Dental care for Boxer dogs should begin from the day that you bring your dog into your family. There is no age in which a Boxer dog is not vulnerable to canine tooth decay.
What is the difference between human tooth care and dog tooth care?
With dogs, very few will ever get cavities. However, it is plaque, tarter and bacteria build up that can cause serious health problems.
Doesn't a dog clean their teeth when they chew on bones?
No. This is a common misconception. Some dog treats and
certain quality toys
will help clean a dog's teeth a bit, by loosening plaque. They will not clean the teeth enough to prevent eventual infection and decay. Dogs can develop some pretty serious ailments if they do not receive these regular brushings.
Some chews work to scrape the teeth to a certain degree. This is good for your Boxer dog, but not enough. For excellent oral health, daily care must be taken to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. This routine should be as normal as taking your dog for a walk or feeding him dinner.
Won't it take up too much time to keep cleaning my Boxer dog's teeth?
Once a dog is trained to sit nice, this will only take about 5 minutes per day and can save your dog's life. Once you fall into a normal schedule, this should become as natural as any other grooming or care element.
What do I do if my Boxer hates having his teeth cleaned?
Not to worry. With repetition, just about every dog can be trained to sit nice while you brush his teeth just like dogs learn to sit for
grooming of the coat. All this takes is your effort to not give up on doing this task and allow your dog a week or so to become used to it.
Before you begin, some things to remember:
- Never use human toothpaste. Canine specific toothpaste is not a marketing scheme or an unnecessary product. Human tooth paste is dangerous to dogs. Because so much of the paste can be swallowed, the build up of ingested ingredients can be toxic. While smaller breeds would be more likely to become ill...even a large Boxer could. Do not take a chance with your Boxer's health and please purchase a high-quality canine toothpaste.
- Begin as soon as possible. Puppies that are taught to have their teeth cleaned will grow up knowing it is a normal part of their day.
- Do not give up if your dog tries to run away from you when you begin; with time and repetition a dog will learn that it is a routine part of the day.
What You Will Need:
- A finger brush for dogs - this can be used first, if your Boxer dog is not used to having his teeth cleaned
- A dog tooth brush - Much different than a human brush, you should make all attempts to train up to the level of using a dog tooth brush
- Canine tooth paste - never underestimate the importance of using this
How to Brush Your Boxer's Teeth | Step-by-Step
- Have all needed supplies on hand
- Give the "Open mouth" command and use your hand to manipulate the jaw open; within a week or so a dog will begin to learn to do this himself with very little strength needed on your part
- Brush swiftly and firmly on all surfaces of the teeth. Do not just brush the front ones! Do the front and both sides.
- You can hum to calm your Boxer puppy or dog down or simply speak in a matter-of-fact way
- After a full minute or so, wipe out the mouth with a wet washcloth; but don't worry that paste is being swallowed since a good canine brand will be perfectly edible and digestible
- Offer praise and a treat (preferably a dental hygiene treat) if your Boxer at least made an effort.