This is how often you should be brushing your dog's teeth every week - according to a vet
Oral health is one of the most overlooked areas of pet healthcare 🐶
- Less than 10% of dog owners brush their dog’s teeth.
- One in every eight dogs in the UK is diagnosed with dental disease every year.
- Dr Sarah Page-Jones, Head Veterinary Surgeon at Pet Drugs Online, shares how often you should be brushing your dog’s teeth and how to do it properly.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the most overlooked areas of pet healthcare, with less then 10% of dog owners in the UK admitting to regularly brushing their dog’s teeth.
Cleaning your dog’s teeth is essential to remove plaque and avoid painful dental disease, with one in every eight dogs in the UK (about 12.5%) and around 21% of cats experiencing dental disease each year.
Dr Sarah Page-Jones, Head Veterinary Surgeon at Pet Drugs Online, has shared helpful guidance on the correct way to brush your dog’s teeth and what to do if your pet doesn’t like getting their teeth brushed.
What is the best way to brush your dog’s teeth?
Here are Dr Page-Jones’ five tips on how to get your dog into a teeth brushing routine.
Choose the right tools
Before you start the routine, make sure you have a pet-specific toothbrush with soft bristles and dog-safe toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste on your dog, as it contains fluoride, which can be harmful. Dr Page-Jones said: “The correct toothbrush and toothpaste will make the process safer and much more comfortable for your pet.”
Get your pet comfortable
Once you have a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste, start by allowing them to sniff and taste the toothpaste so they feel comfortable. Gradually introduce the sensation of having their mouth touched by gently lifting their lips and rubbing your finger along their gums.
Brush in short, gentle strokes
How you brush their teeth is also important. Dr Page-Jones advises that you gently lift your dog’s lips and slowly brush in circular motions. Brushing their teeth quickly could be painful or cause your pet to panic, making the brushing process stressful in the future.
Target the back teeth
It can be easy to focus on the front teeth, however, always make sure to target the back teeth, where plaque tends to build up. It is the back teeth that do most of the chewing and are most susceptible to infection.
Be consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to brushing your pet's teeth, as regular maintenance is the best way to ensure their oral health. Dr Page-Jones recommends that you brush their teeth at least two to three times a week; however, the more frequently you brush, the more effectively you can prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar.
What do I do if my dog doesn't let me brush their teeth?
It can be difficult to handle a dog that doesn’t want to get their teeth brushed, but with patience and gradual training, it is possible to overcome this.
Start slowly
It’s important to approach brushing your dog’s teeth slowly and get them used to having their mouths touched by a toothbrush. Dr Page-Jones recommend you start this process by gently rubbing your fingers along their gums and teeth to desensitise them.
Create a routine
Establish a consistent brushing routine to ensure they are comfortable, choose a moment when they are calm, such as after playtime, their walk or before they go to bed.
Gradually increase duration
Once your dog feels comfortable and can tolerate having their teeth brushed for a few seconds, slowly increase the duration of brushing sessions. They should become used to it over time.
Dr Page-Jones said: “Ultimately, keeping on top of your pet’s dental health doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, a gentle approach, and a consistent routine, brushing your pet’s teeth can quickly become a normal part of their care. And even if they’re a little hesitant at first, patience and positive reinforcement go a long way.”
You can find out more about the benefits of cleaning your dog’s teeth at the RSPCA.