It is vital for your dog’s general health and wellbeing to keep their teeth clean. Dogs may experience dental problems if their teeth are not properly taken care of, just like people. Regular brushing is an essential part of your pet’s grooming regimen because it can help prevent gum disease, plaque buildup, and bad breath.
Although brushing your dog’s teeth at home can seem difficult, it can actually be quite easy and enjoyable if you follow a few easy steps. A little patience and the appropriate tools are all you need. Developing a routine helps you and your pet bond more deeply while also encouraging good dental hygiene.
You will find step-by-step instructions on how to properly brush your dog’s teeth in this guide. You’ll be well-prepared to maintain your dog’s teeth bright and healthy, from selecting the best toothbrush and toothpaste to methods that streamline the procedure.
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Gather your supplies: dog toothbrush and toothpaste. |
| 2 | Familiarize your dog with the toothbrush by letting them sniff it. |
| 3 | Apply a small amount of toothpaste on the brush. |
| 4 | Gently lift your dog’s lip and start brushing in circular motions. |
| 5 | Brush for about 30 seconds on each side. |
| 6 | Reward your dog with praise or a treat. |
Why is it necessary to brush a dog"s teeth
Not only can oral bacteria cause an unpleasant odor to arise, but they can also cause premature tooth loss.
If the animal’s oral cavity is neglected, tartar will build up on the teeth and damage the gums.
The following variables directly affect health:
- Heredity. Breeds such as cocker and poodles are predisposed to dental diseases.
- Nutrition. This factor plays an important role in the formation of strong teeth. It is important that the diet of pets is varied, the food should contain minerals such as phosphorus and calcium.
- Lack of hygiene procedures. This factor can provoke hair loss, the formation of fistulas, as well as the occurrence of periodontal disease and periodontitis.
Organs like the liver and heart are adversely affected by dental diseases. The dog experiences pain, which makes it irritable or lethargic and makes it refuse to play games and eat.
Dental disorders are most common in small breeds (Pekingese, Toy Terrier, and Chihuahua). Their teeth are discolored, and they frequently have an unpleasant stench in their mouths. Because of their sensitive digestive systems, they have trouble breaking down coarse foods like bones, which a pet could use to clean their mouths.
Your dog’s teeth need to be brushed at least three times a week at home. In the event that tartar develops, get in touch with a veterinarian. The veterinarian will use ultrasonography to remove the deposits. Because of its extreme pain, this procedure is only performed under general anesthesia once every two years.
Choosing a cleaning product
Dental cleaning supplies are available at pet stores and veterinary pharmacies.
No, "human" toothpaste should not be used to brush your dog’s teeth. Since pets find it difficult to rinse their mouths, the fluoride it contains may find its way into their stomach. If consumed frequently, this poisonous material can damage the kidneys and induce dyspepsia.
Regular toothpaste flavorings can dull an animal’s sense of smell.
You can use the following items to brush your pet’s teeth:
- Special toothpaste for animals. It can have the taste of bacon or chicken, which does not cause rejection in the dog. It contains components that can soften dental plaque. It will not harm the pet"s health if swallowed.
- Dental gel for dogs. It is applied to the pet"s teeth half an hour after eating. The product has an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect, it freshens breath and reduces plaque formation.
- Cleaning spray. The animal"s oral cavity is irrigated from a distance of 10 centimeters. It helps to get rid of unpleasant odor and destroy pathogenic microflora.
You can make your own paste for your dog to save money. You will need to combine equal parts baking soda, lemon juice, and white chalk to accomplish this. Nevertheless, using such a mixture is not advised as it can harm the enamel.
Dogs can use the following items as toothbrushes:
| Name and photo | Description |
Rubber fingertip |
This brush has soft bristles. They bend in all directions and do not damage the gums. |
Double brush with an extended handle |
At its ends there are brushes of different sizes (for cleaning the back and front teeth). The long handle allows you to reach the most hard-to-reach places. |
Toy for cleaning teeth |
The toy-toothpick is made of natural rubber. By sticking its teeth into it, the dog cleans them from food debris. |
Cleansing (edible) bones |
Edible bones can be used for pets that do not allow their teeth to be brushed. Chewing such bones will help get rid of unpleasant odor in the mouth and plaque. |
For the sake of your dog’s general health and dental health, you must brush their teeth at home. To make the process easy and stress-free for you and your pet, this article offers straightforward, step-by-step instructions. You can maintain your dog’s teeth in good condition and avoid future dental problems by using the appropriate equipment and using a gentle approach.
Stages of accustoming a pet
It is best to perform the procedure after the dog has had something to eat or taken for a walk, when they are calm and at ease.
Even though a dog’s teeth are fully developed by six to seven months, you should start brushing the pet at two months old. By doing this, the pet will be able to become psychologically acclimated to the manipulations and cease to regard them as strange.
Selecting the ideal period to train your puppy is crucial. When your dog is hungry, wants to play, or needs to sleep, don’t wake it up.
Steps involved in teaching your dog to brush their teeth:
- From time to time, run your fingers near your pet"s mouth so that this does not irritate it later. As soon as the animal gets used to it, this usually takes about two weeks, you can proceed to the next stage.
- Apply the cleaning product to your finger and let the dog sniff and lick it. The puppy should feel the taste of the paste so that it will adequately perceive it in the future.
- When the animal gets used to the new taste, apply the cleaning product to its teeth and gums with your finger. After successfully completing this stage, reward the dog with a treat.
- After the pet gets used to the paste, start training it to the brush. Apply the product to it and let the puppy lick it.
- If you feel that the dog is ready, carry out a hygienic procedure with a brush, starting with the front teeth. If the dog shows anxiety, pet it and continue.
- Increase the number of teeth you clean every day. Always move the brush parallel to the gum.
- You should only move on to cleaning the inside of the teeth when the puppy behaves calmly during the manipulations.
An integral part of your dog’s daily grooming regimen is brushing their teeth at home. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps to avoid plaque accumulation and improves general health. You and your pet can enjoy this process together if you have the proper equipment and a little perseverance.
To begin, acclimate your dog to having their mouth touched. To establish a calm atmosphere, give treats and praise—positive reinforcement. Introduce the toothpaste and toothbrush designed especially for dogs once they’re at ease. To make things more fun, always select flavors that your dog will enjoy.
Start brushing by concentrating on a couple of teeth at a time. As your dog becomes accustomed to the coverage, gradually expand the area. To maintain good dental hygiene, try to see a dentist at least twice or three times a week. Recall that consistency is essential! This routine will eventually turn into a beneficial bonding experience for the two of you.
You can prevent dental problems in the future and help your dog keep a healthy smile by adhering to these easy steps. Brushing your dog’s teeth can become an effortless part of your routine care regimen with love and patience. Your dog will show you appreciation with many happy barks and wagging tails!
