How to brush your Frenchies Teeth

 

Step 1 - Select an appropriate time

Find a quiet, convenient time when you and your dog are both relaxed.

 

Step 2 - Acquaint your dog with the process.

For the first few sessions don't even use a toothbrush.  Hold your dog the same as when you are cuddling her.  Gently stroke the outside of her cheeks with your finger.  After she becomes comfortable with that, place a dab of  toothpaste on your finger and let her taste it.  We suggest starting with C.E.T.  flavored toothpaste, because pets like the taste.

 

Step 3 - Introduce the Toothbrush

Place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush.  In a slow circular motion, brush one or two teeth and the adjoining gumline.  The purpose of this step is to get your dog accustomed to the feel of the brush.

Step 4 - Begin Brushing

Over the next several days, gradually increase the number of teeth brushed.  It is important to eventually brush the rear teeth where plaque and tartar have a greater tendency to accumulate.  Go slowly and gently.. and pull open the cheek with your fingers to reach the back areas.  Stop brushing when you decide to stop, before your dog begins to fuss.  If she learns to dislike the procedure and finds out that more fussing makes you stop quicker, then this brushing business is going to get harder, not easier.

Build up to about 30 seconds per side.  Dogs don't get much tartar on the inside surfaces of their teeth, so you only need to worry about the outside surfaces   Be sure to brush the big teeth way in back. 

Make tooth brushing a pleasurable experience

Proceed slowly and gently.  Stop each session while it is still fun and   lavishly praise your dog  afterwards.  She will soon start looking forward to tooth brushing and it will become a pleasant activity for both of you. 

          Dog Dental Facts

  • Puppies have 28 temporary teeth that erupt at about three to four weeks of age. They have 42 permanent teeth that begin to emerge at about four months of age.

  • Puppies should lose a puppy tooth before the corresponding adult tooth emerges. If a puppy tooth is still in place when an adult tooth begins to show, see your veterinarian so the dog's occlusion is not affected.

  • Studies show that by age three, 80 percent of dogs exhibit signs of gum disease. Symptoms include yellow and brown build-up of tartar along the gumline, red inflamed gums, and persistent

  • bad breath.

  • Small dog breeds and dogs that have beards are more likely to develop periodontal disease than large dogs because the teeth of small dogs are often too large for their mouths, according to veterinary dentistry experts.

  • The canine teeth of working dogs are essential to allowing the dogs to carry prey and other objects. If these teeth become broken, a canine dentist can perform endodontic procedures, such as root canals and metal crown preparation. Veterinarians with special training have treatments available to preserve teeth that previously would have been extracted.

  • A broken tooth is a common problem, especially among outdoor dogs. Aggressive chewing on hard objects, such as cow hooves, is a primary cause, according to veterinary dental experts.

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