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