You may be wondering how often you should brush your dog’s teeth, or if teeth brushing is even necessary at all.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is in fact very important and beneficial for their oral health. Just like us, dog’s can get stinky breath, plaque build up, gum disease, and rotten teeth if their mouth and teeth don’t get cleaned every so often.
How to brush
First, you’ll want to invest in a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste. If you’re not sure which toothpaste to purchase, you can contact your vet for advice.
The technique for brushing your dog’s teeth is very simple. You can brush their teeth and gums like you do for yourself.
For example, you can start on one side of the mouth starting with the back teeth. Gently brush that area, as well as the inner and outer gums. After about 15 or so seconds, you can work your way up to the front teeth. Then work your way to the other side of the mouth. Make sure to brush in every direction: up and down, left to right, and in circles. Remember not to brush too hard, you don’t want to hurt their gums.
How to train
The technique may be simple, but getting your dog to actually sit still while doing it is another story. If you have a puppy, start brushing their teeth at 6 months, this will get them used to the brushing routine quicker. If you have an older dog, however, it might be a bit more difficult.
Introduce your dog to the toothbrush by letting them smell it. Then gently tap it around the outside of their mouth. Make sure to give them a treat to let them know it’s okay, and that they’re doing great!
After that, try putting the brush under their lips. Then gently place your hand around their snout and open their mouth. Do some brushing motions. Once they’re okay or somewhat okay with this, you can let them smell and taste the toothpaste.
Your dog will eventually get used to this routine, and they’ll also have a clean and healthy mouth!
How often
Like us, your dog should have their teeth brushed everyday. If their teeth and mouth are healthy, however, you can brush their teeth at least every 3 days.