Even responsible and loving pet owners sometimes don’t realize that dogs need their teeth cleaned. However, multiple studies by veterinary specialists and simply observations by owners confirm: by adhering to basic oral hygiene rules, serious dental problems in dogs can be avoided.
Do Dogs Get Their Teeth Cleaned
Like humans, dogs get plaque on their teeth after eating. Dental plaque is an invisible film, a “cocktail” of food remnants, bacteria, and shed oral cavity cells. Even though this film isn’t visible, the plaque is a great aid to the development of caries, and the dental enamel gets damaged by accumulated bacteria.
If the pet’s teeth don’t get regular care, the thin film hardens and turns first into visible plaque and later into hard tartar.
All these processes lead to the onset of bad breath, gum disease, toothaches, and tooth loss. The scariest part is that dirty teeth are a constant source of infection that can spread to your pet’s internal organs and lead to serious diseases.
Maintaining oral hygiene—brushing the dog’s teeth—can help reduce the risk of such problems.
How Often to Clean the Teeth
The required frequency of procedures is individual and depends on many factors. If you get your dog used to brushing their teeth from an early age, the frequency and duration of the procedure will be different than if the animal doesn’t know what oral hygiene is or has gum problems.
Regular Teeth Brushing
Ideally, the teeth need cleaning from plaque after each meal. Brushing a dog’s teeth that often isn’t always possible, because the dog might simply not like the procedure, they may not be used to it and get scared. Besides, the owner themselves may not have enough time to brush the pet’s teeth so often.
The key to success and preserving the pet’s health is regular teeth brushing with a toothbrush.
If you decided to take proper care of your dog, start getting them used to having their teeth brushed from puppyhood, with a frequency of at least once every three to four days.
In adult dogs that have gum problems but aren’t familiar with the procedure, the frequency of teeth brushing is determined individually. During an examination, the veterinary doctor assesses the condition of the teeth, gums, mucous membranes, and gives recommendations for oral care.
Tartar Removal
Formed tartar is different from plaque in that if it appears, it can’t be removed with just a toothbrush. It’s only removed at a veterinary clinic or grooming salon using professional tools.
To maintain your pet’s oral health, you should visit the veterinarian every six months (every half a year). After the checkup, the specialist will decide whether your dog currently needs stone removal.
If tartar tends to form, the removal procedure usually occurs 1-2 times a year.
Which dogs need more frequent teeth cleaning
Dental plaque forms after eating in all dogs. However, dogs of decorative breeds, animals receiving unbalanced nutrition or cheap feeds, having gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases are particularly prone to plaque and tartar formation.
With age and lack of hygiene, the condition worsens, so it’s essential to accustom the dog to brush its teeth from an early age for prevention.
How to clean a dog’s teeth at home
You can go to veterinary clinics or grooming salons to maintain your dog’s oral hygiene. But if the dog is used to teeth brushing, it’s not that difficult to do it yourself. It’ll be calmer for the dog at home, and it’s more convenient for the owner to brush the teeth right after eating.
Considering that the procedure should ideally occur daily or every other day, such frequent visits to the clinic or salon can become expensive.
Choosing a toothbrush for a dog
You should buy dog toothbrushes at pet stores and veterinary pharmacies.
The main criteria for choosing a toothbrush are the softness of the bristles and the right size.
Many manufacturers indicate, based on softness and size, which breed the model is suitable for.
Dog toothbrushes come in the following forms:
- in the form of a thimble – soft silicone, worn on the owner’s finger, have bristles on one or both sides. They are suitable for cleaning the teeth of calm dogs with gentle gums.
- a brush with a sponge bristle – suitable for sensitive gums, but does not provide thorough dental hygiene.
- with double bristles and a safe handle: one end of a long handle has a large brush, the other – small. This model is suitable for cleaning both large back teeth and smaller front ones.
- with three bristles: designed for thorough dental hygiene from all sides, suitable for brushing teeth of large breed dogs.
- disposable brushes – have soft bristles and a toothpaste coating. Convenient in operation – brushes are disposed of after use, but the cleaning process becomes somewhat costly.
- treat-brushes: both in the form of “bristles” and in the form of bones.
Which paste to choose
Toothpaste is necessary when brushing; it helps remove dental plaque, freshen breath, preserve whiteness and teeth health.
The main thing about the paste is safety, as some part of the paste will inevitably be swallowed by the animal, and it should not harm your pet.
By using special pastes for dogs, you don’t have to worry if your pet swallows it during brushing.
Toothpastes have varying flavors and scents: the taste of meat (like chicken or beef, for instance), with a mint or vanilla aroma.
Key “features” of a good dog toothpaste: it’s thick, has a white color, doesn’t foam, and doesn’t require rinsing after brushing teeth.
Many pastes include natural plant ingredients, extracts of sage, eucalyptus, tea tree, and so on. These additives have a gentle healing effect and will be beneficial for gums.
Popular brands of toothpaste manufacturers:
- Beaphar (Netherlands),
- Hartz (USA),
- 8 in 1 (USA),
- Gimpet (Germany),
- Trixie (Germany),
- Camon (Italy).
These brands have been on the market for decades and have established themselves as leaders among specialty goods for pet oral care.
Selecting a toothpaste is an individual process, and you should take it seriously.
Only buy pastes in veterinary stores or pharmacies.
After the first brushing, check the animal for any allergic reactions: check for itching or redness on the lips, mouth, swelling on the muzzle. If such symptoms occur, you should show the animal to a veterinarian, and you should stop using this paste.
What else you can use to clean a dog’s teeth
Sometimes it’s not possible to use veterinary brushes and toothpastes for teeth cleaning. In this case, you can use suitable alternative methods.
Gauze swab
If it’s not possible to use a dog toothbrush, you can use a gauze swab wrapped around a finger. This method is not suitable for regular use, as it’s impossible to remove small pieces of food between teeth or reach inaccessible places with gauze, also this method isn’t always safe. But for emergencies, if there’s no toothbrush at hand, you can consider this method suitable.
Baby toothbrushes and powders
If you can’t get a special toothbrush, you can use toothbrushes designed for children from 6 months. They have soft bristles, and there is also a model in the form of a finger puppet.
As a substitute for toothpaste, you can use tooth powder for infants. Carefully study the composition of the powder: it should not contain flavorings and taste additives, as well as fluoride. When using, such powder should not foam. But you shouldn’t abuse it too often.
Other veterinary means for oral hygiene
An alternative to brushing teeth with a brush and paste is using veterinary gels, lotions, and sprays for oral hygiene.
Tooth cleaning gels
You apply them after eating to teeth and gums, no need to use a toothbrush.
Some gels contain the drug metronidazole, which fights microbes on teeth and reduces gum inflammation. Gels with this ingredient are effective for bleeding, redness, increased gum sensitivity, and oral mucosa.
Tooth Lotions and Sprays
Just like gels, lotions apply directly to the teeth after eating, and dental sprays for dogs dispense into the open mouth.
Liquids and “Teeth Cleaning” Tablets
These are special additives given to the pet with their food. A tablet-type product sticks to the gums after the pet has finished eating.
Achieving 100% success in fighting plaque, tartar, and bad breath using only these products won’t happen. Unfortunately, these products merely mask mouth odor and can’t definitely prevent cavities as they don’t fight the cause – food residue on teeth.
Only mechanical teeth cleaning with a toothbrush using toothpaste can handle the removal of food remnants and visible plaque on teeth.
You can use gels, lotions, or treats if the dog categorically refuses to brush its teeth, and such hygiene is the only solution to dental care problems.
Treats for Cleaning Teeth
A good “backup option” is using treats for teeth cleaning. The shape and structure of the treat mechanically help clean the teeth, preventing the quick onset of cavities.
Treats also get selected based on the size of the dog.
What Not to Use for Cleaning a Dog’s Teeth
Using a human toothbrush is undesirable: it has bristles that are too hard for the animal’s gums, and the size may not fit every dog.
Our usual toothpastes are also not suitable for dogs. It’s not just about the strong taste and odor. Regular pastes contain a large amount of fluoride, which, if swallowed by the animal, causes metabolic disturbances and even poisoning.
But you also can’t use children’s pastes without fluoride content. All toothpastes for humans contain sweetener, which can cause seizures and heart problems in dogs.
Brushing a Dog’s Teeth – Step-by-Step Instruction
Prepare everything you need and start cleaning the teeth:
- Call your dog over and give the command “Sit”.
- If necessary, ask an assistant to secure the animal. The fixation should be gentle and not cause panic in the pet.
- Let your dog sniff the toothbrush and the paste applied to it.
- Pet your animal and gently talk to your pet while lifting their upper lip on the desired side.
- Using top-down movements, clear food remnants from the teeth.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the left side and front teeth.
- Lower the lower lip and clean the front surfaces of the lower teeth in the same way (movements will now be from bottom to top).
- To clean the back teeth from the inside, place the brush bristle inside the dog’s jaw and try to make cleaning movements.
- If necessary, apply a soothing gel to the gums.
- Make sure to praise your pet, give them their favorite toy or, as a bonus, a treat – meant for teeth cleaning or not requiring chewing.
Additional Tips
It’s important to properly train your pet for teeth cleaning so this procedure doesn’t cause them any negativity.
It’s much easier to train a puppy to do something than an already grown-up dog. Therefore, you should train your dog to take care of their teeth from a young age.
You should be careful and, if necessary, use alternative methods of dog oral care, for example, during play.
How to Train a Dog for Teeth Cleaning
First of all, you should never forcibly make your dog clean their teeth if they don’t like the process.
Dog Got Used to Teeth Cleaning
During training, follow these rules:
- Gradually accustom your dog to teeth cleaning. For example, start with once every two weeks and gradually increase the number of procedures to 2 times in 7 days.
- Perform the cleaning at the same time, for example after evening meals.
- At the first cleaning, introduce the dog to the brush and paste, let them sniff them.
- Always talk to your pet during cleaning.
- If signs of aggression appear, you should interrupt the procedure and calm the animal.
- Each time after cleaning their teeth, be sure to praise your pet, pet them, give them their favorite toys.
Be Careful
Definitely follow the principle of “Do No Harm”. Sharp movements will cause your dog pain, which they might interpret as an attack, and start defending themselves. As a result, your beloved pet might bite you. Of course, this will not be out of malice, in such a case you should not scold the pet, but the procedure should be interrupted.
Therefore, to avoid harming the dog and not getting injured yourself, you should be cautious and gentle.
If your pet resists getting their teeth cleaned, it’s better to postpone the procedure for some time. Don’t let your dog start getting overly anxious, so they don’t display aggression.
Teeth Cleaning During Play
It’s noteworthy that teeth cleaning can also be done in a playful manner. Manufacturers offer a wide range of different toys for cleaning dogs’ teeth. These toys come in various forms such as “bones”, “dumbbells”, “balls”, and even different animal shapes.
The peculiarity of these toys is their ridged surface that can remove some plaque and food leftovers, as well as massage the gums.
Choosing toys depends on the size of your dog and their preferences. Some dogs prefer ball toys, while others like animal-shaped ones.
Many dogs love the so-called “rope rings” or “ropes”. Not only do they help maintain dental hygiene due to their intertwined thread texture, but they also serve as a fun activity – a tug-of-war game between the owner and pet, or among several dogs.
It’s important to note, though, that such toys for teeth cleaning serve only as an alternative when it’s not possible to use a toothbrush and toothpaste or as a supplement to the primary type of cleaning.
Dental Calculus Removal in Dogs
Removing dental calculus is possible only in a vet’s office or grooming salon by a qualified specialist. The procedure requires special equipment and is conducted in “surgical” conditions.
Mechanical Dental Calculus Removal
Mechanical dental calculus removal involves dental tools, simply scraping off dental calculus with a dental “spatula”.
As dental calculus starts forming near the gums, this type of cleaning inevitably results in gum trauma.
The procedure itself is outdated and harmful for the teeth because it inevitably damages the tooth’s protective enamel. You should resort to it only if there are contraindications to removing dental calculus by modern methods.
Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning for Dogs
Ultrasonic teeth cleaning is the most common method of dental calculus removal and is available in many vet clinics and grooming salons.
The essence of the method is “destruction” of the calculus with an ultrasonic attachment and washing it off the teeth with a stream of water. A definite advantage of this method is the ability to clean each tooth from all sides and remove even large conglomerates (dental calculus lying in a thick layer on the teeth). Unfortunately, in particularly severe cases, gum trauma is possible – if there’s calculus that “grew” under the gum, it will naturally be affected.
Laser Teeth Cleaning
This type of cleaning is just entering the veterinary services market. Finding a specialist for laser teeth cleaning can be tricky, and the procedure’s cost is higher compared to ultrasonic cleaning.
Teeth Cleaning During Play
Interestingly, cleaning can also be done in the form of a game. Manufacturers offer a wide range of various toys for cleaning dogs’ teeth. These are various “bones,” “dumbbells,” “balls,” and even in the form of different animals.
The feature of these toys is their ribbed surface, capable of removing some plaque and food debris, as well as massaging the gums.
The choice of toys depends on the size of your dog and its preferences. Some dogs prefer ball toys, some like animal-shaped toys.
Many dogs love so-called “rope rings” or “ropes”—they are used not only for maintaining dental hygiene due to their texture from intertwined threads but also as a fun game—tug of war between the owner and the pet, or between multiple dogs.
But it’s worth noting that such toys for teeth cleaning are suitable only as an alternative when it’s impossible to use a toothbrush and toothpaste or as a supplement to the main type of cleaning.
Dental Calculus Removal in Dogs
Removing dental calculus can only be done in a veterinary clinic or grooming salon by a qualified professional. The procedure is performed using special equipment and under “surgical” conditions.
Mechanical Dental Calculus Removal
Dental professionals perform mechanical removal of dental calculus using dental instruments, simply scraping off the dental calculus with a dental “spatula.”
As dental calculus begins to form near the gums, gum trauma inevitably occurs during this type of cleaning.
This procedure is outdated and harmful to teeth because it inevitably damages the protective enamel of the tooth. Only use it if there are contraindications to removing dental calculus with modern methods.
Ultrasonic Dog Teeth Cleaning
Ultrasonic teeth cleaning is the most common way of removing dental calculus and is available in many veterinary clinics and grooming salons.
The essence of the method is the “destruction” of calculus with an ultrasonic attachment and its cleaning from teeth with a stream of water. A clear advantage of this method is the ability to clean each tooth from all sides and remove even massive conglomerates (dental calculus, lying thickly on the teeth). Unfortunately, in particularly advanced cases, gum trauma is possible—if there is a stone that has “grown” under the gum, it will naturally be affected.
Laser Teeth Cleaning
This type of cleaning is just entering the veterinary services market. Finding a specialist in laser teeth cleaning may be difficult, and the cost of the procedure is higher compared to ultrasonic cleaning.
The advantage of this method is less trauma: a special attachment with a laser more gently destroys dental calculus located near the gum. But this is possible only in case of minor teeth calculus infestation. Large conglomerates are in any case first destroyed mechanically or with ultrasonics. After the calculus is destroyed, its remains are also removed with a water jet.
With Anesthesia or Without Anesthesia
Removing dental calculus by any method can be painful, when using a water jet in the case of ultrasonic or laser cleaning the animal can choke, the sound of working instruments scares most dogs.
The development of stress on this ground is very dangerous, especially for small breed dogs, who often have cardiovascular system problems. Therefore, these procedures are recommended to be performed under at least light sedation, to slightly “stun” the patient with anesthesia.
The decision on the rationality of using anesthesia when cleaning a dog’s teeth is made only by a veterinarian after the examination and tests.
Any use of anesthesia carries risk—to avoid complications, a series of tests and examinations should be performed.
A biochemical blood test will show whether the animal has problems with the kidneys and liver, a general blood and urine test—the presence of hidden inflammation. Auscultation of the lungs and echocardiography (heart ultrasound) will reveal possible heart problems. With normal indicators, laser and ultrasonic cleaning is permitted.
If you neglect these studies, then performing the manipulation under anesthesia can exacerbate the already existing changes in the kidneys, liver, and cardiopulmonary system.
Complications can be both delayed—the development of diseases of these organs in the future, and acute—with serious functional disorders of multiple organs, the animal may poorly tolerate anesthesia, it can be difficult to come out of it.
They perform mechanical teeth cleaning without anesthesia for animals for whom it is contraindicated: dogs that have bad tests or results of ultrasound examination of the heart, animals older than 8-9 years.
For a caring owner, it is important that his pet is not only beautiful, but also healthy. Clean teeth are an indicator of health, as well as a guarantee of fresh breath and the whiteness of your pet’s teeth. It should be noted that prevention of plaque and calculus is much cheaper and easier than treatment of dental diseases.
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