Feeding your dachshund a premium dry dog food and providing her with safe chew toys and bones to gnaw on can go far in keeping her teeth white and healthy. It won't, however, prevent all gum disease and tooth decay. This is why veterinarians are strongly encouraging their clients to brush their dogs' teeth on a regular basis.

Brushing a dachshund's teeth really isn't as difficult as it sounds. Begin with a finger brush, which is made of rubber and has little knobs all over it and which you wear over the end of a finger. Using a dog toothpaste (specifically formulated for dogs and in flavors such as chicken and beef), rub the finger brush against your dog's teeth and gums. It will take a while for your dachshund to get used to this; they usually try to lick the paste off the brush. Go slowly, and increase your brushing gradually. Once your dachsie is accustomed to finger brushing, you can begin using a toothbrush.

Resist the temptation to use human toothpaste to clean your dog's teeth. There are ingredients in these pastes that are toxic to dogs if swallowed, and as smart as your dachshund is, she hasn't yet learned to “rinse and spit.” Stick with the canine toothpaste, brush your dog's teeth regularly, and help her keep her teeth for a lifetime.