Don't Brush Off Importance Of Keeping Your Pet's Teeth Clean

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By Veterinarian Jeff Kahler for the McClatchy Newspapers

Do you brush your dog's teeth? I suspect not. Brushing your dog's teeth or, for that matter, your cat's teeth is good preventative care. Many of you have had your pet's teeth cleaned and have realized that the work to repair them can be extensive and expensive. Why not prevent potential problems?

Donna from Windsor, California, is looking for guidelines to get started with Skip, her Yorkshire terrier. Donna has done her research and knows Yorkies are prone to dental disease. She wants to take the offensive and start Skip early on the brushing habit. So far, Skip has not been receptive.

We've all heard the saying that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks," and while this isn't true, it is easier to teach dogs when they're young. I liken a young dog to a piece of clay ready to be molded. As it ages, the clay becomes less and less pliable.

When teaching a dog to accept tooth brushing, I recommend staging. The first stage involves the introduction of your index finger along the teeth and gum margins of the mouth between the cheek and the teeth and moving your finger in and out. This should be done daily for four days or so.

The next stage involves the introduction of toothpaste onto your index finger and then performing the brushing strokes. Get toothpaste formulated and flavored for your dog. Poultry flavor works well. These pastes are available through your veterinarian and possibly in pet-supply stores. The final two stages involve the introduction of the toothbrush and then the toothbrush with the toothpaste.

The key is to make brushing part of a routine.

In the case of an older dog, I will sometimes use bribery. The type of bribery depends on what your dog enjoys. Maybe it's a walk right after brushing or perhaps some type of treat. There are dental treats available that, when given after brushing, will not defeat the purpose of brushing in the first place.

So, have at it, Donna, and I guarantee you your efforts will improve not only Skip's dental health, but also his overall quality of life, especially down the road a few years.