SHOP OUR STORE

EXTRAS
About Us
Rescue Links
Track Your Order
Dog Articles & Tips
Shipping Policy
Return Policy
Privacy Policy

SEARCH SITE

Dog Articles & Tips

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Why Should You Brush Your Dog's Teeth?

Good dental care for your dog helps to promote a healthy body.  Without a good dental regimen, dogs can develop gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontal disease (infections around the teeth) just as humans can.  Periodontal disease leads to not only bad breath, unattractive teeth, and tooth loss, but the bacteria present in periodontal disease can travel into the bloodstream and cause problems in the major organs:

• Lungs - pulmonary fibrosis, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Heart - endocarditis, mitral valve regurgitation, and myocardial degeneration
• Liver - hepatic parenchymal inflammation and hepatopathy
• Kidneys - interstitial nephritis and glomerulonephritis

An infection such as this may quickly become life threatening.  A dog with periodontal disease may show outward signs such as bad breath, flinching from having her muzzle clipped, the inability to carry something in her mouth, and difficulty eating.  Periodontal disease is painful for the dog.  The good news is that a little home dental care can prevent these dental problems.

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth:

Step One: Acquaint your dog with the process
The best way to begin home dental care is accustom your dog to it as soon as you bring him or her home, regardless of the dog’s age.  Begin by holding your dog in a comfortable position and use your (clean) index finger to gently rub the teeth and gums.  Speak softly and kindly, and praise your dog when you’ve finished.  Do this often, for just a few moments each time, until your dog accepts a finger in her mouth.  This training should be a pleasant experience for the dog!  If it’s not, then try adding just a small dab of dog toothpaste (NEVER human toothpaste!) to your finger.

Once your puppy’s permanent teeth have come in, or once your adult dog has fully accepted the training described above, begin slowly introducing the dog to a soft toothbrush made especially for dogs.  Only use toothpaste that is made for dogs, because they are formulated for swallowing, whereas human toothpastes contain ingredients that are poisonous when swallowed!  Generally, because dog toothpastes are made of flavors that dogs love, it is easy for dogs to accept them.

Step Two: Introduce the Toothbrush
Place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush.  In a slow circular motion, brush one or two teeth and the adjoining gum line.  Talk sweet and praise your dog!  The purpose of this step is to get your dog accustomed to the feel of the brush.

Step Three: Begin Brushing
Over a few days, gradually increase the number of teeth brushed, going slowly and gently, until you are brushing all of them, especially the rear teeth where plaque and tartar have a greater tendency to accumulate.  As you go through the process, stop brushing before your dog starts fussing.  If the dog learns that fussing makes you stop brushing, he will have the upper hand and it will take the process longer and will not be as pleasant.  Be sure to LAVISH PRAISE on your dog during and after each session, so it will seem like a fun and wonderful thing!  Your dog will soon come running whenever you get out the toothbrush.

You should set aside just a few minutes everyday to brush your dog’s teeth.  If that is not possible, you must brush the teeth at least 3 times a week for your home dental plan to work.  Oftentimes, a dedicated owner can prevent the need for those $expensive$ professional teeth cleanings, in which the dog must be anesthetized.  (There is ALWAYS a risk to your dog when it undergoes a general anesthetic).

Find dental products in our Bath & Spa category

Back to Articles