Dog Teeth Cleaning Is Essential
When it comes to dog teeth, cleaning is one of the most important factors in the care for your Chihuahua. Cleaning your dog’s teeth goes way beyond ridding your dog of bad breath, it can actually help your Chihuahua to live a longer, healthier life! Although any dog can have problems with their teeth, it seems that it is a bigger issue for tiny dogs.
Chihuahuas are known for sometimes being picky eaters, so many owners offer them soft food and treats which helps to agitate dental problems. Plaque builds up, which then leads to periodontal disease. That in turn can lead to not only loose and decayed teeth, but also to heart and kidney diseases caused by the resulting bacteria. 
Cleaning dogs’ teeth is actually a lot easier than it sounds, especially when it comes to a small lap dog! Dog teeth cleaning only involves the outside area, as Chihuahuas seem to do a good job at keeping the inside of their teeth cleaned, due to their saliva keeping plaque from forming. Due to their tiny mouth size, it is best to use either a piece of gauze, a finger brush, or dental cleaning pads. Never use people toothpaste as this can be harmful to your Chihuahua when swallowed, as dogs cannot spit. There are many various doggie toothpastes on the market. To help your Chihuahua learn to accept getting her teeth brushed, sit her in your lap and put some doggie toothpaste on your finger. While she is licking it, gently touch her front incisors. Every time that you do this, reach further back along her mouth until you can reach all of her molars, leaving your finger a bit longer each time. There is no need to hold her mouth open, just lift the sides of her lips to expose her outer teeth. Once is she use to this, put some of the doggie toothpaste on a piece of gauze and using a circular motion, rub all around the tooth and along the gum line. 
You should do this daily and you will find that it only takes a few minutes of cleaning, once you both are use to it. It is always best to feed your Chihuahua dry dog food. This is best for keeping plaque from forming, as the crunching is a natural cleaning action! Your dog’s dental care should also consist of plenty of various chew toys, such as rope toys, and various ridged-shape toys. Nutra-dent chews, greenies, and hard dog biscuits are excellent treats to give your Chihuahua, as they are great for her oral health. Some of the best care you can give your Chihuahua, is cleaning her teeth, and making it a top priority!
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