Brushing your pet’s teeth—it’s just as important as brushing your own!

Teeth Cleaning for Dogs / Cats

Your veterinarian has probably already spoken to you about it more than once. But do you really do it?

Brushing your dog’s or cat’s teeth is very important to do as much as possible to prevent gum infections, plaque, tartar and gingivitis. Moreover, eighty-five percent of cats and dogs will have a dental problem in their life. If you notice that your pet has bad breath, consider that this is often the first symptom. It’s best to remove plaque on a dog’s teeth before it hardens and becomes tartar. Hardening occurs in twenty-four to forty-eight hours, so dog teeth cleaning (with dog toothbrush) must really become a daily routine to get rid of your doggie bad breath.

How often should you brush your dog’s teeth?

Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth on a daily basis. But, if it’s difficult to spare time on a daily basis then try to do so at least two to three times a week. This is the minimum recommendation to prevent plaque and tartar accumulation.

When to start brushing dog teeth?

It is better to start when your dog is young between the ages of eight and sixteen weeks. Your dog gets used to it when it becomes an adult.

The main reason why people don’t do the teeth cleaning of their dog/cat is many dog owners might don’t know how to clean dogs teeth. Dog dental cleaning is not always easy because your pet doesn’t just sit back and let you go to work.

How to brush your dog’s teeth?

The best way to clean dogs teeth is to start as young as possible, but even an older dog or cat can learn to take it in stride.

• First, start by getting them accustomed to having their muzzle handled. Do this for a few days and give them a treat afterwards.
• Next, run your finger over their teeth, still following up with a treat. At this stage, feel free to use the best dog toothpaste specially designed for them.
• When they are used to your finger, you can go ahead with a toothbrush. You’ll see, it’s not so bad. Always buy the best brush for dogs or cats.

Keep in mind that thirty seconds of brushing is enough, that you only brush the outer side of the dog teeth and that you’re doing what you can—that’s already something. Because in the long run, bacteria from tartar can get into the blood and spread to organs, which can lead to heart or kidney failure and clean teeth would give them a healthy life.

Of course, toothbrushing at home is not a substitute for veterinary appointments, and your pet may need scaling. But the more you do at home, the more you’re putting the odds in favour of your pretty pup.

Looking for the best dog toothbrush?

Check out the OLA Bamboo toothbrush for dogs and cats here.