A guide to brushing your dog’s teeth
Did you know that a staggering 80% of dogs face some degree of gum disease by the age of three? Surprisingly, it often remains undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. The primary culprit behind gum disease is the build-up of plaque, particularly beneath the gums. If left untreated, your dog could lose their teeth.
Recently, I was scrolling through my cavoodle Facebook group and saw a post about a four-year-old dog dealing with gum disease. The poor thing had to have 20 teeth extracted last year and another 20 this year. Now he’s just left with his two bottom canine teeth!
This got my attention, so I decided to do some research on how to keep my girl’s teeth clean and healthy, which included brushing their teeth.
Why are dogs prone to gum disease?
Great question! Dogs originated from wolves, and having healthy teeth was crucial for their hunting. In the wild, their diet consisted of raw meat and bones, which naturally scraped off plaque and tartar from their teeth and gums. Fast forward to today, and we often feed our furry friends mostly soft food that lacks that natural cleaning effect on their teeth.
How to brush your dog’s teeth
Speaking from my own experience, I highly recommend start brushing your dog's teeth when they're young. It makes the whole process much smoother. Attempting to brush a six-year-old's teeth for the first time can be challenging. Soda, my pup, wasn't too keen initially, but after a few sessions, she's gradually become more accepting. On the flip side, Poppy, who celebrated her fourth birthday today, surprisingly took to teeth brushing more willingly than Soda did.
Here are some tips I've picked up through trial and error to make sure the experience is a positive one.
Get your supplies ready
Invest in a toothbrush specifically designed for pets. I opted for a double-headed toothbrush, but you can also go for a one-headed toothbrush or even a finger toothbrush. Choose a toothpaste made for pets. They come in flavours like chicken, beef, or, in my case, coconut oil which the girls love. Always steer clear of using human toothpaste, as it might contain ingredients that could be harmful to your dog.
Choose the right time
Ideally, it's best to brush your dog's teeth when they’re relaxed and not overly excited. I brush my girl’s teeth after we’ve been on a long walk.
Find the perfect setup
At first, I tried brushing my girls' teeth while facing them. It got a bit awkward—lifting their lips and trying to angle the toothbrush just right. The second time I gave it a go, I had them sitting with their back to me. It felt more natural, like when you brush your own teeth, and bonus, they couldn't wiggle away.
Introduce your dog to the toothbrush and toothpaste
Familiarise your dog with the toothbrush and toothpaste before attempting to brush their teeth. Let them sniff the toothbrush and lick the toothpaste to make them less intimidating.
Gentle brushing technique
Begin by gently lifting your dog's lips to expose their teeth. Brush in circular motions, focusing on the outer surfaces of the teeth, where plaque and tartar tend to accumulate. Pay extra attention to the back molars and canines, as these areas are prone to dental issues.
Take it slow
Start with short brushing sessions, gradually increasing the time as your dog becomes more comfortable. If your dog shows signs of distress or discomfort, take a break and try again later.
Reward and praise
After each brushing session, reward your dog with praise and a treat. This will help reinforce the idea that tooth brushing is a positive experience.
More ways to help prevent gum disease
If your dog isn’t a fan of you brushing their teeth, check out my article ‘How to clean your dog’s teeth without brushing them’ for six alternative ways to maintain their dental hygiene. Once you figure out what works best for your dog, you can establish a daily oral health routine. For more advice on how to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy, speak to your vet.
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