How Often Should I Brush My Dog's Teeth?

It is important to brush your dog's teeth everyday to prevent dental complications from occurring. Dogs can experience dental complications, just as humans can, if proper dental hygiene is not followed. You should begin brushing your dog's teeth right away to prevent dental complications. As with your own teeth, your dog's teeth should be brushed daily using a pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste.

If you are new to brushing your dog's teeth, chances are your dog will not like it and may resist, but after your pet is comfortable with having something in his mouth, brushing your dog's teeth will become easier. If you are new to brushing your dog's teeth, you must first get your dog accustom to having something in his mouth. To do this, use your finger and rub it along the sides and tops of your dog's teeth. Your dog must learn he can trust you and can trust having something in his mouth.

Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

Brushing your dog's teeth daily should become a routine. You want the routine to be a quick process and not drawn out because your dog is less likely to tolerate the brushing if it takes a long time. If your dog begins to shown he is getting annoyed with the length of time you are brushing, it means it is time to stop and continue tomorrow.

Prior to brushing your dog's teeth, allow him to investigate the toothbrush and toothpaste. This will allow him to determine on his own what you are doing is safe. If you have never brushed your dog's teeth before, begin the brushings with water. Your dog will need to get accustom to the taste of the toothpaste; therefore, each day add a small amount of toothpaste to the brush and gradually increase the amount until your dog tolerates the new taste. You should also let your dog smell the toothpaste as well. If you switch to a different toothpaste, this process should be repeated as well until your dog becomes accustom to the new toothpaste.

To brush your dog's teeth, he should sit beside you in an area that is calm and comfortable for both of you. Begin brushing in the back of the mouth and work your way to the front of the mouth. Make sure the brushing is light and you do not apply too much pressure. You need to brush the teeth in a circular motion from the gum line to the top of the teeth. You will need to hold the lips open while you brush the teeth. Mainly focus on the outside and tops of the teeth while brushing and less on the inside.

References:
"How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth" PuppyBuzz
"How to Clean Dogs Teeth" ThreeDogBlog
"Are your dog's teeth healthy?" WebMD