Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

250 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
Even with regular home
dental care, professional
scaling and polishing is
sometimes needed.
For routine cleaning, a satisfactory toothpaste can be made by mixing 1
tablespoon (14 g) of baking soda with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of water. If the dog is
on a salt-restricted diet, substitute a salt replacer (such as potassium chloride)
for the baking soda. Most dogs prefer flavored toothpastes made especially for
dogs, such as poultry or mint. Dog toothpastes also have enzymes that clean
more thoroughly than just the normal abrasive action of baking soda.
Do not use toothpaste made for humans. Its foaming action is unpleasant
to dogs, and they cannot spit and rinse after using it. Swallowing the fluoride
in many human toothpaste is also not good for them.
The gums and teeth can be brushed with a finger or a soft nylon toothbrush
with a 45-degree angle to the head. Toothbrushes designed specifically for
dogs are available at pet supply stores. Finger brushing is done with a terrycloth
washcloth or a piece of gauze wrapped around the finger. Denta
Clean, Petrodex, and DDS all offer finger brushes and/or wipes to clean your
dog’s teeth. Apply the toothpaste to your wrapped finger. Lift the lips to
expose the outside surface of the teeth. Gently rub the teeth and gums in a
circular motion. With a toothbrush, apply the toothpaste, then hold the
brush at a 45-degree angle, parallel to the gums. Brush in small circles, overlapping
the teeth and gums.
It is not necessary to open the mouth, as the self-cleaning action of the
tongue will keep the inside surface of the teeth relatively free of calculus. The
most important part to brush is the gingival sulcus, where the gum attaches to
the tooth (see the figure on page 245). Bleeding may occur with vigorous
brushing. This indicates gum disease. Daily brushing should tighten the gums
and stop the bleeding in one to two weeks.