How Often Is It Recommended to Brush Your Dog's Teeth?

As dog owners, we have many responsibilities for our four-legged friends. After all, your puppy can’t brush their own teeth or comb their fur. To ensure your pup is mentally and physically healthy, you need to occasionally get your hands dirty. That often means brushing their teeth. Now, we all know that dog breath is the absolute worst, and they need good oral hygiene, too. Trust us, your dog may hate having their teeth brushed, but it’s for their own good. Let’s dive into how often you should brush your dog’s teethand how to do the job properly. It can make a world of difference for your pooch.

First and foremost, let’s discuss how often to brush your dog’s teeth. Ideally, you would have the time, patience, and supplies to brush your dog’s teeth twice per day. Like us, they need oral hygiene for a healthy mouth. But for many, twice per week is enough.

Of course, your dog is likely unprepared for the entire process, and it will take time to acclimate them to the teeth brushing process.

The first time you try to stick a toothbrush in your pup’s mouth, they’re liable to nip. It’s not because of bad training or because they despise you as an owner. No, instead, it’s because dogs do not like anything within their mouth unless they are eating. So, you need to acclimate your pooch.

• Supplies – Start with the proper supplies. You never want to use human toothpaste, as it can cause your pup to become ill. Instead, use a pet toothpaste, which is designed specifically for cats and dogs.
• Massage – Now, with your supplies nearby, start by massaging your dog’s lips, teeth, and gums. Use nothing more than a finger to calm them, using slow, circular motions for a minute once or twice per day.
• Toothpaste – Once your pet is acclimated to having your hand near their mouth and teeth, it’s time to introduce the pet toothpaste. Put a small dollop of toothpaste on your finger and let your dog taste it, then reward them with a treat. Repeat this process once per day until your pup is completely comfortable with the toothpaste.
• Toothbrush – Lastly, introduce the toothbrush into the equation. Put a small amount of the pet toothpaste on the brush, then let your dog lick the brush. Immediately reward them for doing so, too.

Unfortunately, periodontal disease is incredibly common amongst dogs – affecting over 80% of pets 3 years and older. In its earliest stages, periodontal disease causes inflammation around the canine’s teeth. This inflammation then loosens the teeth and causes them to fall out. You can prevent periodontal disease by regularly brushing.

Schedule dog teeth brushing servicesby a professional in Allen, Frisco, and McKinney, Texas, with Primped Pooches Mobile Dog Spa. Give us a call at 214-580-7318!