How To Avoid Ticks On A Dog And Remove A Tick On A Dog Safely

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Michael

Ticks On A Dog (deer tick)

Ticks on a dog are not only unpleasant, they can be a source of disease, so it is important to the health of your pup to watch out for them. There are simple things you can do to practice tick prevention that you should know. Today we will cover the basics of; prevention, grooming to check for parasites, how to remove a tick on a dog, as well as medical and natural remedies.

Prevention Tips For Your Yard

The basic concept is to make your yard as hostile to ticks as possible and they enjoy wet, dark areas. So here’s your list for tick prevention:

Keep Lawn Mowed: Long grasses are a favourite for these parasites
Rake Leaves And Debris: Leaves trap moisture and make the perfect home, as well as dead branches, brush, and debris
Sunny Woodpiles: If you store wood, put it on a platform so it’s off the ground and make sure it’s in a sunny location
Prune Trees And Shrubs: Shade is breeding ground, so prune or remove shrubs and trees to let the sunshine in.

Grooming To Find Ticks On A Dog

Before you can remove a tick on a dog, you have to be able to find it. The sooner you find it the better, as many of the diseases take upwards of 12 hours before they are transmitted. Do yourself a favour, and wear rubber gloves while checking. Ticks on a dog start by sticking to the fur before they climb down to the skin. Getting to them before hand is the best tick prevention ever. They prefer to bite in areas where there is less hair, or in skin crevices. Check ears, paws, inside of the legs, carefully looking for these 8 legged arachnids.

Important Tip: Before you remove a tick on a dog have a small pill bottle or screw-cap jar with rubbing alcohol to dispose of them. If they have bitten your companion, date and label the container, and keep it for ID’ing later, just in case your pup gets sick.

How To Remove A Tick On A Dog

When tick prevention hasn’t worked, and you need to remove them here’s the key things to keep in mind. Grab the parasite as close to the skin as possible and do not squeeze or pop it. Pull slowly and straight. Tweezers can work, or there are specialized tools for the removal of ticks on a dog. You will most likely remove a small piece of skin as well as the tick, so don’t be alarmed. Gently wash the area to disinfect, and keep an eye on it for any inflammation for a few days. See your vet if there’s any swelling or inflammation.

Keep Your Pup Happy: Don’t forget to reward you companion with a treat after removing the tick, to keep it a happy experience.

Remedies For Tick Prevention

There are a number of options for preventing ticks on a dog, from collars to drops, prescription to natural. Always remember, you know your companion best, and your dog may have an adverse reaction, so monitor them on any new treatments. Talk to your vet, talk to our knowledgeable in-store staff, talk to other pet parents, but decide for yourself whether you will use medicine and/or natural remedies for tick prevention.

Now you know the basics and you know that you should remove a tick on a dog as soon as possible for the best health protection. You can clean up your yard, and groom to check for ticks daily or after going outside. You are confident now in how to safely remove ticks on a dog, and you can choose medicine or natural tick prevention that works for both you and your companion.

What’s been the most successful tick treatment for you and your companion?

Dog Drinking Water: Why You Should Always Bring Your Own

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Michael

For any dog drinking water is an essential part of their health, and there are lots of places for them to drink, so why should you bother bringing your own? Frankly, because as much as we love our pets, they really are not choosy about where and what they drink. Complaints of pooches that drink out of the toilet are legendary. As a pet parent, it is up to you to make sure they get a safe drinking source, and that means getting in the habit of carrying your own dog water. Here are some common beliefs and why they need re-thinking.

Puddles Are Easy To Find So Why Bother?

After all, puddles are made up from fresh rain, so what could possibly be wrong with that? The fact is puddles are formed from run-off from sidewalks, roads, grass, and yards. They are more than likely to contain nitrogen from fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and road salt. Then there are all the fluids that can leak out of vehicles from fuel to oil to anti-freeze. That’s not a good choice for dog drinking water. Bringing your own dog water instead of letting your companion lap up poisonous puddles is just smart pet care.

Rivers, Streams, Ponds, And Lakes Are Fresh Water, Right?

Sad to say, as good as environmental awareness has become, there’s a long way to go yet. The same fresh rain carries all kinds of chemicals and fertilizers that people use on their lawns and gardens down to streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Besides that, bringing your own dog water can help prevent them from getting water-borne parasites that live in the great outdoors.

Local Shops And Dog Parks Provide Dog Drinking Water Already

Some canines are just like some people in that they have a sensitive stomach. For them, it’s a really good idea to drink from the same reliable source. Otherwise, it’s wonderful that so many places are thinking of our canine companions, and helping to make sure they get enough to drink. You just don’t want to have to count on it, and find out someone forgot to fill the bowl, or clean it. Dog drinking water is not something you want to be without, so don’t take chances.

I’m Just Going For A Short Walk

Famous last words, how many times have you said them, only to run into another dog owner and get to chatting? Suddenly a quick trip around the block becomes a half hour discussion on canine care, the weather, or politics. Having dog water available means you don’t have to cut an interesting conversation short.

There are so many great products out there now for bringing dog water along with you, convenient to carry and to drink from. There’s simply no good reason not to play it safe and carry some with you. H2O4K9 makes a great line of products, or you can just carry a small light-weight bowl and sharing your bottle of water with your companion. Your pet is your responsibility and that should most definitely include providing a dog drinking water that’s safe and guaranteed to be available.

Springtime For Dogs: Seven Dog Care Tips For The New Season

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Michael

Springtime For Dogs Tip: Bring Your Own Water

People are not the only ones enjoying the warmer weather, it is springtime for dogs, too, and they are excited! As a pet parent, it is up to you to watch out for your pup, and keep them safe and happy. So here are the seven spring dog care tips you need to know for the change in the weather. They are even in a rhyming scheme to make it easier to remember.

Pause To Check The Paws

With the outdoors covered in dirty piles of snow-melt, there’s lots of salt, sand, and debris that can get all over your companion’s feet. Dog care tips for paws are year-round, but in spring it’s a smart idea to wash their feet after every walk. If your pooch has been wearing boots all winter, only walk your pup without them for short periods, and build up slowly, so springtime for dogs doesn’t result in sore paws.

Don’t Dread The Shed Take Action Instead

As the days grow longer, shedding season begins. No need to dread, just bump up the number of brushing sessions, baths, and groomer visits. Good grooming is all-season, but shedding in spring requires extra care and maintenance.

Use Logic And Reason For Allergy Season

Yes, it’s true; dogs can have seasonal allergies too. A good wipe-down with a clean towel will help to remove a lot of the pollen and allergens from their coat. If springtime for dogs brings sneezing, try wiping them down every time they come indoors, and give more frequent baths. You may not even need to go to the vet for allergy medicine.

Take Care With What They Wear

One of the most important dog care tips is for pups that wear a coat in winter. Don’t just abruptly stop dressing your companion for walks. Just like the boots, it takes time for them to adjust to the outdoors without extra warmth. Switch to a lighter shirt or coat to help them adjust gradually.

Don’t Overdo That Goes For You Too

Springtime for dogs is such a happy and energetic time. If your companion has been taking it easy over the winter, work the exercise and walk times up gradually. It’s better for you to work up to increased exercise slowly, too.

Toxins Abound Protect Your Hound

Dog care tips include watching out for everything your pup might get into. From poisonous plants popping up like lilies and mushrooms, to the chemical treatments people put on their grass, to puddles of water that are mostly road salt, there’s a lot to look out for. Always carry your own water, and keep an eye on what your companion is trying to chew.

No Ticks And Fleas Please

Springtime for dogs brings a lot more insects like fleas and ticks. Get your flea and tick prevention treatment started right away, before you have an infestation. While grooming, watch for ticks and other bites. This is also the season to be aware of intestinal parasites too, so get all of your parasite prevention taken care of now.

There you are; seven rhyming dog care tips to remember in spring. With these helpful hints, you can get out there and relish the growing season and have fun with your companion. Is there anything better than springtime for dogs and all the fun outdoor time?

How To Choose The Best Training Equipment For Walking Your Dog

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Michael

Training Equipment

Who do you go to when you want to choose the best training equipment for walking your dog? The best person to make that decision is you. Surprised? You should not be. When it comes to walks with your dog, you are the best decision maker on whether to use a dog collar or a harness. Not a single expert cares more about your companion, or knows more about them than you do. Knowing how your pooch reacts, and what they are comfortable with, makes you the expert. Here is an overview to help you choose what works for your pup when it comes to training equipment for walking your dog.

Dog Collar

Easily the most common and enduring piece of equipment for dogs, but does that make it right for you and your companion? It is perfect for holding ID tags, but how is it for going on walks? A well trained companion, that doesn’t pull, does extremely well with a collar. Breeds like greyhounds can slip out of them easily, and small dogs have easily damaged tracheas, so not the right choice for them. If you choose a collar, remember; the wider it is, the better, as it spreads any pressure over a wider area.

Pain Is Not A Gain! Choke and prong collars that cause pain will never create trust between you and your pup.

Harness Versus Dog Collar

Walking your dog with a harness has distinct advantages as training equipment. If your companion is a puller, a front clipping harness is an excellent way to teach them not to pull. Harnesses that clip on the back are perfect for dogs that have delicate throats, or those that slip their collar. However, a harness is not something you leave on your pooch full-time, so as a place for ID tags, it’s not the best. Microchips and collar tags are a better way to go.

Want To Learn More? Click here to learn when you should choose a harness over a collar.

Leashes

Everyone knows, and agrees, that a leash is an essential part of training equipment, and for walking your dog, but which is best for what? A chain link style is useful for dogs that want to chew their leads, but they are heavy to carry and use. A long leash is perfect for giving your companion the freedom to roam and enjoy wide open spaces on your walk, as well as teaching them to come when called. A retractable style gives you the advantages of a long lead, with a much easier way to deal with the excess length. A regular leash is perfect for keeping your companion close, especially where other walkers and cyclists are nearby. All styles will need to clip onto the dog collar or harness, so make sure it fits what you have.

Always listen to what others have experienced as the best training equipment for them, whether they are experts or fellow pet parents. It’s a great way to learn! Just remember, you know your companion better than anyone else. If your pup pulls, a dog collar won’t work for walking your dog, and a front clipping harness may be just right for you. It all comes down to you knowing your companion and picking the training equipment for walking your dog that works best for both of you.

How To Wash A Dog At Home And What Not To Do

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Michael

How To Wash A Dog At Home

Learning how to wash a dog at home is easy, once you understand a few simple ideas. To give a dog a bath you want it to be a team effort between you and your companion, not a battle of wills. Here is what you need to know to have your dog in a bath, instead of the bath ending up on you!

Preparation Steps To Success

State of mind is easily the most important step for success. Accept that your pooch may never come to love getting washed, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. To that end, always start with having a long walk before trying to give your dog a bath. Calm and relaxed, with the excess energy burned off for both of you. How to wash a dog includes gathering your supplies. You’ll need a shampoo for dogs, a wash cloth, several towels, anti-slip mat, treats, and conditioner (if wanted). A sink works for smaller breeds, or you can wash your dog in a bath tub. It’s very useful to have a spray attachment. Dogs hate being on a slippery surface, so the non-slip mat is really important, or you can use a towel for them to stand on. Have all your supplies ready to hand, but not where they can be knocked over and startle your pooch. Most of all keep calm and firm throughout, your mood is easily picked up by your companion.

Grooming Tip: It’s never a good idea to try and brush your pup when wet, so plan to do that beforehand.

The Basics Of How To Wash A Dog

Whether they love water or not, a dog in a bath is not happy standing in deep water. Only having two or three inches of lukewarm water is best for giving a dog a bath. Avoid getting soap and water in their eyes and ears. Use the wash cloth to gently wet their head, then to soap, and to rinse. Many people are tempted to use baby shampoo for this, but it’s meant for humans and will dry a dog’s skin of its natural moisture. The rest of the steps for how to wash a dog, after you’ve done the head are simple. Wet the fur thoroughly, lather, and rinse until the water runs clear. With the dog in a bath tub or sink, you can drain the sudsy water so you see when the water is running clear. How to wash a dog includes careful attention to the underside; behind the legs and the belly, and other difficult to clean areas. It’s also where a spray attachment is the handiest for rinsing. Don’t forget to give treats as you go. A dog in a bath is a happiest when getting rewards. Finally, dry your companion with towels, and if they don’t mind it, finish with a blow dryer on a cool setting.

Door Open Or Door Closed? Like people, dogs can get claustrophobic, and may be unhappy with a closed door. Others are runners, and you’ll want the door closed for safety. Use what works best for you and your dog.

You don’t need to give your dog a bath every day; you want to keep the healthy oils on their coat and skin. Proper grooming does mean that they will need regular bathing though. Start with a walk, so you and your companion are relaxed and not bursting with energy. Have your supplies ready, including something for them to stand on. Use lukewarm water, and only a few inches deep. Carefully wash the head first, to avoid getting soap and water in their eyes and ears. Wet, lather, rinse thoroughly, and dry. Remember, your pup may never love being a dog in a bath, but with a calm, firm manner, and treat rewards it won’t be a battle. Now you know how to wash a dog at home, so what are you waiting for?

How To Trim A Dogs Nails Safely At Home

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Michael

How To Trim A Dogs Nails

Knowing how to trim a dogs nails safely at home is an important part of dog grooming. Their nails, just like ours, are constantly growing, and without your care, they will be in danger of growing long enough to curl right around and back into the pad of the foot. Dew claws are especially at risk since they never touch the ground and are never exposed to wear.

Risks Of Untrimmed Nails

As well as the danger of the nails growing right back into the paw, there is a very real risk of tearing the claw if it catches on something. Dew claws are especially dangerous for this, and the pain and danger of bleeding far outweigh any discomfort in your learning how to trim a dogs nails. In addition, long claws affect your companion’s walk and gait, and do your floors no favours.

Training And Dog Grooming

This will never become a favourite bonding time between you and your pup, but you can make it easier and more comfortable. Begin by giving treats every step of the way; before you start, after each claw is trimmed, and after you finish. You can never start too early to train a puppy to get used to you handling their paws, especially near the dew claws, long before you need to do any trimming.

How To Trim A Dogs Nails

Dog grooming with light coloured nails means it’s easy to see the quick, and you simply use the cutters to trim close (about 2mm) above the quick and no more. With dark claws, the quick is not visible, and it’s safer to trim a little at a time. As you get close, the top cut portion of the nail will change in colour to grey/pink and that means you stop as you are close to the quick.

Did you know? The more often you trim, the further the quick will recede, making trimming easier.

Tools For How To Trim A Dogs Nails

For this dog grooming, if ever you do cut the quick, you will need a styptic pencil to stop the blood flow (or cornstarch will work in a pinch). There will be pain, but it’s brief, and be sure to remain calm for your companion’s sake.

Did you know? Because dew claws never get exposed to wear, they are often removed by owners for safety’s sake.

Using A Dremel Tool?

For some the answer on how to trim a dogs nails, is by using a Dremel tool to sand them down. The danger here is hair getting caught up while doing the dog grooming, so be sure to trim any hair in the area first, especially around dew claws.

Get Advice!

If you’ve got the opportunity, ask your groomer or vet to show you how it’s done. Most people in the canine-care business are happy to teach you how to care for your companion, and they’re a great source of advice. As you know, at Bark & Fitz we’re always happy to help, too, so come on in store with your questions and your pup.

Dog grooming is a part of owning a dog, and now you know why nail trimming, including dew claws, is so important. Be generous with treats to train your pup to accept you working with their paws. Look for the quick in the nail and never cut into it, but have a styptic pencil ready just in case. Ask dog experts for their help and demonstrations. Now you know how to trim a dogs nails, safely, at home.

What’s your best training tip for paw care?

Dog Grooming: How To Brush Your Dog At Home

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Michael

Dog Grooming

Dog grooming is so important to the health of your companion, and unless you plan on weekly visits to a groomer, it is essential to know how to brush your dog. Depending on the type of fur or hair your pooch has, you may find daily dog brushing a necessity or only once a week being perfect for shorter haired breeds.

Reasons Why You Should Groom

The biggest reason is for your companion’s health. Trapped dirt and matted hair are uncomfortable and a breeding ground for skin diseases and bugs like fleas and ticks. It’s also a great way to keep an eye out for lumps and growths that will need a vet’s attention. Without a doubt though, dog grooming brings trust and a better relationship with your pooch.

How To Brush Your Dog So You Both Enjoy It

As with all training, it’s important to make the experience a good one, and one to look forward to. Pick a comfortable spot for both of you, and one that’s easy to clean. Tables can make it easier, but be very careful, there’s a reason many groomers use a harness. It’s to prevent the pup from falling or jumping and being injured. Gather your dog brushing tools, and introduce them to your pet, and reward them with treats. Once they know a brush or comb means tasty treats, they’ll think it’s a good thing. As always with any training, start slow and limit your time to a few minutes, and start your dog grooming after a walk so they’re not full of energy and are more relaxed.

Tools And Supplies For Dog Brushing

Knowing how to brush your dog depends upon knowing what kind of fur or hair you are dealing with, and getting the right types of grooming tools.

De-Shedding Tool – Removes undercoat hair and is useful for double coated breeds and shorter haired breeds
Combs – Are excellent for all breeds
Rubber Curry Brush – Perfect for smooth coated breeds and sensitive areas in dog grooming
Slicker Brush – Good for long haired and wiry coated breeds
Pin Brush – Wiry and silky breeds both benefit with this tool for dog brushing
De-Tangler – For working through the mats and tangles in all hair and fur types

The best way to choose a tool for how to brush your dog is to ask your groomer what they recommend, or bring your companion to Bark & Fitz and ask us!

Tips For Dog Brushing

Start at the top and work your way down, and keep the dog grooming sessions to no longer than 30 minutes. Be gentle, especially in the sensitive areas like head, tail, and belly. If ever the skin gets red, you’ve been working to hard and have given your companion brush burn. Remember, lots of praise, reward with treats and your pup will come to love being groomed. When it comes to difficult mats, consider getting a professional groomer to handle it, and then it will be easy to maintain their coat after with regular care.

How to brush your dog is simple when you make it a pleasant experience, and will keep their coat and skin healthy. It also creates a great bond between the two of you and lets you keep an eye on their health. Dog brushing tools are made for every type of breed and never hesitate to ask for help in choosing them. Now you can do your own dog grooming in between appointments with the groomer.

What’s your best tip or tool for when you groom your companion?

Growling Dog? What You Need To Know About Resource Guarding

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Michael

Resource Guarding

Resource guarding sounds like a business meeting buzzword, but really it is the sound of an aggressive, growling dog. So why is it happening? This aggressive dog behaviour is over possessions, and your pooch is trying to keep them, and defend them, against all comers. This is completely natural for canines, but it is also completely unacceptable and dangerous. Here is what you need to know to get back on track to a loving and happy companion.

What’s The Plan?

Your goal is to have your companion willingly share, both happily and easily. Whether possessive about food, a spot on the bed, your shoes, a person, or a toy, you want to stop the aggressive dog behaviour. Being aggressive back, and yelling, is only going to make things worse, and escalate things from a growling dog to a snapping one. So, your plan should be to teach your companion to be happy and rewarded when they give things, or places, up and share.

Resource Guarding And Food

Being protective of their food bowl is easily the most common thing that dogs do. It’s also the best place to start showing your companion where that food comes from. Hand-feeding is an excellent way to have a close bond with your companion, and is a great way to foster trust. The simplest way is to take the empty food bowl, and fill with your regular feeding portion. Now, feed your pup a small portion at a time. Dry food can be fed a piece at a time, and wet food you can place a small bit on the floor at a time. If there is any growling, stop, and walk away and come back when things are settled. Resource guarding and aggressive dog behaviour should tell you that feeding directly from your hand may be a risk, so be safe. It won’t take long before your growling dog turns into a happy puppy that knows where food comes from!

Hand-Feeding Tip: Even holding the bowl of food for your companion while they eat shows that you are the provider.

Resource Guarding Of Items

Now that you have good food manners, how do you stop aggressive dog behaviour towards toys, shoes, and places? First, stock up on your companion’s favourite treats. All you do is offer that tasty morsel in trade, and repeat a command such as ‘drop it’, or ‘get down’. The next step is to let them have the item back right away, or be allowed back up on the bed/couch. The key idea here is that they get their resource back right away. No more growling dog, because they are reassured that they can still have their favourite thing.

Training Never Stops

Resource guarding is a deep-set instinct, and to prevent aggressive dog behaviour from cropping up again, it’s important to keep up the training. No, it doesn’t have to be a fattening treat fest every day, your companion will be happy with words of praise, pets, and fun with you. Practice ‘drop it’, ‘get down’ and hand-feeding on at least a weekly basis.

Learning not to be on edge and defend food, toys, people, and places can only be a good thing for you and your companion. Hand-feeding builds trust, and prevents you having to hear a growling dog every time you get near their food bowl. Teaching commands like ‘drop it’ and ‘get down’ by trading for a reward, makes it easy to put an end to dangerous and aggressive dog behaviour. Keep up the training to prevent resource guarding on at least a weekly basis, and everyone will be happier and more relaxed.

Have a question? Feel free to contact us and ask. Your question might be our next blog post topic!

Dog Lover Profile: Ted Kerasote

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Michael

Ted Kerasote

Dog lovers have people they look up to, and what Ted Kerasote is doing is really amazing. He is a dog professional, by way of a stray named Merle, who changed his life. Since that time, he has studied, learned, and questioned the traditional ways of living with our canine companions. Truly an astonishing amount of research, and revolutionary ideas, I think you will be enthralled by his story.

Merle’s Door: Lessons From A Freethinking Dog

This book is simply amazing, and is the story of how a dog changed the path of one man’s life. What’s truly different is how Ted Kerasote re-examines wolf pack behaviour. His research found that wolves are far more individual and permissive than traditional pack-leader thinking had us believe. Alphas are more experienced, and respected, but each individual pack member has the freedom to choose. As a dog lover, he uses this idea for his companion Merle. Two years of studying the latest scientific research makes him a true dog professional in my mind.

Pukka’s Promise: The Quest For Longer-Lived Dogs

After the loss of Merle, this book tells of his next companion, Pukka. Here the focus is answering how to give dogs the best and longest life possible. Ted Kerasote refuses to just accept conventional wisdom and researches spaying and neutering and compares to vasectomy and tubal ligation. As a dog lover, he is willing to go to the expense of a raw food diet, because of what he has learned on his way to becoming a dog professional.

Spaying And Neutering Controversy

I think this is where many people get upset, but Mr. Kerasote has good reasoning. He points out that after searching out a companion with great genes, why end the chance to continue their line? Again, with his willingness to go to great expense, he advises a vasectomy or tubal ligation, which at least can be reversed. As a dog professional, Ted Kerasote’s research of scientific evidence has led him to conclude that spaying and neutering shortens a canine’s lifespan, has an increase in some cancers, and more frequent ACL problems.

Number One Cancer Prevention

As a dog lover, this is absolutely my favourite piece of advice, and that is to check your companion over, from head to toe, every day. Why? To look for lumps and get them looked at by a vet immediately. Common sense, and to the point. What could be better?

At Bark & Fitz, we’re firm believers in learning, reading, sharing, and Ted Kerasote clearly is, too. As dog lovers, we’re all eager to find ways to help them live longer, better lives, and keeping up with the latest research is a great way to do just that. Although you may not agree on all things with this dog professional, I am certain that you will learn a number of great things that you do agree with. Both books are compelling reading, and the website has excellent information.

What Do You Think? Have you read Merle’s Door and Pukka’s Promise or visited the website? How did Ted Kerasote change how you look at your companion? Or maybe you’ve got a suggestion for our next Dog Lover Profile?

How Do You Brush A Dog’s Teeth?

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Michael

How To Clean Dog Teeth

How do you brush a dog’s teeth, and why is it important? Very simply, canines are just as much in danger of bacterial infections from their gums as we are. Which means they have the same risk of heart disease. As nice as it is to have clean white smile and fresh breath, protecting the health of your companion by learning how to clean dog teeth is essential.

First Step In Dog Teeth Brushing

Like all steps in training, start slow and easy, and focus on good results. The best way is to limit you and your pup to 2 minute sessions. Begin with touching their muzzle and lifting their upper lips as a normal part of grooming and petting. Be encouraging, and positive, and earn their trust. The first step in how do you brush a dog’s teeth is making them completely comfortable with you handling their muzzle and upper lip. Therapeutic treats are another way to know how to clean dog teeth. After your two minute session, reward them with a biscuit that is hard baked, and that will work in concert with dog teeth brushing.

Tip: Relaxation is key, so time your sessions after a walk when excess energy is burned off.

Step Two Choose A Dog Teeth Brushing Tool

How do you brush a dog’s teeth? With a toothbrush of course! The big question here is whether you use a brush that fits on your finger, or a long handled one. One isn’t better than the other for how to clean dog teeth, it’s simply a matter of which way works best for you and your companion. Those who favour the finger brush find it works because their pup refuses to bite when they know it’s their loved ones finger in their mouth. When a handled toothbrush is used, their companion tends to chomp and chew on it. The other camp finds dog teeth brushing safer with a tool that keeps fingers away from the risk of being bitten accidentally. Only you can decide how do you brush a dog’s teeth safely, because only you know your companion well enough to make that choice.

Step Three On How To Clean Dog Teeth

Have your pet-safe toothpaste ready, and your chosen toothbrush, and be confident that your pup is comfortable with you handling their upper lip and mouth. Remember, after a walk is best, and only work for 2 minutes. Let your companion see and sniff what you’re using, and gently start the dog teeth brushing. Start by working where it’s easiest, and each session progress to other areas. Praise, reward, and be positive the whole time. With patience, you’ll soon be able to reach the inside back teeth. How do you brush a dog’s teeth? With patience and positive reinforcement.

How To Clean Dog Teeth At The Vet

No matter how hard you try, there may come a time when you need to have a vet do the heavy duty cleaning to remove plaque and tartar build up. This requires a general anaesthetic, which is certainly not risk free. That’s why dog teeth brushing by you is so important.

Knowing how to clean dog teeth is not just about getting rid of doggie breath, it’s as important to your companion’s health as dental hygiene is for you. The first step in how do you brush a dog’s teeth is to always start after a walk, or other exercise, when your pup is most relaxed. Keep the training sessions to 2 minutes, and use lots of praise and positive reinforcement. Start with just raising their upper lip while grooming, and slowly work your way up to using a toothbrush until you are able to clean all the teeth on the inside and the outside. Now you can answer “how do you brush a dog’s teeth?” with the answer patience and positive reinforcement.

Want To Learn More? Read These Articles:

What Can I Do To Improve My Dog’s Dental Health?

Clean Dog’s Teeth: Treats For Teeth!

Bark and Fitz