Stress-Free Toothcare-Time: Top Tips on Dental Hygiene Training & Teeth Brushing

Just like people, good dental hygiene is as essential for pets. Even though their baby teeth will fall out to make way for adult teeth, you can start using Plaque K9 after 8 weeks or try to brush them.

As always we have a playful way for your pup to have good oral hygiene. If teeth cleaning your pup daily doesn't sound like something you can commit to checking out our 2nd solution down below.

Take this step-by-step protocol on handling, never force your pup, keep the play fun toss a treat away and make sure your dog comes back to play more. Start with 3 to 5 repetitions with step one and build up to the other step. Continue to play all steps regularly.

Step 1. Cup your dog’s lower jaw in one hand.

Step 2. Cup the top of their muzzle/bridge of the nose with your hands also covering their eyes.

Step 3. With the hand that is on top of your dog’s muzzle, use your fingers to gently pull their lips up so that you can examine their teeth.  Do this on both the left and right sides, ideally until you’re able to see all of their teeth.

Step 4. Give them frequent breaks and praise and start again at Step 1 until they’re comfortable going to the next step.

Step 5… using the hand that has been cupping your dog’s jaw, grab a toothbrush, and begin brushing your dog’s teeth!

Level up

Toothbrush Targeting empowers your dog and gives them control over how close they are to the toothbrush. You’ll be using a bit of pressure release with this exercise, which (those of you who are Absolute Dogs fans) you’ll remember from games like ‘Middle with Pressure Releases’!

Much like hand targeting, you will present the toothbrush and reward your dog for moving toward it, looking at it, or interacting with the toothbrush in any way. Try it out, below! Check out this video to see how to do a hand target except use the toothbrush, not your hand.

HAND TARGEThttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDs0H81rwOFo14T4FCn6Bh-EBCxqHDrnU

Step 1:Present!Present the toothbrush to your dog.

Step 2.Mark! Say "yes". Give praise when your dog attempts to interact with the toothbrush (this can include sniffing, looking at it, bopping it with their nose, etc.) You can mark anything, apart from attempting to grab it with their teeth.

Step 3:Reward!Reward your dog away from the toothbrush, removing the toothbrush from sight as your dog is rewarded so that you can repeat Step 1 like a hand target you can put the toothbrush behind your back. Gradually, you will be able to reward actions that are closer to your dog targeting the toothbrush with their mouth (without grasping it).

The more comfortable your puppy becomes with having its teeth cleaned, the easier it will be to maintain a routine of at-home care and professional dental cleanings as they get older. When establishing your puppy’s teeth cleaning routine it is important that you go slow, give your puppy plenty of praise, and finish with a fun reward. The tips below will guide you on how to clean your puppy’s teeth for the first time.

✅ Pick a quiet time in the morning or before bed. Sit with your puppy on a soft surface and start with a very gentle, gradual approach.

✅ Add a dab of peanut butter or flavored dog toothpaste to your finger and let your puppy lick it off. Give your puppy a lot of praise!

✅ When your puppy seems comfortable, apply the toothpaste to a tooth using a finger and give enthusiastic praise. Follow your session with a short and quick play session. The goal is to have your puppy associate the fun reward with their good behavior while brushing.

✅ After a few days of this, you can begin to introduce a finger brush or toothbrush. Apply a pea-sized amount of dog toothpaste to the brush and allow your puppy to lick it. Then gently place the brush under their lip and brush one tooth for a second or two. Follow with high praise and a fun activity or high-value treat similar to the step above.

✅ Every few days you can increase the number of teeth you brush as your puppy becomes more comfortable with the process and you are able to brush Most dogs will have all of their adult teeth by the time they are 6 months old, so best to start as early as when you bring your puppy home. Can you tell Brutus is enjoying his teeth cleaning routine? Like 👍 if this was helpful.

YOUR DOG’S TEETH SHOULD BE CLEANED EVERY DAY BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE DIFFICULT! HERE’S HOW:

Cleaning your dog’s teeth is easy when they have been prepared, and tooth brushing doesn’t have to take up a lot of time! That’s exciting, right?

Even 60 seconds a day can help to slow the progression of dental disease and keep your dog’s teeth in tip-top condition! Below, we’ll give you the step-by-step on how to make maximum impact with your toothbrush.

Step 1:

Prepare!

First, make sure you have a dog-friendly brush and some dog-safe toothpaste. Also, try to select the time of day and location where your dog is most calm.

Step 2:

Examine!

Next, examine your dog’s teeth prior to brushing, checking to make sure everything looks okay. Using our Dental Handling tips (above), lift your dog’s lips up and actually touch their teeth and gums to check to make sure everything looks good.

Step 3.

From the top…

After a visual and physical examination of their gums and teeth, brush your dog’s top front teeth. Make sure to give frequent rewards and praise!

Step 4.

To the side…

After brushing their top teeth, move to the side teeth and the top back teeth.

Step 5.

Last but not least..

Brush the bottom teeth, starting with the front teeth, then moving to the side and back teeth.

Always reward your dog generously for letting you brush their teeth at the start until they are happy and eager to be involved in the process (or at least tolerant and willing!).

****FIND A QUALITY SUPPLEMENT THAT HELPS ON THE DAYS THAT TEETH BRUSHING JUST CAN’T HAPPEN…**

What makes a quality supplement? We’ll tell you now!

TOP INGREDIENTS FOR DENTAL HEALTH CARE!

Kelp

Kelp is known to contain a bacterium known as Bacillus licheniformis which produces an enzyme that works to protect against tooth decay by stripping bacteria away from plaque.

Parsley

Parsley contains compounds called monoterpenes which can counteract strong-smelling foods. It is also rich in calcium and fluorine which are important for tooth enamel.

Fennel

Fennel has long been used for its oral health properties as it has exhibited antibacterial properties which can help to inhibit plaque build-up and gum disease. It is thought this is due to the presence of polyphenol compounds such as rosmarinic acid and luteolin.

Dill

Dille is said to be a good source of calcium, manganese, and iron. It contains flavonoids known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Dill can help with microbial infections in the mouth, and its antioxidants minimize damage caused by free radicals to the gums and teeth. Being a good source of calcium, dill also helps with bone and dental health.

Chamomile

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe mouth ulcers or irritated gums.

Peppermint

Peppermint has long been used for its effects on breath however it is also an effective way to reduce bacteria on the teeth and in the mouth.

Fragaria

Fragaria is used to soften and remove tartar and dental plaque from teeth to prevent the formation of new deposits. Once softened, the daily brushing of teeth is even more effective.

PLAQUE-K9

is an amazing, new dental supplement, designed with your dog’s dental health care needs in mind.

PLAQUE-K9

What does Plaque-K9 contain that can help your dog and act as a preventative measure and proactive deterrent to

the progression of dental disease?

EVERYTHING we mentioned above! Plaque-K9 is jam-packed full of incredible ingredients, all formulated together to offer your canine a great solution to keep their teeth fresh and bright!

To learn more please head over to our shop for all dog supplements.