9 Tips for Healthy Dog Dental Care

February 11, 2019

A healthy and happy dog includes their dental health.Not having a home dental care routine can put your furry friend’s teeth, gums, and overall health at risk. Dogs can experience symptoms of dental disease like bad breath, painful infections, tooth loss, or even life-threatening conditions to vital organs like their heart and kidneys.

You can help save your pet from the pain of dental disease and an expensive run to your veterinarian by brushing your furry friend’s teeth and gums.

Here are 9 tips for practicing healthy dog dental care:

Start your dog’s dental care routine as soon as possible

The earlier you start brushing your dog’s teeth, the easier it will be for you as they get older. Having a dental care routine when your dog is a puppy will help make it a pleasant experience for both you and your pup because your furry friend will become accustomed to the brushing as he/she gets older. Regardless of when you begin your pet’s oral health routine, most dogs at any age (puppy, adult or senior) will not be fond of brushing at first and need time to get use to having their teeth and gums cleaned. Most owners also need to warm up to the idea and process of brushing their furry friend’s teeth. If you’re starting a dental routine past the puppy stage and in a later stage of life, don’t worry. You just need to take it slow and soon it will become normal for your pet.

Accustom your dog to the idea of your finger in their mouth

Your dog needs to get use to you poking around in their mouth. Get your dog accustomed to your finger, by simply lifting your dog’s lip. Make sure to praise him/her for allowing you to do this. (We recommend to avoid doing this when your dog is sleeping or just finished eating.) If you dog gets agitated, don’t scold and just be patient. Try this method for several days depending on how your dog is responding. After your dog is comfortable, slowly introduce the brushing. It helps to speak calmly and gently during the brushing to help your dog relax. You most likely won’t be able to brush the whole mouth the first time, so don’t be discouraged. Do what you can and each time and do a little more any time you brush their teeth. Overtime, your dog will get more and more comfortable, and you will eventually be easily brushing their whole mouth.

Pick the right toothbrush for your dog

When it comes to selecting the right toothbrush for your furry friend, it’s best to use a toothbrush that is specifically designed for your dog. Puppy, adult, and senior dogs each have their own unique dental requirements and we made sure to address their specific needs to ensure a healthy oral cleaning. We partnered with RADIUS®, a leading designer and manufacturer of eco-friendly toothbrushes, to design a premium toothbrush for each stage of your dog’s life. Our innovative and award-winning BPA-Free toothbrush makes the task of cleaning easy for you and gentle for your furry pal. It features a tapered, ambidextrous handle with a non-slip grip and premium bristles to clean teeth and massage delicate gum tissue.

Use a healthy doggy toothpaste

Select a toothpaste that is safe for your pet. Never use human toothpaste because most have extremely toxic ingredients for your dog, like fluoride and xylitol. A toothpaste made with healthy ingredients formulated specially for dogs is what’s best for your canine friend. We created the only USDA Certified Organic Pet Toothpaste Gel in the market and it’s packed with healthy organic oils and extracts like Sweet Potato, Cinnamon Power, Coconut Oil, and Olive Leaf Extract. This healthy and award-winning toothpaste gel is also free of harmful ingredients like Xylitol, Chemicals, SLS, Preservatives, Pesticides, Parabens, and dyes. The organic ingredients we use help reduce tooth decay, naturally freshen breath, and aid overall oral health. Plus, your dog will enjoy the sweetness of the gel, making the brushing process more enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Before brushing, first give your dog a small sample of the toothpaste gel. After you introduce the taste, then apply a pea size amount of gel on toothbrush & brush teeth & gums to help remove the plaque & tartar.

Pay extra attention to molars and back teeth

Molars and back teeth can quickly build up tartar, so pay extra attention to these areas. Our premium toothbrush has a cornerless head that reaches your dog’s back teeth and tight spaces without causing damage to your pet’s teeth or gums. This feature also makes it easier for you to brush those areas that are normally hard to reach.

Brush 2-3 times per week

While reading this blog post, you may have asked yourself “How many times should I brush my dog’s teeth?” We recommend at least 2-3 times per week. This is the goal, but it won't happen overnight. Choose the best days and times that fit both you and your pet’s schedule. Try your best to stay consistent with your dog dental care routine. Remember that brushing your dog’s teeth and gums is just as important as brushing your own teeth. Selecting the right toothbrush and toothpaste will help make brush time easier. Good at-home dental care can also offset a costly Vet visit.

Reward your dog with a treat

After the brushing is all done, reward your dog with a treat! This treat can take the form of playtime, petting, or a dog dental treat with healthy, dog-friendly ingredients. Doing this positively reinforces the brushing process. Soon enough, brushing your pet’s teeth & gums will become a regular routine that your pet will enjoy.

Have safe chew bones & toys

There are specifically designed chew bones and toys to strengthen your dog’s gums and teeth. Make sure to give your dog safe objects to chew on. Read product labels and stay away from hard objects which can cause fractured and broken teeth.

Giving your dog a good bone to chew on can help get rid of buildup and keep teeth strong but remember it’s not enough to be an effective means of ensuring good dental hygiene and overall health.

Visit your veterinarian at least once a year for a professional cleaning

Even with a diligent at-home dental care routine, it’s still critical to visit your veterinarian for an annual oral exam and dental cleaning. These professional cleanings allow veterinarians to assess your dog’s overall oral health and thoroughly prevent dental disease, along with other life-threatening illnesses.

Another plus of at-home dental care is that your dog will be comfortable having their teeth and gums brushed, touched, and examined. This comfort minimizes your dog’s fear, anxiety, and aggression when it comes time for their oral cleaning. Your vet will be thankful for making their teeth cleaning session safer and easier for both them and your pet. If you ever have any dental concerns, always contact your vet right away.