How Often Should You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth? Tips for a Healthy Smile

Let’s be honest: brushing your dog’s teeth can feel like wrestling a tiny, furry alligator. One minute, they’re your cuddle buddy, and the next, they’re clamping down like you’re trying to steal their favourite toy. But keeping those canines clean is Furkin’ important for their health and happiness.

If you're wondering, how often should I brush my dog's teeth? Experts recommend brushing daily, but if that sounds as realistic as your pup willingly skipping a treat, aim for at least three times a week. Regular brushing keeps your pup’s teeth clean in the same way it keeps our own teeth clean. 

Feeling a little overwhelmed by this recommendation? Don’t worry. In this article, we’ll explore some strategies to help ease the struggle and explore alternatives for the toothbrush-averse.

How Often to Brush Dog Teeth?

Brushing your dog’s teeth daily is paws-itively the best way to fight off plaque and prevent more serious dental issues. If brushing is a challenge, even wiping your dog’s teeth and gums off with gauze every few days can make a big difference. 

Consistency is key here. The earlier you start a brushing routine, the faster your pup will get used to the process! But, even if your dog is well into their senior years, brushing regularly can help prevent further problems. 

Why is Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth Important?

Regular brushing helps keep plaque and tartar under control. Too much plaque and tartar can lead to issues like gum diseases and tooth decay, which may require veterinary intervention to solve. 

Poor dental health can even lead to bigger problems. Studies suggest that periodontal disease can raise a dog’s likelihood of developing cardiac disease. Gum inflammation has also been linked to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease in dogs. 

Here’s why brushing your pup’s teeth is so important:

• Prevents gum disease and tooth loss: Healthy gums support healthy teeth, allowing your dog to enjoy their favourite toys and treats. 

• Keeps bad breath at bay: Say goodbye to stinky kisses with regular brushing thanks to the decrease in smelly bacteria. 

• Supports overall health: A clean mouth reduces the risk of infection, which can help keep your dog’s vital organs healthy. 

• Saves money in the long run: Avoid expensive dental treatments by staying ahead of potential problems.

Most serious dental problems require surgery, which can be quite expensive. With Furkin Pet Insurance, coverage for dental accidents or emergencies helps protect your fur baby’s smile and your budget! Explore coverage options today to protect your dog’s teeth. 

Tips for Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Brushing your dog’s teeth doesn’t have to disintegrate into a wrestling match! With the right approach, you can make it a positive experience for both you and your fur baby. 

Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Start slow and build trust: If you’ve never brushed canine teeth before, don’t go all-in from the get-go. Instead, let your dog sniff and explore the toothbrush and pet toothpaste first. Slowly get them used to you touching their mouth before you attempt to brush their teeth. 
2. Use dog-friendly toothpaste: But can you use regular toothpaste on dogs? The answer’s no. Human toothpaste isn’t formulated for dogs and can actually be harmful. Only use pet-safe toothpaste. They come in different flavours like chicken or peanut butter to make the brushing experience more enjoyable. 
3. Pick the right tools: Wondering what can I brush my dog’s teeth with? Choose a soft-bristled dog toothbrush. These brushes have angled tips so they can clean dog teeth effectively. Alternatively, you can use a finger brush which you might find easier.
4. Keep sessions short: Aim to only brush for one or two minutes. It doesn’t have to be perfect!
5. Choose the right time: Don’t try to brush your dog’s teeth when they’re already feeling playful. Instead, brush their teeth when they’re calm and relaxed, like right before bed. 
6. Reward and praise: Let your pup know they did a good job! Give them treats, belly rubs, and extra attention after brushing to make brushing sessions a bit more enjoyable. 
7. Be consistent: Establish a regular brushing routine, whether it’s daily or a few times a week. The important thing here is to be consistent. 
8. Take your dog for regular checkups: Routine veterinary care can help you determine if your current dental care routine is working or not. Dental examinations should be included with most routine checkups. 

Photo by Fernando Gago on Unsplash

4 Easy Alternatives to Teeth Brushing

If brushing your dog’s teeth just isn’t going to work out, don’t worry! There are other ways you can help your dog’s mouth stay healthy. 

You’ll likely want to use several of these different methods, especially if you skip teeth brushing altogether.

1. Dental chew treats

Dental chew treats are a fun and tasty way to support your pup’s oral health. Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal on the packaging. This seal ensures the treats have been rigorously tested and proven effective at reducing plaque and tartar. You can see a complete list of products that have the VOHC Seal of Acceptance on their website. 

The VOHC only puts their seal on products that have gone through very specific testing and have been shown to improve dogs’ dental health. They even require that each size of the product is tested to make sure it works on dogs of all sizes. 

Other treats might be marketed as “teeth cleaning,” but they often lack the scientific backing that comes with VOHC-approved options.

2. Dental toys

Toys are a longer-lasting alternative to chew treats. They scrape away plaque as your dog gnaws on them, making them an excellent option for dogs who chew toys regularly. Switch out a few of their usual chew toys for ones that are designed to clean their teeth. 

Choose a toy that is appropriate for your dog’s size, and always supervise their play to help ensure safety The same texture that will clean a large dog’s teeth might not work well for your Shih Tzu. If your dog is a tough chewer, there are more durable options available.

3. Water additives

Adding a dog-safe dental solution to your pup’s water bowl can help reduce plaque and improve gum health. It’s an easy option that only takes a few seconds out of your day. This method is best for dogs with bad breath, but it is not enough to maintain health. Consider using water additives alongside tooth brushing or another method for more complete cleaning. 

That said, these products aren’t well-regulated right now. Ask your vet what products they recommend or look for studies on the specific product you’re looking at. For instance, the study linked above specifically found Vet Aquadent FR3SH effective. 

4. Dental wipes

Dental wipes are an alternative to a toothbrush, and they can be useful for dogs who are particularly averse to the scratchy sensation of a toothbrush. While these wipes aren’t as effective as brushing, they are better than nothing and can still reduce plaque buildup on the tooth surface. 

Similarly to water additives, dental wipes aren’t approved or tested by a larger organization. Therefore, you’ll need to work with your vet to choose the best option for your pup. 

Photo by Syed Ahmad on Unsplash

Final Thoughts

Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is about more than just a white smile. It’s essential to preventing dental disease and more serious dental problems.  Whether you’re brushing daily, using alternatives like dental treats, or a mix of both, the important thing is to start a consistent routine and stick with it. 

Unexpected dental issues can lead to some pricey vet visits, even if you do keep your pet’s teeth sparkling. Broken teeth and mouth injuries may even call for an emergency vet visit. With Furkin Pet Insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing accident and emergency dental coverage is there if you need it. Grab a quote today!

Featured image by Justin Veenema on Unsplash