How Often Should You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Good dental care is important to your dog’s health and happiness. Just like us, dogs need daily at home dental care and, while it is ideal to start when your dog is young, it is never too late to begin caring for your dogs’ teeth. Without proper dental care, dogs can easily develop dental diseases. In fact, dental disease is the most common health issue in dogs, affecting 80% of adult dogs and up to 96% of senior dogs. If left untreated, poor oral health can negatively impact your dog’s overall wellbeing. Therefore, it is more important than ever to take an active role in your pup’s at-home dental care.

Let’s talk what method is best when it comes to at home care

There are numerous ways to support your dogs at home dental care, some of which include:  

• Toothbrushing
• Dental Chews
• Dental Diets
• Dental Toys
• Water additives

But, before you begin a dental care routine, it is important to first assess the current health of your dog’s teeth. If your dog has accumulated tartar or is suffering from gum disease, a visit to your dog’s dentist – the veterinarian – is an excellent first step. Your veterinarian can professionally clean your dog’s teeth and provide advice on how to manage their dental care at home. After a professional cleaning, you can start your at-home dental care regimen, knowing that your efforts will be more effective in keeping their teeth clean.

Of all the at-home care options, tooth brushing is considered the gold standard. The brushing action of the toothbrush works across all tooth surfaces to remove the daily buildup of plaque, support gum health, and minimize the development of tartar.

So how do you brush your dog’s teeth?

Brushing your dog’s teeth may be something that makes many pet parents instantly anxious about or simply in denial that it will ever be a successful option for keeping their dog’s teeth clean. But, this does not have to be.  Starting slow, with a calm and patient technique, can result in at home dental care being a fun and positive experience and great bonding moment for both you and your dog.

The supplies you will need include a toothbrush or finger-brush (preferably one designed for dogs) and a dog specific toothpaste. The first step to daily dental brushing is to get your dog used to their mouths being first touched. Start by giving their muzzle a light rub with your finger. Progress to gently touching their teeth and gums so that over a few days your dog quickly learns that you touching the inside and outside of their mouth is normal. Only once this is accepted by your dog can you then build on this to begin brushing their teeth.

Introducing the tools: Start with a gentle introduction. Let your dog taste the toothpaste and let them be familiarized with these items to encourage them to not be afraid of this new activity. With dog toothpastes often being a flavor that dogs love you can also try placing some toothpaste onto the brush and let your dog eat off it to make them see dental care as something they are eager to do.

Pick the right moment & begin brushing: Brushing your dog’s teeth is best done when you are both relaxed.  Getting down to their level can help make the moment less stressful and help keep you both calm. Start with small circles on the easiest to reach teeth until you both become more confident with the process. Once complete, you can progress to the harder to reach teeth at the back of their mouth. Remember to always brush all the inside and outside surfaces as well as gently across the entire gum line to remove the daily plaque build-up on their teeth. This is a new experience for you both, so don’t forget to continually praise your dog’s good behavior throughout the session and reward them once complete with their favorite treats or play toy as a way to ensuring their enthusiasm and willing participation.

How frequently should you brush your dog’s teeth?

Plaque can start to accumulate on your dog’s teeth in as little as 24 hours making dental care a DAILY essential to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy. An added benefit is that not only does daily brushing help stay ahead of plaque buildup but it also helps the cleaning process becomes more habitual and acceptable for your dog. Now, just like us humans, in addition to being daily, toothbrushing needs to be continued for at least two minutes when it comes to duration to ensure it is a thorough and effective clean. This two-minute daily commitment could be what makes the difference to your pet’s health and sparkly smile.

What if my dog and tooth brushing are two things that simply won’t go together?

Daily brushing isn’t always easy, if it becomes a situation that is stressful to you both, then choosing the next best option of giving your dog a daily dental chew can be a more acceptable and tasty choice for your both. Wellness WHIMZEES daily dental chews make a great option. They are not only convenient, effective, and a playful way to support dental health but they are also scientifically crafted to Support the 4 Areas Vets Checks Most: Breath, Plaque, Tartar, Gums. Plus, WHIMZEES brushzees has been awarded the VOHC Accepted Seal for Tartar & Plaque, making them a great option for at home dental care success.