One crucial aspect of puppy care is looking after their teeth. This post will explore how to care for your puppy's teeth and establish a teeth-cleaning routine to ensure your furry friend maintains a healthy and radiant smile.
While your puppy's baby teeth will eventually fall out to make room for their adult teeth, you can gently brush them as early as 6 weeks old. This early introduction helps them get accustomed to toothbrushes and creates a foundation for at-home dental care and professional cleanings as they grow older. We call this process "toothbrush training."
When shopping for your puppy's first toothbrush, consider dental kits that typically include a standard brush, a finger brush, and a tube of toothpaste. These kits offer multiple options, allowing you to experiment and find the toothbrush that your puppy prefers. We recommend starting with the finger brush, as teething puppies often favor it. The handle of a standard brush may be viewed as a chew toy, so it's better suited for slightly older puppies.
Establishing a teeth-cleaning routine for your puppy should gradually be filled with praise and rewards. Over time, your puppy might become enthusiastic about toothbrushing; some may even fetch their toothbrush for you! Follow these steps to clean your puppy's teeth for the first time:
The goal is to brush your puppy's teeth every day, but even doing so 3-4 times a week will significantly contribute to maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing bacterial buildup.
Apart from regular teeth brushing, there are other steps you can take to ensure your puppy's teeth and mouth stay healthy. Consider using water additives in your dog's water bowl daily to prevent bacteria buildup. Numerous options are available, so you can find the one that suits your pup best. Furthermore, you can explore natural remedies to combat lousy dog breath and maintain your puppy's oral hygiene, ensuring pleasant snuggle time filled with kisses.
Most puppies will have all their adult teeth by six months of age. We recommend scheduling your dog's first complete dental cleaning between 1 and 2 years old. Smaller breeds, such as Yorkies, are more susceptible to dental issues, so starting professional dental cleanings is crucial by the time they turn 2.
Fortunately, most dogs are ideal candidates for non-anesthetic dental cleanings, eliminating the need for sedatives, especially if you establish a dental care routine early in their life.