To keep your dog healthy,like children, Chihuahuas need to have their teeth brushed. This is not recommended to keep the sales of dog toothbrushes and toothpaste up. Instead, it is a necessary duty as your little dog is vulnerable to many dental issues.
Keeping their teeth brushed is one way to avoid expensive dental bills and other health issues costs. To learn how to brush your dog’s teeth, just continue to read our article. The information inside it can help you protect your Chihuahua from losing its teeth too soon.
All dog’s eventually die of something, but what illness can lead to a Chihuahua’s death? Check out our post “How Do Chihuahuas Die?” to learn more.
The Right Way to Brush Your Chihuahua’s Teeth
There are different methods and ultimately, you will have to choose the one that works for you the best. Here is one method you can use to see if it is the best one for you.
Step 1: Hold your dog in the position you would when you would brush its teeth. Then give it a reward. Do this twice a day for about a week.
Step 2: Do the same thing for another week except this time hold the toothbrush in your hand and hold it near your pet’s mouth. Don’t forget the treat.
Step 3: This step has you putting toothpaste on the brush and letting them smell the toothpaste. Remember your dog needs time to get used to each item and position. Don’t forget the reward when they act right.
Step 4: Now you are ready to put the toothbrush inside their mouths. Hold it like you are going to brush and don’t do anything more.
Step 5: Do the same thing as in the previous steps but in this step, start brushing their teeth. Not all Chihuahuas will need this much time to get used to the toothbrush and brushing their teeth. Play it by ear with your pet.
How Often Should You Brush Their Teeth?
Different owners have different opinions on this topic, but it is safe to say that you can go as low as 3 times a week. Some owners feel that this chore should be done every day but you know your schedule and your dog, so you pick the frequency.
Also, even though you brush your dog’s teeth all the time, it is recommended that you take your pet to the vet twice a year just for professional teeth cleaning. This helps protect your dog from different dental ailments that come during its lifetime.
Make sure to use a canine toothbrush and brush their teeth with a circular motion.
Got a nippy Chihuahua? Click here to learn how to train Chihuahuas not to bite.
If You Don’t Brush, Here Is What to Do
There are different options you can try if your dog does not like the toothbrush method of cleaning their teeth:
- Use A Dog Dental Spray– This is a slow way to remove plaque, but it tastes good and freshens their breath.
- Give Them Bully Sticks– They are great chew toys, and they are made from meat. They take your dog a long time to chew and as they work on the stick, they are cleaning tartar away.
- Try Coconut Oil- This little oil helps kill bacteria and all you have to do is rub a little on their gums and roots. Or you can just add some to their food to get rid of those bacteria.
- Bones Work as Well- Making them as raw as a boiled bone can be toxic to dogs. This bone has the same effect as the bully stick and your dog cleans their teeth by chewing on the bone.
- There Are Always Chew Toys- Good chew toys work just like raw bones and bully sticks. Any chew toy will work, just make sure they are healthy for your pet.
The Benefit of Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
It is a time-consuming chore, but you do get a lot of benefits when you spend that free time helping your dog’s teeth stay clean. Here are a few of those benefits:
1. Prevents Plaque and Tartar Build-Up- This is the most important benefit as both issues can harm your dog’s teeth and cause other dental issues.
2. Prevents Serious Dental Issues- A couple of those serious issues will be tissue and bone loss. Gum inflammation is not a major illness, but it does cause a lot of discomfort to your pet.
3. Signs of Dental Problems-
- Gums that bleed
- Breath problems
- Thick saliva
- Dropping food while consuming it
- Rubbing one’s face with one’s paws or on the floor
- Red Gums
- Plaque
- There is blood in the water or food bowls
- Having a preference for one side of the mouth
- Swelling of the face
- Check with your vet when you see those signs
Some Final Words
Taking good care of your dog includes taking care of their teeth. Make sure to get your pup used to the toothbrush if you use that method. Once you do that, brushing their teeth should go smooth and easy, just don’t forget their reward.
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