How To Take Care of Your Shih Tzu's Teeth

If you are wondering how to take care of your Shih Tzu's teeth this article should give you a few tips and procedures. Start early and stay with a regular routine. Just like humans, Shih Tzu can get cavities if their teeth are not properly taken care of. Cavities are not as common in Shih Tzu as they are in humans; however there are some things which can increase the likelihood of your Shih Tzu developing tooth problems. If you live in an area with hard water, it is more likely that your Shih Tzu's teeth will develop tartar deposits. Additionally, tooth problems are more likely if your Shih Tzu eats mostly soft foods, because these leave debris in gum pockets at the base of the teeth, leading to infections. These not only cause problems for your Shih Tzu's teeth - studies show that a whopping 98 of cases of bad breath in Shih Tzu are caused by periodontal disease, which is the result of tartar build-up and gum infections. The best way of preventing these problems is with regular brushing of your Shih Tzu teeth. Even if you have a great relationship with your Shih Tzu, staring into its mouth and seeing rows of shining, sharp dog teeth can be intimidating. But by gradually getting your Shih Tzu used to the idea of having you handling his mouth, you'll be able to clean his teeth and take care of his mouth without too many problems. If you have a young Shih Tzu, it is much easier to get started. Even if your Shih Tzu is a few years old you can still get him used to the idea, but you may find that it takes a bit longer before your Shih Tzu is willing to let you brush his teeth. To get your Shih Tzu used to having his mouth handled, start by lifting his lips and looking at his teeth - do this two or three times a week, and each time, give him a small treat after you have finished. This will help both you and your Shih Tzu relax when you are handling his mouth, and your Shih Tzu will be more comfortable with the process when he knows there will be a treat when it's over. Once your Shih Tzu is used to having his mouth handled, it's time to start brushing. There are a few simple items you will need to brush your Shih Tzu's teeth, which you can obtain from a pet store or from your veterinarian. You'll need a dog tooth brush (a wash cloth or gauze pad wrapped around your finger also works well), and tooth paste which has been formulated for animal use. Human tooth paste should not be used for brushing dog teeth, because dogs cannot spit, and human tooth paste is not safe to swallow in large quantities. Your Shih Tzu will most likely swallow whatever you use to clean his teeth, so it is important to buy tooth paste which has been formulated specifically for dogs. In addition, dog tooth pastes come in several different flavors, so if you can find a flavor your Shih Tzu likes, it will be that much easier to brush his teeth. Once you have the right tools, brushing dog teeth is pretty similar to brushing your own. If you have a large Shih Tzu, the easiest position is on the floor, with your Shih Tzu in front of you. With smaller Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu puppies, you can hold the Shih Tzu in your lap. To start brushing, lift your Shih Tzu's upper lip and brush the teeth in a circular motion, making sure to brush at the base of each tooth where it meets the gum line. Also make sure to brush the back molars, because these teeth are more likely than the front teeth to develop problems. To get your Shih Tzu used to having his teeth brushed, do only one or two teeth the first few times. As he becomes more comfortable with brushing, you can brush more teeth in each session. Always give your Shih Tzu a small treat after each session. Brushing should be done twice a week. If your Shih Tzu's teeth have a lot of tartar build-up they'll need to be cleaned by your vet - this is a fairly quick procedure but it does require anesthesia. In addition to regular brushing, feeding your Shih Tzu dry dog food or hard biscuits every day is the best way of preventing tartar build-up. Soft foods and meat should be given as treat foods only. As well as this, provide your Shih Tzu with bones or hard toys to chew on - this will help keep their teeth and gums in good condition and it will also reduce the risk of your Shih Tzu chewing on furniture or destroying your property. If you give your Shih Tzu bones, do not cook them. Cooked bones can splinter, and these splinters can cause your Shih Tzu to choke, or if swallowed they can perforate the bowel. Choose a bone based on the size of your Shih Tzu - make sure you get a large bone if your Shih Tzu is a large breed, so that there is no possibility of swallowing it. With a little care and attention, you can help keep your Shih Tzu's teeth in tip-top condition for years to come. Remember to stick to a regular routine and you will be pleased with the results. This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

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