Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth: Here’s How Often You Should Do It

Dental care for dogs is something that is often overlooked. Pet owners often remember to brush their dog’s coat or cut their dog’s nails, but forget to brush their dog’s teeth. Brushing your dog’s teeth is actually very important, as it will help keep your pet healthy. It will help prevent gum disease and other health issues.

But you may be wondering how to brush your dog’s teeth and how often you should do it. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of brushing your dog’s teeth and how often you should brush them. You will also find some helpful tips on how to brush your dog’s teeth.

Why Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth Is Important

Brushing your dog’s teeth is essential for their overall health. Not doing so will leave your dog vulnerable to periodontal disease, infections, tooth loss, and other health problems. Your dog will also feel pain and discomfort.

When your dog eats, bacteria accumulate on their teeth as a layer of plaque, and if you don’t brush your dog’s teeth, they will become covered in plaque. Within a day, plaque mixes with minerals in your dog’s saliva and hardens into tartar. This can then lead to more serious health problems.

Poor dental hygiene can lead to diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and heart disease. This is because bacteria in the mouth can multiply, and they can enter the bloodstream and travel to other organs.

You wouldn’t want your dog to have bad breath, decayed teeth, gum disease, and other serious health issues, right? So, make sure not to skip brushing your dog’s teeth.

How Often Should You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?

Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth every day, at least twice a day. It will help remove plaque before it can harden into tartar. However, if it is not possible, or if this may be difficult for you, the minimum recommendation is to brush at least two to three times per week.

Brush at least two to three times a week to prevent serious dental disease and keep your dog’s teeth clean and free of plaque and tartar accumulation. Aim to make brushing your dog’s teeth a part of their daily routine so that they can get used to it and accept it.

It’s good to teach your dog to get used to tooth brushing while they are still a puppy. You can brush your dog’s teeth at bedtime and slowly help them learn to accept tooth brushing as part of their daily routine.

Additionally, you should also have your dog’s teeth examined by a veterinarian at least once a year. This is so that the veterinarian can check for plaque and tartar buildup as well as signs of gum disease or other problems.

Tips on How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Here are tips on how to brush your dog’s teeth:

1. Pick a Good Time and Place

Look for a quiet place in your home to brush your dog’s teeth. Choose a place where your dog will not be easily distracted. A room with children playing around, other pets, or lots of noise may not be an ideal place for brushing your dog’s teeth. Find a place that’s peaceful and where your dog can feel comfortable.

It’s important to note that you should not force your dog to stay if they are uncomfortable or upset. Forcing your dog to have their teeth brushed can be stressful for both you and them. If they are uncomfortable and upset, and you really can’t get them to sit still, try again at another time.

2. Get in a Comfortable Position

When you attempt to brush your dog’s teeth, they could attempt to get away. You may decide to skip brushing your dog’s teeth because your dog will not sit still. So, get in a comfortable position. For small dogs or puppies, put them in your lap with their head facing away from you. You can also wrap them in a towel like a burrito. For bigger dogs, you can sit in a chair and let your dog sit next to you.

3. Use a Dog Toothbrush and Dog Toothpaste

You should use the right tools when brushing your dog’s teeth. This means using toothbrushes specifically designed for dogs and pet toothpaste. It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t use human toothpaste because they are not suitable for pets. They contain toxic ingredients and can upset your dog’s stomach.

4. Take Your Time, Start Small, and Brush Slowly

Don’t be in a hurry when brushing your dog’s teeth. Your dog can pick up on your stress, so make sure to pick a time when you have no other commitments, or dedicate a time of the day just for brushing your dog’s teeth.

When brushing, start small by brushing your dog’s teeth with your finger or a soft cloth. Raise your dog’s lip and rub over the outer surfaces of your dog’s teeth. Let your dog get used to you touching their teeth and when they’re comfortable, let them taste pet toothpaste from your finger.

Once your dog is used to you rubbing their teeth, you can proceed with using a toothbrush. Brush slowly and use soft strokes. Try to reach throughout your dog’s mouth and go for the gumline.

5. Praise and Reward Your Dog

Throughout the cleaning process and after you’re done, make sure to praise and reward your dog. Make tooth brushing a positive experience for your dog by frequently praising your dog while cleaning.

If you follow brushing with playtime, tooth brushing can be something your dog will look forward to. The goal is to make your dog accept tooth brushing as part of their routine, so make it a positive experience for them.

Professional Dog Grooming Services in Dubai

Dog grooming is important for your dog’s overall health. To keep your dog healthy and clean, it’s always better to get professional dog grooming services.

At The Barking Lot, we have basic grooming services that include teeth brushing. Our professional dog groomers will brush your dog’s teeth using dog toothbrushes and pet-safe toothpaste. We can help take care of your dog’s teeth. Contact us today to learn more about our services or if you have any questions to ask our care crew.