How Gross is it Really… To Not Brush My Dogs Teeth? When we brought Emma home from the SPCA, it had been 10 years since I had had a dog. Losing Willie, my college love, had been too much; I needed a break. But the break ended overnight and off I went to the SPCA and “meeting” pups turned into bringing Emma home.
So, being a reborn mom, I naturally was going to set out to be the best dog mom I could be.
Strong Start, When I Brush My Dogs Teeth
One of my must-do parent moves was going to be toothbrushing. I had grown up with English bulldogs, and my dad was religious about ensuring that slobber was essentially potable. So, in the starter kit for new (born again) moms, I stocked up on chicken flavored toothpaste…because why mint when chicken? I think we made it the first month or so with me brushing her teeth the recommended 2-3x/week.
Too Cool for School, When I Brush My Dogs Teeth
Then in typical tween fashion, I started getting more and more resistance to the brushing – and the baths and the calling in from the yard and a few other things. But the brushing just became a little easier and easier to give up. So, 2-3x/week became 2-3x/month. Then before we knew it, my tween was a teenager and round two mom didn’t have it in her. Bad breath would be just fine.
Out of Necessity, When I Brush My Dogs Teeth
Until…..miss 14 going on 21 (dog years of course) decided she loved chasing, pinning, and *eating* lizards. Next level awful. A breath that will knock you out gross. My little proper, shy, adopted pooch had disappeared and was now rebelling in all her glory. Toothbrush was back.
Law of Average
So, yeah – for the normal well-behaved non-amphibian eaters out there…I have no idea how long those chompers can go without a good brushing, but for the time being – in this “finding yourself period” Emma is averaging a couple times a week. Teeth may suffer, but I’m hoping it’s just a phase.
To keep your pooch and yourself from finding out how gross it really is to not brush your dog’s teeth, here are a few tips from the AKC for optimal oral health:
- The obvious – brush their teeth – but not so obvious, with toothpaste and special brushes made specially for dogs. Flavors range from chicken to peanut butter and the brushes can fit right on your fingers for easy access.
- Dog tooth wipes: similar to brushing, but a little less effort (and annoyance for the pup).
- Dental treats are an easy solve as well. They remove plaque build-up and often contain breath freshening ingredients. Win-win.
- Dog chews are inherently good for pups’ teeth. The simple act of chewing is beneficial regardless of what is actually being chewed on – keeps them occupied (and away from lizards too).
- Professional cleanings by your vet are perhaps the best way to ensure proper oral hygiene and health. In the meantime, give the above a shot – for your pup’s sake and your nose’s.
Have some more creative tips for cleaning your pup’s teeth? We’d love to hear! Send them over to whatthepup@spotandtango.com! And, stay tuned for our next “How Gross Is It Really….” highly scientific research adventure.
