I actually got my first dog toothbrush for free from our vet. So, I suppose you have nothing to lose by asking yours if they have any during your next appointment.

For good all-round dental hygiene, look for a dental spray for dogs that can clean as well as sweeten their breath. Bad breath is more often than not a sign of plaque and bacteria build-up so keeping their mouth clean and healthy is a must.VOHC-approved treats, chews and kibbles are meant to reduce tartar accumulation. Because these treats can also be high in calories, they may not be the best choice for pets with weight issues. Cleans teeth: Many dog bad breath spray formulas can also double up as teeth cleaners, making them an essential part of your pooch’s regular dental care routine. Any dentist will tell you that brushing after every meal, flossing daily and going for twice yearly cleanings add up to optimal oral health. Brushing too hard can lead to gingival damage. Imagine brushing off a tomato without bruising it—this is about the same amount of pressure you should apply with a toothbrush. Other Dog Dental Care Options Look for the highest quality oral spray for dogs, if it states human-grade ingredients, then it is a safe bet for your pet. And avoid sprays that contain artificial additives, colors or flavors. Alcohol as an additive is also a no-no: most state they are alcohol-free, but some may contain grain alcohol which, while harmless in very low amounts is best avoided as the safe level will depend on the size and weight of your dog.

If you can’t get your dog to accept a toothbrush for whatever reason, dental wipes might be a good alternative for you. Brushing teeth is part of daily life for us humans, but did you know you can actually brush your pet’s teeth too? It’s recommended by vets as one of the best ways to combat dental disease in dogs, and even if you do it for just one minute each day, you’ll make a real difference in your pet’s dental and overall health. If your pet allows toothbrushing but hates toothpaste, go without the toothpaste. The mechanical act of toothbrushing even without toothpaste is still helpful. How to Clean Your Dog’s TeethBrush your dog’s teeth with probiotics. The probiotics will add beneficial bacteria to your dog’s mouth and fight bad bacteria from plaque that can lead to gum disease or periodontal disease.

Toothbrushing is best performed daily, but every other day can be helpful. However, brushing less than every other day makes little-to-no difference in dental health. They contain similar ingredients as toothpaste and you wipe your dog’s teeth with them to help reduce plaque and tartar. What other products can help with keeping dog teeth clean? A few toothpaste options for dogs are Vetoquinol Vet Solutions Enzadent toothpaste, Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic toothpaste and Sentry Petrodex veterinary strength enzymatic toothpaste. Most dog owners are reluctant to have teeth cleaning done under anesthesia … but for some dogs whose teeth require deeper care, professional teeth cleaning may be necessary.Since dog toothpastes are made with flavors that mimic the foods that dogs already enjoy—like poultry or beef—you can start by just letting your pup taste the toothpaste from your finger. However, you can’t use human dental products for your dog—these contain ingredients that are not pet-safe. To keep your dog’s mouth healthy and safe, use pet-approved products that don’t include any harmful ingredients.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. To start desensitizing your dog to gum and lip handling, move their lips and gently touch their teeth as you would with a toothbrush. You will want to gently touch their teeth and provide lots of praise and treats so they learn that good things happen when you are dealing with their teeth. And if your dog has bad breath, plaque build-up, or is in pain, it’s likely you’ll want to get hold of something that will help end this problem as soon as possible!DNM RECOMMENDS: Teef is a prebiotic powder that mixes in with your dog’s daily drinking water to improve your dog’s oral health. Buy Teef Now>> Make your own dental sprays and wipes. Use MCT oil or broth and probiotics. Dip a soft cloth in both and wipe it on your dog’s teeth. Then you’ll avoid commercially made sprays and wipes that may contain chemicals and toxic ingredients you’d rather not put in your dog’s mouth. Be clear on the reason you need a dental spray so that you get the right product for the job. Are you just wanting to eliminate your pup’s stinky breath or are you concerned about their overall dental hygiene? Is tartar build-up also an issue and could gum disease be another concern you want to nip in the bud? Sprays for bad breath will most likely only mask the issue whereas other formulas can also kill bacteria and help to reduce plaque. It is recommended that growing puppies start getting used to having their teeth brushed from an early age, otherwise it can become more difficult later on. Adult dogs may need a professional teeth cleaning between 2 and 3 years of age or at the very least, an oral exam. This will give a good overview of their dental health. Smaller dogs and brachycephalic breeds prone to dental disease may need more frequent cleanings or anesthesia-free cleanings at least twice a year.