Many pet owners assume that they don’t need to worry about brushing their dogs teeth, but that is not the case. Poor dental health not only leads to bad breath, but it can also lead to dental disease and cause bacteria to spread to other parts of the body.
You should be brushing your dog’s teeth whenever you can, and we recommend that you try and fit this in your schedule a few times a week. It doesn’t need to take more than just a few minutes.
In the video below, our technician Tabitha demonstrates the proper brushing process on her dog Blakeslee.
A few things to keep in mind:
- When brushing your dog or cat’s teeth, you need to make sure you use a special kind of toothpaste (that doesn’t include fluoride).
- You can find specially flavored toothpastes that many dogs love.
- It gets easier with time. You can start initially by brushing with your finger, and as your dog gets used to it, you can start using a toothbrush.
- Get behind and in front of as many teeth as possible. Much of the decay occurs towards the back of the mouth.
Over time, you can make brushing your dog’s teeth a positive experience that your dog loves! Don’t forget that February is Dental Health Month and Bryn Mawr Vet has some special offers.
