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Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth the Right Way — Vet-Approved Oral Care Guide 2025 🦷🐶
By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025
Would you go weeks without brushing your teeth? Neither should your dog! 🪥 Even if they only eat kibble or dental treats, plaque still builds up daily—and ignoring it leads to gum disease, bad breath, and pain. In fact, dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. 😬
Good news: daily tooth brushing is not as hard as it sounds. With the right tools and a little patience, you can build a quick and easy habit that boosts your dog’s health and happiness. Let’s dive into this 2025 vet-approved guide. 🐶🩺
🦴 Why Brushing Matters
Brushing removes soft, sticky plaque before it turns into hard tartar. Left unchecked, plaque leads to periodontal disease, causing:
- 😷 Bad breath (halitosis)
- 🩸 Gum inflammation and bleeding
- 😣 Tooth pain and loss
- 🦠 Bacterial spread to heart, liver, and kidneys
✅ Dogs may not get cavities like humans, but gum disease can have life-altering consequences—especially for senior pets. Regular brushing = longer, healthier life. ❤️🐾
🧼 Step 1: Choose the Right Toothbrush
Skip the human brushes! Instead, pick a dog-specific toothbrush:
- 🪥 Long-handled, angled head for bigger dogs
- 🧤 Finger toothbrush for dogs under 30 lbs or beginners
- 🧽 Soft bristles only—never use hard brushes!
🧴 Step 2: Pick Safe, Enzymatic Toothpaste
Never use human toothpaste—it can contain toxic ingredients like xylitol. Instead, go for pet-specific formulas that often include:
- 🧬 Enzymes that break down plaque
- 🫧 Optional fluoride (safe in dog formulas)
- 🥩 Flavors like poultry or peanut butter to encourage licking
📝 Tip: Apply toothpaste between the bristles—not just on top—to help it stay in contact with gums longer.
🪥 Step 3: Brushing Technique — A Quick Routine
Most dogs can be trained to accept brushing if introduced gently. Here’s your daily 3-minute routine:
- Start slowly: Use a damp cloth or gauze to wipe the outer surfaces of the teeth. Praise and reward.
- Graduate to the toothbrush: Soak in warm water, and begin brushing without toothpaste.
- Once accepted, add toothpaste: Brush daily with gentle confidence.
✅ Focus on the outside (cheek-facing) surfaces—especially upper back teeth where tartar builds fast. Most dogs won’t let you brush the inner surfaces, and that’s okay!
📐 Proper Angle & Motion
- 📏 Hold the bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gumline
- 🔁 Use short oval motions, gently inserting bristles under the gum margin
- ➡️ Brush 3–4 teeth at a time, repeating 10 strokes per section
- 🎯 Don’t forget the incisors and canines up front!
🧠 Training Tips for Success
- 🥇 Start young if possible, but seniors can learn too!
- 🍖 Use dental chews or praise as a reward after brushing
- 🧩 Create a routine (same time, same spot) to build positive association
- 📅 Aim for twice daily brushing, but even 3–4x a week helps
💡 What If My Dog Hates It?
That’s normal at first! Here’s how to ease into it:
- 👃 Let them sniff and lick the brush and toothpaste first
- 👏 Touch the mouth, lift lips, and reward calm behavior
- ⏳ Keep sessions short—just a few seconds to start
- 🐾 Ask your vet about chewable dental alternatives if brushing remains stressful
🦷 Don’t Forget Professional Dental Care
Even with daily brushing, your dog will eventually need a professional cleaning under anesthesia. This allows for deep scaling and checks below the gumline where brushing can’t reach.
📆 Most dogs benefit from dental exams every 6–12 months depending on age, breed, and overall health.
🐾 Breeds That Need Extra Dental Attention
Small breeds and brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs are especially prone to dental issues:
- 🦴 Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles
- 🦷 Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus
- 🐕 Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Maltese
🛑 These dogs often have crowded teeth, misalignment, and faster plaque buildup—daily brushing is critical!
🩺 Ask A Vet: Dental Support On Demand
Have questions about your dog’s brushing technique? Not sure which products are safest? Connect with a licensed vet anytime via the Ask A Vet app.
We can walk you through first-time brushing, suggest tooth-friendly diets, or schedule a dental assessment based on your dog’s breed and age.
📝 Final Checklist
- ✔ Use a soft, dog-specific toothbrush
- ✔ Choose enzymatic pet toothpaste (never human paste!)
- ✔ Brush daily using proper angles & strokes
- ✔ Praise & reward every session
- ✔ Follow up with regular professional cleanings
Your dog’s smile matters! 🐶 A few minutes of brushing can mean fewer vet visits, fresher breath, and a longer, healthier life.
💬 Need personalized brushing advice or want to check for dental disease? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to get expert help from real veterinarians today. 🦷❤️
