There are so many important aspects of caring for dogs that it can be difficult to keep track of them all. One area that many dog owners tend to neglect is their pup’s oral health. Tooth brushing is a daily habit for you, but did you know that your dog’s teeth require care as well?
If you never learned how to clean dogs’ teeth as a pet owner, you’re not alone. Luckily, it’s easy to develop a dental hygiene routine for your dog that works for both of you.
Why Is Oral Hygiene Important for Dogs?
Keeping a healthy mouth is important for dogs for many of the same reasons as humans. In order to prevent your dog’s teeth rotting or becoming diseased, you should clean their teeth and gums on a regular basis.
Do dogs’ teeth fall out if you don’t brush them? Not always, but if they develop excess plaque and even gum disease, it can happen.
Additionally, having cavities or plaque buildup can cause pain for your dog just like it would for you if you neglected your dentist visits or daily brushings for long enough. Your pup may not make it obvious that they’re in pain, but if they’re hesitant to eat or tend to paw at their mouth, they might be dealing with a sore or painful tooth.
In some extreme cases, the bacteria caused by tooth decay can get into a dog’s bloodstream and cause serious damage to the liver, kidneys, or heart. You can prevent this terrible outcome by creating an oral health routine for your dog as soon as possible.
Tips for Supporting Your Dog’s Dental Health
You may not be sure how to brush dogs’ teeth properly. Luckily, there’s not just one way. Since dogs have different preferences and comfort levels around things going into their mouth, there are various options for dog-safe tooth-cleaning tools and interventions.
Choose a Dog-Friendly Toothbrush and Toothpaste
If you think your pup could handle a more traditional-style toothbrush, pick up a small toothbrush made for dogs from your favorite pet store or even a kid’s toothbrush.
The point is to use as small of a tool as possible with soft bristles that won’t alarm your pet or cause them pain. Finger brushes are also available for pups who are wary of any tool going near their mouth but might be more comfortable with your finger.
Pair your brush with toothpaste made for dogs. These products are designed to taste good for your pet, making the toothbrushing process much more pleasant. Each time you brush your dog’s teeth, spend roughly 30 seconds on each side for a total of 1 to 2 minutes.
Brush gently around the gums, and move the brush downward along each tooth. Keep in mind that most of your pup’s plaque buildup will be found in the back of their mouth, where they do most of their chewing.
Grab Some Dog Teeth Cleaning Treats
To support your dog’s new oral hygiene habit, pick up some of the best treats to keep dogs’ teeth clean. Dental chews are not only a tasty reward for your pup, but they also help to remove excess plaque as your dog eats them.
And if your furry friend is hesitant about tooth brushing, these treats — as well as teeth cleaning spray — are great ways to jumpstart a dental hygiene routine.
Consider Dental Cleanings at the Vet
Some pets tend to build up more plaque and decay on their teeth than others. If your pup needs more oral health intervention than some at-home brushing, you may want to schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning at your vet’s office.
During this procedure, your vet will perform a thorough examination of your dog’s teeth and gums, a comprehensive teeth cleaning, and tartar removal through polishing. Your pup will be put under general anesthesia to make the process smooth and stress-free.
This option is best for pets with higher levels of plaque than normal and should only be performed once every few months.
How Frequently Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
Wondering how often to brush dogs’ teeth? When starting a new tooth-brushing habit for your pet, begin with once every few days to get your dog accustomed to the feeling. Once it becomes second nature, you should ideally brush your dog’s teeth every day.
Clean Teeth, Happy Dog
Keeping your pup’s teeth healthy from home and supporting their overall health and wellness is easier than you think. All it takes is the right tools, and with a little time and effort, you can ensure your dog enjoys all the benefits of having clean, cavity-free teeth.
