By Dana at A-OK9

Does caring for your dog’s teeth feel like a fight? We understand.

In this blog, we’re going to show you how to turn your dog’s dental hygiene time into fun time. Not only that, but we’ll share what you can do on the days that brushing teeth just can't make it on the schedule…Ready to jump in?

TIP #1: PLAY GAMES TO MAKE DENTAL CARE FUN FOR YOUR DOG.

Here are 2 easy games to play that can help prepare your dog for having their teeth brushed!  

DENTAL HANDLING GAME

This is a super effective game that will truly prepare your dog for having their mouth handled. It may take some time to work through this and get your dog accustomed to your hands around their face but, with practice, it can become fun for you both. To achieve stress-free toothcare-time, work through the steps below:

Step 1. Cup your dog’s lower jaw in one hand.

Step 2. Cup the top of their muzzle/bridge of nose with your hands also covering their eyes.

Step 3. With the hand that is on top of your dog’s muzzle, use your fingers to gently pull their lips up so that you can examine their teeth.  Do this on both the left and right side, ideally until you’re able to see all of their teeth.

Step 4. Give them frequent breaks and praise and start again at Step 1 until they’re comfortable going to the next step.

Step 5… using the hand that has been cupping your dog’s jaw, grab a toothbrush and begin brushing your dog’s teeth!

TOOTHBRUSH TARGETING GAME

Toothbrush Targeting empowers your dog and gives them control over how close they are to the toothbrush. You’ll be using a bit of pressure release with this exercise, which (those of you who are Absolute Dogs fans) you’ll remember from games like ‘Middle with Pressure Releases’!

Much like hand targeting, you will present the toothbrush and reward your dog for moving toward it, looking at it, or interacting with the toothbrush in any way. Try it out, below! 

Step 1: Present! Present the toothbrush to your dog.

Step 2. Mark! Give praise when your dog attempts to interact with the toothbrush (this can include sniffing, looking at it, booping it with their nose, etc.) You can markanything, apart from attempting to grab it with their teeth.

Step 3: Reward! Reward your dog away from the toothbrush, removing the toothbrush from sight as your dog is rewarded so that you can repeat Step 1. Gradually, you will be able to reward actions that are closer to your dog targeting the toothbrush with their mouth (without grasping it). 

TIP #2: YOUR DOG’S TEETH SHOULD BE CLEANED EVERY DAY BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE DIFFICULT! HERE’S HOW:

Cleaning your dog’s teeth is easy when they have been prepared, and tooth brushing doesn’t have to take up a lot of time! That’s exciting, right?

Even 60 seconds a day can help to slow the progression of dental disease and keep your dog’s teeth in tip-top condition! Below, we’ll give you the step-by-step on how to make maximum impact with your toothbrush.  

Step 1: Prepare! First, make sure you have a dog-friendly brush and some dog-safe toothpaste. Also, try to select the time of day and location where your dog is most calm.

Step 2: Examine! Next, examine your dog’s teeth prior to brushing, checking to make sure everything looks okay. Using our Dental Handling tips (above), lift your dog’s lips up and actually touch their teeth and gums to check to make sure everything looks good.

Step 3. From the top… After a visual and physical examination of their gums and teeth, brush your dog’s top front teeth. Make sure to give frequent rewards and praise! 

Step 4. To the side…After brushing their top teeth, move to the side teeth and the top back teeth.

Step 5. Last but not least..Brush the bottom teeth, starting with the front teeth, then moving to the side and back teeth.

Always reward your dog generously for letting you brush their teeth at the start until they are happy and eager to be involved in the process (or at least tolerant and willing!).

TIP #3:  FIND A QUALITY SUPPLEMENT THAT HELPS ON THE DAYS THAT TEETH BRUSHING JUST CAN’T HAPPEN…

What makes a quality supplement? We’ll tell you now! Top ingredients would ideally include:

Kelp

Kelp is known to contain a bacterium known as Bacillus licheniformis which produces an enzyme that works to protect against tooth decay by stripping bacteria away from plaque.

Parsley

Parsley contains compounds called monoterpenes which can counteract strong smelling foods. It is also rich in calcium and fluorine which are important for tooth enamel.

Fennel

Fennel has long been used for its oral health properties as it has exhibited antibacterial properties which can help to inhibit plaque build-up and gum disease. It is thought this is due to the presence of polyphenol compounds such as rosmarinic acid and luteolin.

Dill

Dill is said to be a good source of calcium, manganese and iron. It contains flavonoids known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Dill can help with microbial infections in the mouth; and its antioxidants minimize damage caused by free radicals to the gums and teeth. Being a good source of calcium, dill also helps with bone and dental health. 

Chamomile

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and can help sooth mouth ulcers or irritated gums.

Peppermint

Peppermint has long been used for its effects of breath however it is also an effective way to reduce bacteria on the teeth and in the mouth.

Fragaria

Fragaria is used to soften and remove tartar and dental plaque from teeth, prevents formation of new deposits. Once softened, the daily brushing of teeth is even more effective.

PLAQUE-K9 is an amazing, new dental supplement, designed with your dog’s dental health care needs in mind.

What does Plaque-K9 contain that can help your dog and act as a preventative measure and proactive deterrent of the progression of dental disease?

EVERYTHING we mentioned above! Plaque-K9 is jam-packed full of incredible ingredients, all formulated together to offer your canine a great solution to keep their teeth fresh and bright!