Many people take for granted their dog's teeth, but brushing them is not nearly as difficult as one might think. Brushing a dog's teeth can add time to your dog's life by keeping it healthier.  Teeth brushing is just as important to a dog as it is to us. It helps prevent problems with gum disease, improves the over-all appearance of the teeth of the dog, and improve the breath of your beloved companion when it gives you enthusiastic kisses upon greeting you at the end of the day!

Most grooming shops can do this service for anywhere from eight to twelve dollars a visit. However this does not really do much for your dog if done only every six to eight weeks, which is the average time in between grooming visits for most dogs.  Teeth brushing is most advantageous to a dog if done at least two to three times a week to do any real good. Brushing your dog's teeth is inexpensive or easy to do at home.

Most larger pet stores carry a variety of dental products for your canine companion, but the selection of the products can be confusing.  The toothpaste that you will want to get should specify that it is an enzymatic type, if it doesn't specify that, do not buy it.  If it is enzymatic, it simply means that there are enzymes in the paste that will work to kill the germs and bacteria in the dogs mouth, and on the teeth and gums. There are various types of tooth brushes, both traditional style and types that fit on the end of your finger-tip to apply, but neither type is needed.  You can simply and effectively apply an enzymatic toothpaste to a dogs teeth by just putting a small amount of paste on your finger-tip then swiping the paste across the dogs upper teeth with one hand while holding the dogs lips up with another hand to expose them.  The toothpaste is flavored with either poultry, beef, or peanut-butter flavoring, so most dogs will like it, and actually lick their teeth to spread it around their mouths.  I usually use the poultry flavor on dogs, but either of the choices seem to work.

A tube of this paste usually costs eight to ten dollars, but it will usually last two to three months for one dog, if not more.  You usually only have to put enough on your finger to cover the top joint of an index finger for a large dog, and less than that for a smaller dog. You only need  to put a light film of it across the top row of teeth.  A hard kibble dog food also helps maintain your dog's pearly whites better that a soft canned food. Various chew toys or treats can help keep your dog's teeth in good shape as well.  There are various breath sprays and breath fresheners that you can add to the water, and flavored chew sticks that will help cover up a dog's breath, but nothing will add length to your dog's life like tooth-brushing several times a week.

Doing basic grooming for your dog is not only good for it, but the time spent will strengthen the bond between you and your four legged best friend. Thanks for reading.

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