Why you need to brush your puppy's teeth (and how to do it)

Q: We've been advised to clean our puppy's teeth. Is it really necessary? How can we train him to tolerate it?

A: Yes - not only will it reinforce his position within the family pack (at the bottom!) but it will also improve his overall health. Allowing plaque to accumulate can lead to tooth and more general infections. But it is easy to prevent by brushing after every meal, and now is the time to train your puppy. At first it will seem like a game to him, but with time and patience it will become part of the daily routine. Build up exposure gradually, letting him lick the toothpaste off your finger first - it's pleasantly flavoured so should be like a treat. Best of luck - it really is worth the effort now for long-term gain.

Alison Logan, Vet