Do you brush your dog’s teeth? Most owners do not, however dental disease is very common in dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80% of dogs have canine periodontal disease by the age of three. Poor oral hygiene can even lead to kidney, liver and heart damage. Aside from serious disease, tooth decay, inflammation and infection are downright painful. However, brushing your dog’s teeth is a great preventative to stop the plaque build-up that leads to tooth decay and gum disease. Knowing how to clean a dog’s teeth is a vital skill in dog ownership.
It is estimated that only 2% of dog owners do brush their pooch’s teeth on a daily basis. Cleaning their gnashers every day is the ideal, but even once a week will be beneficial for their health – and your future vet bills. And you’ll appreciate his sweeter breath when he snuggles up next to you on the sofa. Regular brushing also means that you will inspect his teeth frequently, and therefore notice any abnormalities, teeth fractures and so on, that might require veterinary help.
How to clean a dog’s teeth
Get the kit. You’ll need one of the best dog toothbrushes, which can look much like a human toothbrush or a silicone finger brush, and some of the best toothpaste for dogs. Do not use human toothpaste as it typically contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Doggy toothpastes tend to taste appealing, with flavours such as chicken or malt, so it should be a pleasant experience.
The best way to ensure great oral hygiene throughout your dog’s life is to start cleaning when he’s a puppy, so that the dog is accustomed to you fiddling with his mouth and brushing his teeth and it won’t be a big deal. Plus, you’ll ward off dental problems before they start.
With an older dog who has never had his teeth brushed, start gently just by peeling back his lips and placing your finger around his gums until he’s happy with this. Little and often is best, so as not to startle him.
Gradually introduce the brush, again little and often, starting with the outside of the canines and incisors at the front, until he is relaxed about your reaching inside and moving on to the molars. Don’t panic if the inside of the teeth proves tricky, as a dog’s coarse tongue does a good job of loosening plaque.
Once your dog is well used to you wielding the toothbrush, you can focus on your technique – brush in a circular motion. You don’t need to brush as vigorously nor for as long as you might your own teeth, the enzymes in the toothpaste will do their work. The whole job should take around 30 seconds.
Aim to brush the teeth once a day, making it part of your daily routine.
Beaphar Toothbrush and Paste Kit at amazon.co.uk With varying length bristles, this toothbrush is designed to target hard-to-reach areas and provide a comfortable, superior clean. The liver-flavoured toothpastecombines two enzymes that fight plaque, bacteria and tartar build-up.
Arm & Hammer 360 Toothbrush at amazon.co.uk This clever design effectively cleans teeth from all angles, which makes the job a whole lot quicker.
Vet’s Best Dental Gel at amazon.co.uk This gel paste freshens breath and gently cleans away plaque and tartar, and comes with a handy finger brush that is gentle on your pet’s gums.
If you are really struggling to clean your dog’s teeth, another option is to add a dental powder, such as Medipaws Plaque Remover, to your dog’s food. These contain ingredients that help soften plaque and tartar buildup, which then comes off as they chew.
Dental treats and chews are another way to support your dog’s oral hygiene – and he’ll enjoy the cleaning experience. These are designed to reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar while encouraging a sparkling shine. They feature ridges and pimples that dig into the crevices between a dog’s teeth, and encourage blood flow through the gums.
Medipaws Plaque Remover at amazon.co.uk This is a 100% pure seaweed powder supplement that fights the build up of plaque and tartar.
ProDen Plaque Off at amazon.co.uk Sprinkle this natural supplement onto your dog’s food to help with bad breath, plaque and tartar.
Purina Dentalife Chews at amazon.co.uk Designed for daily use, these chicken-flavour ridged chews have a porous texture and are scientifically proven to help reduce tartar build-up.
Lily’s Kitchen Woofbrush at amazon.co.uk These daily dog dental sticks will reduce tartar build up, clean teeth and freshens your dog’s breath.
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
