How to Clean Your Poodle's Teeth

Poodles are smart loving dogs and all three sizes--standard, miniature and toy--are popular breeds. Most current and potential poodle owners know that they will need to spend a great deal of time and money caring for their dogs' coat; poodles require more trips to the groomer than just about any other breed. However, being so focused on your dog's haircuts can contribute to unintentional neglect of something very important for your poodle's overall health and well-being--her teeth.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog toothbrush
  • Dog toothpaste
  • Chew toys
  • Raw bones
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start young. Even though a miniature and toy poodle puppy's mouth is quite small, start getting your pup used to having his teeth cleaned within a month after taking him home. A soft child's toothbrush or a rubber dog tooth cleaner that fits over your finger will be more comfortable than a large human or dog toothbrush.

    • 2

      Brush regularly. Try to brush your poodle's teeth at least once a week--four to seven times a week would be better. Brush slowly, just as you would your own teeth.

    • 3

      Choose the toothpaste. Human toothpaste is not good for dogs. Pick a dog-specific toothpaste from your local pet supply store. Pick two and let your poodle choose which she likes best. If she doesn't like any of the available flavors, use plain old baking soda with enough water added to make a small amount of paste.

    • 4

      Provide chew toys. Pet store aisles are full of hard rubber toys that help keep dogs' teeth squeaky clean through the act of chewing on them. Kong brand toys are particularly hardy, and the right size Kong for your size poodle filled with crunchy treats are not only good for his teeth, it will keep him occupied for hours.

    • 5

      Go for natural bones. Rawhide chew toys are great, but they're all fat. Small dogs like miniature and toy poodles can quickly get sick from ingesting chew-softened rawhide. Bones are better--but get the fresh ones from the grocery store (sometimes marketed as "soup bones") rather than the ones at the pet store with the "flavor juices" baked on. The natural bones are much cheaper.