How to Clean Your Dog's Teeth and Remove Tartar Buildup

Dogs need regular dental care as much as their owners do, as dogs are subject to some of the same oral maladies as we are. Dogs can experience tartar buildup from eating soft foods, drinking hard water or inadequate brushing between veterinarian visits. Although you must maintain regular checkups with the vet for your dog's health, you can remove his tartar in small amounts at home.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dental scaling tool
• Crunchy dog treats

1. Purchase a dental scaling tool for dogs. This tool has a plastic handle with a curved metal blade for scraping the dog's teeth.

2. Ensure that dog is accustomed to regular dental exams and care. You can do this by brushing the dog's teeth daily, which also reduces tartar buildup.

3. Command the dog to sit or lie down, whichever position the dog normally assumes during regular dental care. Lift the dog's lip and begin the scaling on the tooth that needs the most attention.

4. Use the side of the scaling tool to scrape from the gum line toward the bottom of the tooth. You must move the scaling tool in a downward motion to prevent injuring the gums.

5. Clean in several small sessions rather than trying to force the dog to endure a long scraping session. Unless the dog is highly trained or anesthetized, she isn't going to submit to more than a minute or two of scraping.

6. Reward the dog with praise and a treat. Offer a crunchy biscuit or bone instead of a soft treat, as gnawing helps to keep the dog's teeth tartar free.

Tips & Warnings

• If the dog has significant tartar buildup, take him to a veterinarian for a professional cleaning.