Experts recommend regular teeth cleaning for Miniature Schnauzers, since they can suffer from dental disease, just like people. Daily brushing is best, but your dog will benefit from having his teeth brushed a few times a week. The teeth should be white and free of yellowish tartar, and the gums should appear healthy and pink. Gums that bleed easily when you perform dental duties may have gingivitis.
The first thing to know is that your puppy probably isn’t going to want your fingers in his mouth. Desensitizing your puppy — getting him to accept that you will be looking at and touching his teeth — is the first step to overcoming his resistance. You can begin this as soon as you get your puppy, with the help of the thing that motivates dogs the most: food.
For starters, let your puppy lick some chicken, vegetable or beef broth off your finger. Then, dip your finger in broth again, and gently insert your finger in the side of your dog’s mouth. Touch his side teeth and gains. Several sessions will get your puppy used to having his mouth touched.
Use a toothbrush specifically made for a dog or a fingertip brush to brush your Schnauzer’s teeth. Hold his mouth with the fingers of one hand, and brush with the other. Use toothpaste formulated for dogs with delectable flavors like poultry and beef. Brush in a circular motion with the brush held at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Be sure to get the fronts, tops and sides of each tooth.
Check the teeth for signs of plaque, tartar or gum disease, including redness, swelling, foul breath, discolored enamel near the gum line and receding gums. If you see these’ immediately take your Miniature Schnauzer to the veterinarian.
Six Tips for Schnauzer Care
- Grooming tools can be scary to some dogs, so let yours see and sniff everything at the start. Keep your beauty sessions short, too. Most Schnauzers don’t enjoy standing still for too long.
- Look at your dog’s eyes for any discharge, and her ears for inflammation, debris or foul odor. If you notice anything that doesn’t look right, immediately contact your veterinarian.
- Choose a time to groom your dog when you don’t have to rush, and assemble all of the grooming tools before you begin. This way you can focus on your dog’s needs instead of having to stop in the middle of the session to search for an item.
- Start establishing a grooming routine the day after you bring her home. A regular grooming schedule will make it easier to remember what touch-ups your dog needs.
- Proper nail care helps with your dog’s gait and spinal alignment. Nails
that are too long can force a dog to walk improperly. Also, long nails can snag and tear, causing painful injury to your Miniature Schnauzer. - Good dental health prevents gum disease and early tooth loss. Brush your Schnauzer’s teeth daily and take her to the vet yearly.
Rewarding your Miniature Schnauzer for behaving well during the teeth brushing process is the best way to ensure stress-free teeth cleaning throughout his lifetime. Playing with your Mini after his brush and bath is the best way to reward your Schnauzer for a job well done.
