Most people are familiar with the importance of brushing their own teeth, but did you know that it’s just as important to brush your German Shepherd's teeth? In fact, there are a number of good reasons to make sure you add this activity to your dog’s daily routine.
In fact, according to the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), more than 80% of dogs over the age of three years old have some form of periodontal disease.
Here are the top three reasons to start brushing your dog’s teeth today:
1. To Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems in German Shepherd dogs, and it can lead to a number of other health problems if left untreated. Some of the signs that your dog may have gum disease include bad breath, bleeding gums, difficulty eating, and decreased appetite.
By brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis, you can help prevent gum disease and keep your dog’s mouth healthy.
2. To Avoid Tooth Loss
One of the eventual consequences of gum disease is tooth loss. As the gum tissue around the teeth becomes inflamed and starts to pull away from the teeth, the roots become exposed. This makes the teeth more susceptible to infection and decay, which can eventually lead to them falling out.
Brushing your German Shepherd's teeth regularly can help reduce the risk of tooth loss by keeping the gum tissue healthy and preventing gum disease.
3. To Prevent Other Health Problems
Did you know that dental problems in German Shepherds can actually lead to other health problems? For example, bacteria from an infected tooth can enter your dog’s bloodstream and cause problems in other organs, such as the heart or kidneys. And since dogs with dental problems often have trouble eating due to pain or inflammation in their mouths, they may also become malnourished.
Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly can help prevent these types of problems by keeping their mouth healthy.
It’s Not as Hard as You Think!
Many people avoid brushing their dog’s teeth because they think it will be too difficult or time-consuming, but this doesn’t have to be the case. There are a number of different types of dog toothbrushes and toothpaste available that make brushing quick and easy.
You can even find treats or chews that help remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth while they chew. So if you’ve been putting off brushing your dog’s teeth because you think it will be too difficult, know that there are lots of easy options available to make this task simple and straightforward.
How often should you brush your German Shepherd's Teeth?
The AVDC recommends that you brush your dog's teeth at least once a week. However, if your German Shepherd has periodontal disease, you may need to brush its teeth more often. Your veterinarian can help you determine how often you should be brushing your dog's teeth based on their individual needs.
Make sure that you use teeth brush and toothpaste created for dogs, not for humans! Some ingredients in toothpaste that we use can be toxic for your German Shepherd, and that's why you should avoid them.
How to brush your German Shepherd's Teeth?
Brushing your dog's teeth may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be! Here are a few simple tips to help make the process as easy as possible:
Step 1: Choose the right toothbrush: There are special toothbrushes made specifically for dogs that can make the process easier. However, if you don't have one of these brushes, a soft-bristled human toothbrush will work just fine. Avoid using a hard-bristled brush as this could damage your dog's gums.
Step 2: Use the right toothpaste: Never use human toothpaste when brushing your dog's teeth! Human toothpaste is made with ingredients that can be toxic to dogs if swallowed. Instead, choose a pet-safe toothpaste that is tasty and attractive to your dog. This will make them more likely to sit still while you brush their teeth. Some popular flavors include chicken, beef, and peanut butter.
Step 3: Be gentle: When brushing your dog's teeth, always use gentle circular motions rather than scrubbing back and forth. This will help to prevent gum irritation.
Step 4: Reward good behavior: Remember to praise your German Shepherd and give them treats during and after the brushing process! This will help them associate tooth brushing with positive experiences and make them more likely to cooperate in the future.
Also, we found this video from VetVid very helpful. Feel free to watch this video, and you'll see how simple and fast it is to clean your dog's teeth!
Conclusion
Brushing your German Shepherd's teeth may seem like a daunting task, but it's important for their overall health. By brushing your dog's teeth on a regular basis, you can help prevent gum disease, tooth loss, and other health problems.
