Good oral hygiene plays a crucial role in your dog’s overall health. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly not only keeps their mouth fresh but also helps prevent gum disease and other serious health conditions. Bacteria from periodontal disease can travel through the bloodstream and affect internal organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver, which is why dental care is more than just a cosmetic concern.
While bad breath is often seen as “normal” for pets, it’s actually an early sign of dental disease. The good news is that regular home care, along with routine veterinary health checks, can make a big difference in your dog’s long-term health. To help you get started, we’ve outlined five practical ways to make at-home dental care more manageable for both you and your dog.
1. Get Your Dog Comfortable With Their Mouth Being Touched
Dogs naturally use their mouths for chewing and playing, so it’s important to help them feel comfortable with gentle handling around their face, lips, and gums. Begin by softly touching the outside of their mouth, then progress to lifting their lips and gently rubbing your finger along their gum line and teeth. You can even put a small amount of dog-friendly toothpaste on your finger so they can get used to the taste.
Start this process when your dog is calm and relaxed — after a walk or play session is often a good time. It’s best to avoid trying this when they’re feeling excitable or overly playful. Some dogs may pull away at first, but with consistent daily practice, most will grow more tolerant. While it’s easier to introduce tooth brushing to puppies, older dogs can absolutely learn to accept it with a little patience and persistence.
2. Slowly Introduce a Toothbrush
Once your dog is comfortable having their mouth touched, introduce a toothbrush gradually. Let them sniff and inspect it first, then gently rub it along their teeth and gums without applying much pressure. If they try to chew or bite the brush, remove it and try again later when they’re calm.
Avoid rushing the process; it’s important that your dog doesn’t associate the toothbrush with stress or discomfort. Keep each session short, positive, and rewarding. Over time, your dog will begin to associate the toothbrush with a pleasant routine rather than something to fear.
3. Establish a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Just like they know when it's dinner time or when to expect a walk, they can also learn to expect a quick tooth brushing session each day. By making it a consistent part of their routine, brushing becomes familiar and much easier over time.
Use a dog-safe toothpaste in a flavour your dog enjoys — like chicken or beef — to help them look forward to it. Be sure to never use human toothpaste, as it contains ingredients that are not safe for dogs to swallow and are often too strongly flavoured for their liking. If you need recommendations for a good dog-safe toothpaste, reach out to us! We’re more than happy to recommend our favourites and what has worked well for other patients.
4. Avoid a Dominating Position
When brushing your dog’s teeth, especially in the early stages, avoid looming over them or holding them down. This can feel threatening and may cause them to become fearful or defensive.
Instead, kneel beside or sit in front of your dog at their level. This creates a more relaxed and collaborative environment. You want your dog to feel like this is something you’re doing together — not something being done to them.
5. End With Positive Reinforcement
Always end your brushing session on a positive note. Praise your dog, offer their favourite treat or a quick play session, and show them plenty of affection. If your dog starts to get agitated, stop before it escalates. This way, they’ll learn to associate the process with good things.
The key is to keep it short, consistent, and rewarding. Brushing doesn’t have to be perfect every time — even light brushing a few times a week is far better than none at all.
Other Ways to Support Dental Health
For dogs that resist brushing, dental chews, specially designed toys, and even veterinary dental diets can help reduce plaque and tartar. While these aren’t a substitute for brushing, they’re a practical option to support oral health, especially if daily brushing isn’t possible.
Always check with your vet to ensure these products are suitable for your dog’s size, age, and health status.
Looking After Your Dog’s Smile
With a little time and patience, brushing your dog’s teeth can become a simple and enjoyable part of your daily routine. Good dental hygiene not only helps your dog stay comfortable and pain-free, but it also contributes to better health overall.
If you have questions about your dog’s dental care or want help getting started, feel free to contact us at (808) 460-3939, or you can email us at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.