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.
If 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.
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.
Dog Teeth Cleaning Vancouver“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.”
These dental diseases can be painful. They can also cause inflammation, tooth decay, and tooth or bone loss. It’s also possible for plaque and bacteria to enter your dog’s bloodstream. If that occurs, the plaque and tartar can affect your dog’s heart, liver, and kidneys.
Cleaning your dog’s teeth can minimize plaque and tartar. This helps keep your dog’s teeth healthy and supports their overall health.
How often should you clean your dog’s teeth?
Richardson suggests brushing your dog’s teeth regularly. “Ideally, owners should clean their dog’s teeth once per day,” she says. “However, if your dog won’t tolerate that, anything is better than nothing.”
In addition to brushing your dog’s teeth at home, professional dental cleanings help remove the tartar that you can’t remove by brushing. During a professional dental cleaning, your dog will receive a dental examination, teeth cleaning, and polishing.
During the cleaning, your vet will remove plaque and tartar. They will clean above and below the gum line on both the insides and outsides of the teeth. These are areas that you can’t access with a toothbrush. That’s why it’s important to keep up with both brushing teeth at home and professional cleanings at the vet.
During the cleaning, your vet will remove plaque and tartar. They will clean above and below the gum line on both the insides and outsides of the teeth. These are areas that you can’t access with a toothbrush. That’s why it’s important to keep up with both brushing teeth at home and professional cleanings at the vet.
What tools do you need to perform a dog teeth cleaning at home?
To clean your dog’s teeth at home, you’ll need an appropriate toothpaste and toothbrush. Richardson explains that human toothpaste is toxic to dogs. Instead, be sure to buy a toothpaste that’s designed specifically for dogs.
You can also find pet toothbrushes and finger brushes for sale at pet stores. Depending on your dog’s size, a human baby toothbrush may also work well.
If your dog doesn’t like brushing with a toothbrush, you can use a piece of gauze instead. While not as effective as a toothbrush, gauze can still help remove plaque and bacteria. You can wipe the piece of gauze over your dog’s teeth two to three times a week to help maintain their dental health.
How to brush your dog’s teeth
If you introduce teeth brushing gradually and in a positive way, many dogs learn to accept it. It’s ideal to start this habit when your dog is a puppy. But adult dogs can also learn to have their teeth brushed.
Richardson recommends a gradual method of introducing teeth brushing:
Start by letting your dog taste a little bit of the toothpaste. Then, put some toothpaste on your finger. Rub your finger onto your dog’s teeth and gums. It may take your dog a week to a month to get used to this process.
Once your dog accepts your finger with the toothpaste, start to use a piece of gauze. Gently rub the gauze against your dog’s teeth to get them used to the rubbing feeling.
