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Do I REALLY need to brush my pug’s teeth?
The simple answer is YES!!
WHY??
Dental care is often the most overlooked area of pet health care and periodontal disease is the most common diagnosis for our pets. Without regular brushing, dental tartar that builds up on your pets teeth is approximately 80 percent bacteria and it can damage your pet’s gums, the bones beneath the teeth and the ligaments that hold their teeth in place. The bacteria found on your pet’s teeth can get into their blood stream and infect vital organs like the lungs, kidney and the heart.
95% of pet owners do not brush their dog’s teeth
BUT… 95 percent of pet owners DO NOT brush their pet’s teeth. The reasons: We are too busy, we forget, we don’t want to force them to do it, they don’t like it, etc…
Brushing your pet’s teeth is an easy habit to start if you start when they are young. I don’t know of any pug (or any other kind of dog) that really likes to have their teeth brushed, so it’s best to introduce this concept slowly over time.
Here are some steps to brushing your pug’s teeth:
* Get your pug used to having their mouth touched.
Be sure and wash your hands before you touch their mouth and afterwards. Take your hand and gently lift your pug’s lips and try to rub your fingers on their teeth and gums. Do it for just a short time, then reward your pug with a treat so it ends up being a positive experience for them.
*After your pug gets used to you rubbing his/her gums, start using a soft washcloth
(I buy baby washcloths for my pugs) or a piece of gauze. If you use a soft washcloth or a piece of gauze, wrap it around your finger, then gently rub your dog’s teeth in a back and forth motion, concentrating mostly on the gum line. Do it for just a minute or so, then reward your pug with a treat.
* Try a toothbrush next (a soft toothbrush).
Your pug may be interested in the dog toothpaste you buy. One of my pugs did not like the toothpaste at all. Another one of my dogs licked it off of my fingers. If your dog does not like the taste of the toothpaste, try a different brand. Be sure it is dog toothpaste though- do not give your dog human toothpaste- it is harmful to them. A small toothbrush will be easier to use on your pug, so I buy child sized toothbrushes. Start with a small area and focus on brushing the tooth and up by the gum line. If your pug resists, talk to him/her calmly and try it again. Brush for a few seconds, then stop and give them a treat.
Some other ideas to help keep your pug’s teeth clean (this doesn’t take place of brushing… it’s just additional ideas.)
* Get professional cleanings done at least once a year. I personally am terrible about this because I don’t want my pugs put to sleep so I would rather fight with them a little to brush their teeth. Professional cleanings are a good idea, though.
* Feed your pug a high-quality dog food and buy chew bones and treats that help promote clean teeth.
Here are some signs of dental problems:
-Bad breath
-Sensitivity around the mouth
-Loss of appetite and/or weight
-Yellow or brown deposits on the teeth
-Bleeding, inflamed, and withdrawn gums
-Loose or missing teeth
-Pawing at the mouth or face
-Difficulty chewing
If you notice any of these problems, it might be a good idea to make an appointment to have your pet’s teeth looked at.
Remember: Pets are an important part of our lives and oral care is an important part of theirs.
Do you brush your pugs teeth?? We’d love to hear from you…
Happy Brushing!!
Love and Pug Kisses,
Candy
