Should I brush my dog’s teeth?

So why should you be brushing your dog’s teeth.

Besides removing plaque and cleaning their teeth, it will allow you to check for changes in their dental health, which could indicate any problems. Ignoring oral hygiene can lead to plaque build-up and diseases. Therefore, incorporating teeth cleaning into your dog’s daily routine is a must!

How and when should I be brushing my dog’s teeth?

Brushing your dogs’ teeth daily is a great way to maintain oral hygiene, but we would recommend no less than 3x a week. Depending on the breed of dog will depend on the structure of their jaw, for example Pugs sometimes have a very poorly aligned jaw and crowded teeth, so brushing their teeth will completely differ to that of a German Shepherd.

Getting your dog used to brushing their teeth is something best done from been a puppy. If you start early, they will get used to it and will allow you to easily clean their teeth throughout their adult life. However, if this is not possible do not worry! There are some great ways you can get a dog used to teeth cleaning, read further to get some tips on how to start.

Tips for maintain healthy teeth.

·       Feed the right food- remember every dog is different but dry food can provide mild cleaning effects on teeth by removing plaque, however this is not essential.

·       Brush your dog’s teeth regularly and get into a routine of checking their mouth health to prevent any sudden problems.

·       Chews and treats can be great for removing tartar build up- At Dragonfly Products we have an entire range dedicated to naturally keeping your pooch’s teeth clean. Some of these include Yak attack bars and Fish Jerky Bars because they have an abrasive texture to help aid tarter and plaque removal through a natural chewing action, whilst being a lot healthier than traditional dental sticks.

·        Our Pearly Whites powder and our sea sprinkles are blended using seaweed and parsley to assist with keeping tarter under control and gums healthy which, in turn, promotes fresher breath and coupled with our ‘Clean and Fresh’ Little Trainers which are specially formulated to keep your pet’s teeth in good condition, these natural dental chews for dogs can help reduce tartar build-up.

Struggling to brush your dog’s teeth?

To start off with, you want to make sure that you have a dog toothpaste, as human toothpaste is not suitable for dogs to ingest and may be toxic for them. As for a toothbrush, you can use a finger brush specifically made for dogs, or a child’s toothbrush will also do just fine.

So where to start?

1.     Gradually introducing teeth brushing will allow your dog to feel comfortable. You can start off by adding small amounts of toothpaste to their food to allow them to get used to the taste and then progress to getting them to lick it off your finger.

2.     Gently raise one side of your dog’s lips and clean the teeth with circular motions, concentrating on where the teeth meet the gumline. Do not worry too much about the tips and insides of your dogs’ teeth unless you have a cooperative dog because your dog’s tongue will remove plaque itself)

3.     Brush for 30 seconds on each side

4.     When you have finished make sure you wash your hands thoroughly as a dog’s mouth contains a lot of bacteria. Rinse the toothbrush before putting it away and replace every 3 months. If you have multiple dogs, make sure they each have their own brush.

Make sure you look out for:

·       Deposits on teeth

·       Damaged/bleeding gums

·       Foul smell

·       Discoloured teeth

·       Dog refusing food

These are all signs of dental disease, so make sure you always keep an eye out and if any of these symptoms do appear, contact your vet immediately.

Is there an alternative for keeping my dogs’ teeth clean?

Particularly with dogs who are sensitive about having their mouths touched and will not let you in close contact with them, there is an alternative approach you can use to ensure your dog’s teeth are kept clean and healthy.

So instead of brushing your dogs’ teeth, you can offer them chews. Hard chews that require a gnawing action are a convenient way to help clean the teeth and remove any tartar or plaque. There are plenty of natural chews perfect for cleaning teeth, including Split Deer Antlers and Yak Bars. They act as a natural dental stick for your dog and when they chew down on it, the texture aids in plaque removal. This is a fantastic option for dogs who don’t want you to be touching their mouths because dogs naturally love to chew. Allowing your dog 2-3 times a week with a chew will keep plaque and tarter build up at bay, whilst keeping gums healthy too!

In conclusion, cleaning your dogs’ teeth daily is super important for keeping them healthy and whichever way you decide to do it is completely fine! Always look out for changes in your dog’s oral hygiene and giving them hard chews and treats will contribute to the natural cleanliness of their mouth.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.

Laura x