Cleaning Dog Teeth

Find out just why cleaning dog teeth is a very important part of your Miniature Schnauzer's routine care. Watch the video of Vet brushing dog teeth.

Brushing your dog's teeth on a daily basis is the best way to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar which would otherwise progress into periodontal disease. And on the previous page we learned the devastating effects of periodontal disease in dogs. So if you haven't done so yet, begin an at-home oral hygiene regimen as part of your Miniature Schnauzer's daily care, starting today!

Cleaning dog teeth only requires a few minutes of your time a day and once you make it part of your daily routine, your Miniature Schnauzer will begin to accept the process. And the pay off is huge. Just look at the before and after picture with and without the build-up of tartar. These amazing results were achieve with regular use of PetzLife oral care pet products. WOW!

So grab a dog toothbrush or finger brush and dog toothpaste and lets begin cleaning dog teeth!

How To Brush Your Schnauzer's Teeth

1. Set a Time: Before we actually begin brushing the teeth, it's a good idea to choose a time of day when your Schnauzer is calm and relaxed. I prefer just before bedtime, but choose whatever time works best for you. Perhaps after a long walk when your dog is good and tired. Whatever time you choose, try and keep it as part of your daily routine as daily cleaning dog teeth proves to be the most effective.

2. Comfortable Location: Find a comfortable spot for the both of you. I like having my Schnauzer lie on the bed. This way I can easily brush one side of his mouth and then turn him over to do the other side.

3. Gather Tools: Have everything ready before you start to brush. Besides your dog's toothpaste and toothbrush, I also use a washcloth which helps to hold back a dog's slippery open mouth.
note: Never use human toothpaste on your dog as it may contain ingredients that can cause gastrointestinal irritation or be harmful to your Schnauzer.

4. Visual Check: Start by giving your Schnauzer a good oral exam. Lift your Schnauzer's lip and look at his teeth. You are looking for any signs of plaque, tartar (a brownish yellow or red discoloration close to the gum line) tooth decay or gum disease. And what about that breath? Is your Miniature Schnauzer's breath fresh? If not, it could be a sign of canine dental disease.

5. Physical Check: Lightly place your thumbs on either side of your Schnauzer's muzzle and gently stoke downward. You are feeling for any lumps or abnormalities. Next check the gum lines. Your Schnauzer's gums should be a healthy pink color, not red and swollen. Using your index finger, softly stroke over the gum line. Does this cause bleeding?

6. Start Brushing: Apply a small amount of toothpaste or gel to the toothbrush, finger brush, or even just onto your finger. Whatever your dog will accept.

Next pull back the corner of the mouth using your index finger to lift up the top lip and your thumb to press down and lower the bottom lip. Begin in the back of the mouth and start with light back-and-forth strokes. Do Not apply too much pressure as it could damage the gum line and have your Schnauzer squirming to get free. Remember you want your dog to accept the process. So use light pressure only.

note: If your dog's gums begin to bleed while brushing them, you are either applying too much pressure or it may be a sign of gum disease and you will need to refer to your vet.

Spend at least 30 seconds brushing each side of the outer teeth. Don't worry about brushing the inside teeth, as most dogs will resist this. Enough of the dog gel or toothpaste will be distributed to this area and get cleaned by your Schnauzer's tongue.

Useful Tips for Cleaning Dog Teeth

Here are a few extra tips to help you through the process:

• Dogs front teeth and gums are very sensitive so having them brushed is the most uncomfortable for your Schnauzer. Be sure to use extra care on this area by using super soft gentle strokes or just use some gel your index finger to get the job done.
• Be reassuring throughout the process. You can help keep your dog calm by keeping the mood light and speaking soft praises, letting him know what a good boy he is.
• Keep sessions short the first few days. Although you will want to work up to about a few minutes each day, if you start off with a 30 second session, your Schnauzer won't mind it a bit.
• Once you finish, be sure to reward your Miniature Schnauzer with something special. I prefer lots of kisses and a walk around the neighborhood, instead of treats. Mainly because I want the PetzLife gel (what I use) to have time to work. So no food or drink for the next 30 minutes or so, which allows the natural ingredients to coat all surfaces of your pet’s teeth and gums.

Cleaning dog teeth is not that hard. Again, just try and spend a minimum of 30 seconds on each side of your Miniature Schnauzer's mouth. And that's it. Easy!

Watch video of a veterinarian brushing dog teeth

Recognizing the importance of pet dental care, yet frightened of having your Miniature Schnauzer go under anesthesia? We've all heard the horror stories of beloved pets dying under anesthesia while having a dental cleaning. Read Albert's Story.

Do You Brush Your Schnauzer's Teeth?

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