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Last Updated on March 29, 2024 by Thee Puppypreneur
HOW TO BRUSH DOG TEETH
How to clean dog teeth? How often to brush dog teeth? What toothpaste? What toothbrush? All these answered and more with a step-by-step how to at the bottom of this article. Brushing your dog’s teeth can be a difficult and daunting task if your pet doesn’t know what to expect. Talking to them through every step of the process starting with introducing the toothbrush can help familiarize your pet with what to expect each time without being fearful or clueless.
WHY BRUSHING DOG TEETH IS IMPORTANT?
Another reason for brushing dog teeth is that it gives you the opportunity to check your dogs oral health. Check for lumps and bumps, cracked or chipped teeth, and foreign bodies that might be stuck in the teeth. Depending on the condition of the teeth you may need to take your dog to a veterinarian to have them professionally cleaned.
HOW OFTEN TO BRUSH DOG TEETH?
How often to brush dog teeth is a personal decision, but how often do you brush yours? Here in our house brushing teeth is a serious business and very much looked forward to right before bed. My little girl has a regime that would rival that of any dentist’s.
I know people that brush their dogs’ teeth two times a day. It is a matter of preference and if there are any other dental concerns you might have with your pet.
ENZYMATIC VS ALL-NATURAL TOOTHPASTE
Again, brushing dog teeth in this household is a serious business. I use two different types of toothpaste (on different days) for no reason other than I like the rotation.
Enzymatic toothpaste is specifically formulated for your dog, so it is okay if your dog happens to swallow this toothpaste while brushing.
uses an enzyme system for dogs called glucose oxidase to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and ensure a clean mouth with a Vanilla Mint flavor she is always trying to eat and it’s great for her allergies because it’s not chicken or beef. However, this particular one is poultry flavored and they do have a beef one.
My number one pick, however, is
made in the USA and Organic. I have tasted this toothpaste personally after looking at the ingredients and it tastes amazing. It is made with ingredients like sweet potato, cinnamon, thyme and olive leaf which are anti-bacterial and has peppermint to promote fresh breath. Each ingredient listed provides your dog with a specific function like antiseptic, antibacterial, carminative, etc.
WHAT TYPE OF TOOTHBRUSH SHOULD YOU USE?
I have tried several toothbrushes on the market, and I have found that a two-step method to cleaning a dog’s teeth is preferred because it is thorough. I use this
to brush her gums and teeth facing the outside, but I find it difficult to get her to keep her mouth open to brush the teeth from the inside.
This is when I then switch to
which I absolutely rave about. This finger brush is silicone and I put it in boiling water after every use and it sterilizes it for use the next time around. It allows me to stick my finger on the inside of her mouth, getting to the hard-to-reach places the toothbrush can’t.
If you are not about the two-step method you can always try this
Amazon.com: Orgrimmar 2 Pcs Three Sided Pet Toothbrush Dog Brush Addition Bad Breath Tartar Teeth Care Dog Cat Cleaning Mouth : Pet Supplies
Then after we are done brushing with both toothbrushes we finish off with an application to the gums and teeth of this
which has ingredients like zinc and vitamin c and requires no brushing and claims to fight off plaque and tartar and defend against periodontal disease while freshening her breath even more. This might be overkill but of course my little girl loves it all. On days that I don’t feel like brushing I put a drop of the dental cleaning gel on my finger and rub it on the back molar along the gum lines, so it spreads evenly throughout the mouth.
HOW TO CLEAN DOG TEETH, PREVENTING PLAQUE AND TARTAR IN OTHER WAYS
Aside from brushing there are some other things that you can do to prevent plaque and tartar buildup such as giving your dog treats or buying them specific toys to promote gum health without breaking their teeth.
are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Counsel and they also have a blueberry version if your pet can’t have poultry flavor. They are proven to reduce plaque and tartar.
CAN I USE MY HUMAN TOOTHPASTE ON MY DOG?
Human toothpaste is absolutely a no go. They have ingredients such as xylitol and also foaming agents which can cause upset stomach. Not to mention human toothpaste is not formulated to be swallowed and this can result in your dog getting sick.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO BRUSHING YOUR DOG’S TEETH
If your dog has a red line above his teeth on the gums, then you have the beginnings of gingivitis and you will want to pay special attention to those areas. This is how I brush my fur kid’s teeth at home.
- Start with dog laying down or sitting
- Bring a cup of warm water to rinse toothbrush
- Apply toothpaste to the toothbrush, lift up dogs’ lip on one side and brush gums and teeth on one side in circular motions.
- Rinse toothbrush and apply more toothpaste for the other side and repeat.
- Make sure not to miss the top and bottom, front teeth
- Then I go back with more toothpaste (not much) and apply to finger brush
- Take your finger towards the back molars, when she opens her mouth that is when you might get slightly chomped on, but it shouldn’t hurt unless your dog is a hard biter. We scrub the interior of all the teeth paying attention to the very back, using the cup of water to rinse off all the debris.
- Then finish with cleansing gel by applying it on top and bottom of gums paying attention to apply where there might be any red lines. (The more you brush the more your red gingivitis lines “should” disappear (well hers did)
Check out our other articles for more information on other types of teeth cleaning, such as;
