Dogs have teeth too!

All toy breeds are prone to dental disease. Proper home care and regular dental cleaning at your

veterinarian will help prevent severe dental disease. The health of gums and teeth can affect other

major body organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver. It is very important to keep their mouths

clean! We recommend beginning teeth brushing when puppies are very young. This will get them used to the idea of someone working with them in their mouths.

There are many “doggie” toothpastes available in several flavors. It would be good to find one your puppy likes. This will make teeth brushing a more positive experience. A slow and gradual approach will be the most successful. Start with allowing the puppy to just lick the toothpaste off your finger or toothbrush for one week. Then, starting the second week gently rub the front teeth and gums with a fingerbrush or a child size toothbrush. The third week you may begin lifting the lips to brush the back molars. Human toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed and should not be used in pets.

It is also common for small breeds to retain their baby teeth. If the baby teeth do not fall out naturally, they will need to be extracted to allow the adult teeth to come in properly. This can often be done at the same time as spaying or neutering at around 6-7 months of age.

Please consult with your veterinarian about dental care for your new puppy!