Many tutors don't know, but it's essential to take care of the oral health of pets and brush daily. Proper brushing, along with dental exams and cleanings at the vet's office, can prevent a variety of illnesses and inflammation, as well as remove that nasty bad breath. To help you introduce this habit, we'll show you the best type of dog toothbrush and how to use it.
How to have a dental care routine with your dog at home? Learn now!
Why is oral hygiene important?
Just like in us humans, the buccal region of dogs has bacteria that can form plaques, which become tartar (that yellowish or darkened stain on the dog's teeth), and that need to be removed with brushing and other dental care. These bacterial plaques can cause diseases and dental problems such as:
Periodontal disease
Weakening of teeth and roots
Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
Bad breath
Oral cysts or tumors
Periodontal disease is the most common among dogs and affects about 85% of animals over 3 years old. It can get worse causing tooth loss, a lot of pain and still evolve into other organs like the kidneys, liver, lungs, heart and others.
How often should I brush my pet's teeth?
The best thing is that oral hygiene is done daily, as part of the dog's routine, as well as food, walks , baths and games. However, if it is not feasible for you, try to clean it about three times a week, which will already help a lot in oral health. Again, we urge you to combine care with the veterinarian.
How to brush a dog's teeth?
Dental brushing can be uncomfortable for the puppy, so it's important to slowly introduce this habit into his routine. The ideal is to start as soon as he is a puppy.
But it is also possible to start cleaning in adult dogs – better late than never. To do this, follow the steps below:
Introduce your pet to the toothbrush and paste. Let him sniff and taste it to familiarize himself with the items.
Give him a treat or pet him so he recognizes that this will be a positive moment.
The first few times, you can start brushing with just your fingers and toothpaste, gently massaging the gums, so he gets used to it.
Then start using the brush along with the paste. The movements must be smooth, circular and reaching all the teeth, up to the last molars.
Do this ritual without rushing, because it is very likely that your dog will try to escape, lick your hand or move his head. Insist firmly, but affectionately.
After brushing, keep the positive reinforcement with caresses, so that he associates this moment with something pleasant.
3 types of dog toothbrush
There are some types of toothbrush for dogs and it is worth testing them to understand which model your dog will adapt best. It is worth mentioning that, before defining the toothbrush and toothpaste and offering any dental product (such as bones and tethers), it is important to talk to the veterinarian to find out what is the best recommendation for your pet.
1. Traditional toothbrush
When talking about pet tooth brushing, many people are unsure whether it is possible to use toothbrushes for people. The answer is yes, but stay tuned to use a brush with soft bristles so you don't hurt your puppy's gums.
Despite being allowed, it is more indicated that you buy a brush of your own for pets to facilitate handling and still minimize the chances of causing injury or discomfort. See below for possible types.
2. Finger brush
Made specifically for pets, the thimble (as it is also called) is an object with a silicone coating, very anatomical and with very soft bristles, in which you can insert your index finger. With your finger, you will be able to control the force and make delicate movements, with the help of the bristles for a more effective cleaning.
3. Double toothbrush
One of the best toothbrush options for puppies or small breeds, the double toothbrush has a large head ideal for the front teeth and a smaller one for reaching the most difficult areas in the dog's mouth. This small end of the rod can also be used for puppies and dogs of smaller breeds, so as not to cause discomfort. After all, small dogs can have big teeth but a small mouth cavity with little room for manipulation.
As it is suitable for dogs, this model has several options of sizes and formats so that you can choose the most suitable one for your dog. Large dogs, for example, may need brushes with a longer, curved stem to reach their back teeth.
Anti-tartar tether
Anyone who has a dog knows that they can have oral problems and an unpleasant odor, and it is normal for questions to arise: what to use to remove bad dog breath? What's good for cleaning dog teeth? But the day-to-day rush or even the fear of brushing the dog's teeth and hurting him can make the tutor choose to have biting toys at home.
There are several teething options on the market, such as bones, rings, balls and others that help remove tartar and even serve as a toy for pet’s entertainment. The difference between the tether and the toothbrush for dogs is that the former will not be as effective in removing tartar and bacterial plaque as the brush. Therefore, the ideal is to use it as extra care and not as the main dental care.