Do Dogs Need Their Teeth Brushed?

1 Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Only proper dental tools combined with correct brushing technique can effectively remove plaque and reduce bad breath.

So what should you do?

Brushing tools matter

As the saying goes, good tools are prerequisite to good work.

The softness and shape of the toothbrush must suit the pet’s mouth and teeth – this is very important.

Pet stores offer many toothbrush types – handle designs, bristle angles, finger brushes, ultra-fine fibers, or extra-soft baby brushes – that work better. Some brushes are too large or have harsh bristles and can hurt the dog’s mouth.

So as long as size and firmness fit, either a finger brush or a regular toothbrush is fine.

Most importantly, the dog must not reject it!

Must you use toothpaste when brushing a dog’s teeth?

Vets say the physical friction and motion of teeth and brush is what prevents plaque and tartar.

Besides the brush, toothpaste still matters most. Baking soda is a good aid, but to help the dog adapt, flavored toothpaste makes them like it more. If the pet still dislikes the taste, you can brush with plain water – just ensure the paste is fluoride-free and not human toothpaste. Remember: xylitol is fatal to dogs!

Watch a healthy diet

Diet is the main factor in tartar and calculus.

Soft or sticky substances form plaque and cause peri-dental disease. Dry food, biscuits, and newer formulas help remove plaque. Dog chews can be used for both cats and dogs; when you don’t brush, a chew is a good method. However, only a toothbrush removes plaque and leftover food (plaque breeds bacteria causing inflammation and infection).

Tips for brushing a dog’s teeth

The next step is key!

Once ready, don’t put the brush straight in. First lift the lip to check the gums and teeth! This confirms whether there is gum redness, bleeding, or other periodontal symptoms – don’t skip it.

After checking the mouth is fine, correctly lift the lips to expose teeth and gums, hold the brush at a 45 degree angle to the teeth, aim bristles at the gum line, and scrub each area in small circles 5-15 times.

Brush all teeth and along the gum line, where plaque and tartar mainly build up – clean it to stop plaque! Remember: avoid forcibly prying the dog’s mouth open while brushing!

Brush in order

Divide the teeth into six regions: upper/lower incisors, upper/lower left, upper/lower right. Front incisors and canines are easier; back molars are harder but hold most tartar, so be patient.

When brushing the back molars, you don’t need to lift the lip to see them clearly.

Because the teeth run straight back, just angle slightly and brush front-to-back like human brushing.

Praise your dog promptly

Most importantly, praise the dog enthusiastically after brushing!

This links brushing with praise, improving their liking for it, making brushing feel great! After brushing, check the gums for bleeding; abnormal bleeding needs a vet immediately. Dental cleaning matters – even mild tartar won’t vanish with brushing, so take the dog for professional cleaning to prevent other diseases. After these 5 steps, what are you waiting for? Go brush your dog and say bye-bye to bad breath!