in only a few days when plaque begins to  harden and tartar forms.  The scene is being set for problems to develop. As the condition progresses, a professional dental cleaning will be the only way to remove the buildup.  Dental cleaning are usually a big expense.

Some bones and toys provide a great amount of mechanical action which helps to prevent and remove some plaque.  Although these products help, brushing is more productive.  You might wonder why brushing is still so important.  Most of us have a hand preference.  Some of us write using the right hand while others are lefties.  Many of us have a similar preference in such tasks as kicking a ball, looking through a camera lens, and chewing.  Imagine yourself chewing gum.  Do you favor one side versus the other?  Likewise, when dogs chew on toys and bones, one side is sometimes cleaner that the other.  By brushing, you can cover both sides.