Yes, it's true - brushing dog teeth will help to stop dog and puppy teeth developing plaque and tartar which, if left, could lead to gum disease and serious health problems.
Gum disease can be painful, can cause your dog's teeth to become loose and drop out, can cause bone loss, malodorous dog breath, infection, and an increase in bacteria.
Where bacteria from an infected gum enters the bloodstream, it can cause serious harm to your dog's vital organs (kidneys, liver, heart, and brain) and can affect the overall health of your dog.
That's why it's important to check your dog's teeth and gums weekly and as part of his regular grooming and health regime.
This should not, however, replace your dog's regular dental visits to his vet.
Feeding your dog dry dog food (kibble), dry dog biscuits, rawhide bones, and dental sticks, and letting him play with hard chew toys, can all contribute to keeping your dog's teeth clean and healthy.
If your dog already has a lot of tartar on his teeth, we'd advise you to make an appointment with your vet for cleaning and de-scaling, as brushing dog teeth alone will not remove tartar. You can then begin your new puppy teeth-cleaning regime with confidence!
Brushing Dog Teeth - Dog Toothpaste And Toothbrush
It's best not to use a toothpaste formulated for humans as it froths too much, and your dog will swallow any toothpaste put into his mouth, which may upset his stomach.
Specially formulated dog toothpaste is flavoured with beef, chicken, and many other appealing flavours, and will not harm your dog if swallowed.
You can also buy him a special dog toothbrush: don't be tempted to use 'human' toothbrushes as the bristles will be too hard for your dog's mouth. The ideal toothbrush will have an angled head for more accurate brushing and very soft bristles.
If you feel a toothbrush is too intrusive for your dog, you can buy a finger toothbrush before gradually working up to using a dog toothbrush. As the name suggests, it is a rubber cap with a knobbly surface, which fits onto the end of your finger.
How Often Should I Brush My Dog's Teeth?
Brushing dog teeth kills bacteria, that's why we recommend brushing your dog's teeth every day.
If you (and your dog) feel this is 'too much too soon', you could begin with once a week, and increase the frequency when you feel your dog is more comfortable with the brushing process.
Choose an appropriate time, and find a quiet place away from distractions.
Place a small amount of toothpaste onto the toothbrush and work it into the bristles. This will help prevent your dog from licking the toothpaste off the brush. It may also increase the chances of the toothpaste actually reaching your dog's teeth!
Lay your dog on his side, lift his upper lip and begin brushing his teeth and gums gently, and in a circular motion, for approximately 10-15 seconds.
Next, pull down his lower lips and brush his bottom teeth in the same way.
Don't forget the back teeth, as this is where most of the plaque and tartar will accumulate.
Turn your dog over and begin brushing the other side.
There's no real need to brush your dog's front teeth, but if you feel you want to, be very gentle as they're quite sensitive, and praise him.
Don't worry about the inside surfaces of his teeth as his tongue helps to keep those clean.
Keep the whole process low key, and take it slowly and gently.
When brushing dog teeth, don't forget to praise your dog, and, if he behaves, reward him with a treat, a walk, or a play session afterwards.
You may have thought that brushing dog teeth was going to be difficult, fiddly, and time consuming, and you may have asked yourself, 'Why should I bother - he's only a dog for heaven's sake?'
Well, we know that perserverence and a gentle approach to your dog's dental care can not only improve the state of his teeth and gums, but can actually help him to live a longer, happier and healthier life - now, isn't brushing dog teeth worth the extra effort?
