Is Your Dog’s Food Causing Dental Disease? 5 Natural Ways to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth at Home, by Veterinary Secrets on YouTube. 5 min 44 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 44 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Pick a quiet time and let your dog settle. Have dog-safe toothpaste and a soft toothbrush or finger brush ready.
Put a pea-sized amount of dog toothpaste on the brush. Let your dog lick it so the taste feels familiar.
Lift the lip gently and brush the outside of the back teeth first. Use small circles along the gumline.
Work around the mouth in short sessions. Brush the outer surfaces of all teeth, then the front teeth if your dog allows.
Keep each session to about 30 seconds at first, then build up to 2 minutes. Stop before your dog gets upset.
Brush at least 2 to 3 times a week. Daily brushing is better for plaque control if your dog tolerates it.
Reward your dog with praise or a treat after each session. Keep the routine calm and predictable.
Look at your dog's food and treats. Ask your vet if a dental diet or fewer sticky treats would suit your dog.
Use dental wipes or a vet-approved dental chew on days you cannot brush. Do not use cooked bones.
Check your dog's mouth weekly for red gums, loose teeth, or bad breath that persists. Ask your vet about ongoing problems.
Tips and common mistakes
Never use human toothpaste, because fluoride and xylitol can harm dogs.
Start with just a few teeth and stop if your dog pulls away, then try again later.
Brush along the gumline where plaque builds, not just the flat tops of the teeth.
If your dog growls or snaps, stop and ask your vet or a trainer for help.
Questions
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
Aim for 2 to 3 times a week, and daily if your dog tolerates it. Brushing removes plaque before it hardens into tartar.
Do I need to brush the inside of my dog's teeth?
The tongue helps clean the inner surfaces, so focus on the outside and the gumline. Brush the inside only if your dog is comfortable.
What if my dog hates the toothbrush?
Start with a finger brush or gauze and dog toothpaste, and reward calm behavior. If your dog stays stressed, ask your vet about dental wipes or chews.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
