The protruding lower jaw of English Bulldog puppies is one of those adorable French bulldog puppies for adoption traits that we just can’t get enough of. Ever notice those little teeth sticking out are always so white and clean? That doesn’t just happen. Brushing your English Bulldog puppy’s teeth is very important to their health…and their smile!
Keeping your puppy’s teeth clean and healthy is not just for appearance. Plaque and tartar can build up causing cavities and decay if not treated. This could result in having teeth removed if the decay is too bad or causing pain to your pup. Your dog’s teeth are just as important as our own and keeping them clean is vital.
Getting your English Bulldog puppy used to a teeth cleaning routine is easy, if you start as a young age. The first step is allowing your pup to tolerate your fingers in his mouth. Start by gently rubbing his gums with the tip of your finger for a few seconds and praise him each time you retreat. Slowly increase the amount of time you keep your finger in his mouth. You can even try putting some soup, gravy or a small amount of peanut butter on your finger for your pup to taste while you’re doing this.
After he is doing well with the first step, try putting a rag or gauze on the tip of your finger to get him used to the sensation of something other than your skin. Follow the same steps as above to get him used to this. Eventually, you’ll be able to move up to a tooth brush with hardly any resistance.
There are many doggie tooth pastes out there that are flavored and make brushing your English Bulldog puppy’s teeth easier. While brushing your dog’s teeth at all is great, you may want something that will protect and whiten his teeth more than these tooth pastes do. Never use any human tooth pastes as these will make your feel sick if ingested.
If doggie tooth pastes are not appealing to you, try mixing a small amount of baking soda in some lukewarm water. Be sure the baking soda is dissolved and dip the tooth brush or rag in the water. The baking soda will help to reduce acid in the mouth and whiten the teeth at the same time. Your pup will probably dislike this more than the doggie tooth paste because of the flavor but it will provide better protection.
Be sure to keep a regular teeth cleaning routine such as once or twice per week. In between cleanings, provide your English Bulldog puppy with bones or toys that are conducive to cleaning teeth such as those with small knobs to massage gums and teeth to break away tartar and plaque.
Following these routines will be sure to get your English Bulldog puppy a clean teeth award at your next vet visit!