Introducing the Dog Toothbrush
When you first introduce a toothbrush to your dog, practice giving your pet praise or a treat each time the toothbrush is brought out.
Once your dog associates their toothbrush with positive treats and praise, you can begin gently touching your pet’s mouth with the toothbrush. Keep repeating this process until they are comfortable.
You can then work on building comfort with the brushing motion.
Don’t force your dog into accepting toothbrushing. Go slow with the process until they feel comfortable with each step towards toothbrushing. You want them to enjoy or at least comfortably tolerate the process, not dread that activity every day.
Introducing Dog Toothpaste
Just with the previous steps, you will need to introduce the toothpaste slowly as well.
Since dog toothpastes are made with flavors that mimic the foods that dogs already enjoy—like poultry or beef—you can start by just letting your pup taste the toothpaste from your finger.
If they like the flavor and lick it up happily, then you can bring out the toothbrush.
If your pet allows toothbrushing but hates toothpaste, go without the toothpaste. The mechanical act of toothbrushing even without toothpaste is still helpful.
How to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth
Toothbrushing is best performed daily, but every other day can be helpful. However, brushing less than every other day makes little-to-no difference in dental health.
The best approach to brushing your dog’s teeth is to think of your pet’s mouth in sections: back right, front right, back left and front left. It’s also a good idea to stand behind your pet with them in your lap.
This position will make sure you are both facing the same direction and can make it easier to access all the sections of your dog’s mouth.
Give each area the same amount of brushing, and remember that you only need to focus on the outward-facing side of your dog’s teeth.
Apply your pet-safe toothpaste (if using) to the toothbrush and moisten with water.
Apply toothbrush to your pet’s teeth at a 45 degree angle.
As you start brushing, address each region (back right, front left, etc.) individually. Focus on three horizontal strokes (back and forth) and then a final stroke going from gumline towards tips of the crown.
The back teeth can be a place where tartar accumulates rapidly. To help expose the back teeth, gently pull your dog’s lip back at the corner of the mouth.
Dog Teeth Cleaning VancouverIf you notice that the toothbrush bristles ‘curve’ or visibly deflect, then you are pushing too hard.
Brushing too hard can lead to gingival damage. Imagine brushing off a tomato without bruising it—this is about the same amount of pressure you should apply with a toothbrush.
Other Dog Dental Care Options
You should never get to the point where you fear being bitten by your dog during toothbrushing.
If toothbrushing is not accepted by your dog, then you can focus on other at-home dental care options, like dental treats, chews, foods and water additives. You can also consult the VOHC list of approved dog products for options to discuss with your veterinarian.
VOHC-approved treats, chews and kibbles are meant to reduce tartar accumulation. Because these treats can also be high in calories, they may not be the best choice for pets with weight issues.
If your dog does tolerate toothbrushing, these should not be used as a replacement. You should consider these as complements to their daily brushing routine and veterinary dental cleanings.
If your dog does tolerate toothbrushing, these should not be used as a replacement. You should consider these as complements to their daily brushing routine and veterinary dental cleanings.
Importance of Professional Dental Cleanings
At-home care of your dog’s mouth is part of effective preventative care, but it doesn’t treat already rotten or diseased teeth. These require a professional dental cleaning and treatment at your veterinary office.
The frequency of dental cleanings will depend on your dog. Some dogs, especially smaller breeds, will need annual professional dental cleanings to maintain optimum dental health.
Canine dental cleanings get below the gumline, and during the cleaning, your vet can assess the overall health of your dog’s mouth. They are an essential part of your dog’s annual care.
Just like we brush our teeth and go to the dentist, your dog also needs dental care. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly can help prevent health issues like gum disease. It can help keep your dog comfortable too. Professional teeth cleanings at the vet are also important.
Read on to learn why teeth cleaning is great for your dog’s health and what you should know about professional cleanings.
Why should you have your dog’s teeth cleaned?
Dr. Jamie Richardson, veterinarian and chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary, explains that a dog’s dental health also affects their overall health.
“Just like humans, dogs and cats get plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth and over their gums,” she explains. “Over time, this can lead to oral diseases like periodontal disease (gum disease) and gingivitis.”
