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Why brush your dog's teeth

  • Dental health

    Brushing your dog's teeth helps prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath

  • Comfort with handling

    Regular brushing sessions help your dog become more comfortable with being handled, helping them feel better during veterinary exams, grooming appointments, and other necessary procedures throughout their life

  • Overall health

    Regular dental care, including brushing, promotes good overall health as dental problems can lead to more serious systemic issues affecting organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys

"Brushing Your Dog's Teeth"

What you will need to brush your dog’s teeth

All you need to brush your dog’s teeth is a toothbrush or finger-brush and a dog safe toothpaste – we like the enzymatic chicken flavored toothpaste.

How to brush your dog’s teeth

The key to brushing your dog’s teeth is to help them get comfortable with the toothbrush. To do this start by simply showing your dog the toothbrush. Every time they sniff or lick the toothbrush, say “Yes” and give your dog a treat or other reward. By doing this, you’re helping them make a good association with the toothbrush.


Once your dog is comfortable with the toothbrush you can slowly start brushing their teeth. To do this:


• Apply the toothpaste. Squeeze out a dime sized amount of dog approved toothpaste onto the toothbrush. Don’t use too much toothpaste, this could cause your dog to get an upset stomach.


• Lift your dog’s lip and brush one side of their mouth. Gently lift your dog’s lip so that a few teeth are fully exposed. From here, use the briskly side of the toothbrush to make small circles on the outside of their teeth. Focus on one tooth at a time.


• Work at your dog’s speed. To help your dog get used to having their teeth brushed, keep the sessions short and work at your dog’s speed. Start with the side of their mouth, and stop immediately if your dog shows signs of stress or discomfort.



What else you can do to promote good oral hygiene

In addition to brushing your dog’s teeth, there are a few additional things you can do to promote good oral hygiene:


• Provide your dog with edible chew toys that promote good dental health. A few options we love include Greenies and OraVet Dental Hygiene chews.


• Consider adding anti-plaque water additives in your dog’s water. We love TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Health Solution Dog Dental Water Additive. Be sure to pay attention to your dog’s drinking habits. If they don’t like the taste, they may develop an aversion to drinking water. If you see a decrease in your dog’s drinking habits, stop using the additive immediately.


• Choose dog food focused on dental health. Royal Canin® Veterinary Care Nutrition™ Canine Dental is a good option, but talk to your veterinarian to see if it’s suitable for your dog.


For a full list of dental products backed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), click here.