We would all love our dog’s breath to smell fresh and for their teeth to be healthy, but you might wonder, do dogs really need dental care? The answer is yes!
Most of us will experience uncomfortable and sometimes painful dental problems within our lives and it’s no different for dogs. Learning how to clean your dog’s teeth helps to prevent dental and health problems for your dog. Read more to find out the best way to clean your dog’s teeth.
What can I brush my dog’s teeth with?
To brush your dog’s teeth, you will need the right tools. First of all, choose a specialist dog toothbrush or an ordinary children's soft bristle toothbrush. Use a toothpaste formulated for dogs, such as our gentle, low foaming Roast Dinner Dog Toothpaste. If you have a very small, young or sensitive dog, you may find it easier to brush their teeth with a muslin cloth wrapped around your finger as this is nice and gentle and better accepted by your dog.
Never use human toothpaste as it includes chemicals that are harmful to dogs. Our Roast Dinner Dog Toothpaste is made with Sage oil, a naturally potent antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals and has been developed in conjunction with veterinary professionals. It has a slightly coarse texture and also has a meaty flavour which is very palatable
Dogs can be reluctant to have their teeth cleaned but with our liver- flavoured Roast Dinner Dog Toothpaste they will look forward to their new dog dental care routine! Try not to brush too hard as this can damage their gums, brush the teeth carefully in a circular motion. Don’t forget to reward your dog with lots of positive praise and maybe even a homemade dog treat.
How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is important for maintaining overall health and preventing illness including Periodontal Disease; a common condition which can interfere with your dog’s wellbeing.
We recommend using dog toothpaste weekly as a minimum to reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar, the main culprits of tooth decay. However, if this isn’t possible as often as possible is better than neglecting your dog's dental care.
You can also use our bestselling homoeopathic remedy, Fragaric 3c to soften and aid the removal of tartar. You can give between 3-5 drops daily for up to a month and then give once a week as a preventative thereafter.
How to brush your dog's teeth
- Get your dog used to it: Start by letting your dog sniff and taste the toothpaste so they associate it with something positive.
- Pick your tool: Use your chosen toothbrush or cloth and apply a small amount of toothpaste.
- Use dog-friendly toothpaste: We recommend using our vet-approved, dog-specific option like our meaty-flavoured Roast Dinner Dog Toothpaste.
- Brush gently: Use slow, circular motions to clean the teeth. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage their gums.
- Keep it calm and rewarding: Give plenty of praise and keep sessions short. Follow up with a favourite treat to create a positive experience.
- Build a routine: Aim to brush at least once a week. Daily brushing is ideal, but even occasional brushing is better than none.
Extra support: For stubborn tartar, you can use our best-selling homeopathic remedy, Fragaric 3C. Simply add 3–5 drops daily for a month, then once a week as ongoing support.
For more information on our dog toothpaste or any of our other herbal pet supplements, get in touch with the experienced advisors in our team on 01308 897272 or email info@dorwest.com. Plus, get free UK delivery on orders over £50.
