- Kit for Pura Naturals organic dental care.
- Professional dog toothpaste from Petsmile.
- All-Natural Kissable Toothpaste for Dogs.
- Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs with Vetoquinol.
- For dogs, use Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste.
- Fresh Breath Teeth Gel from Tropiclean.
- Advanced Oral Care Nylabone.
What toothpaste for humans is safe for dogs?
Periodontal disease, an inflammation or infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth, affects more than two thirds of dogs older than three. Plaque-induced gingivitis, which is the first stage of periodontal disease, frequently advances to affect the bony tooth sockets. Periodontal disease, if left untreated, can result in painful tooth loss.
When should I brush my dog’s teeth?
It is preferable to clean your dog’s teeth at least twice a day, just like you do. Many dogs will start to anticipate and enjoy brushing once it becomes a part of their regular routine. The minimum recommended amount of brushing to help prevent tartar buildup and eliminate plaque is three times per week.
It’s ideal to start training your dog to tolerate dental brushing when he’s still a puppy.
When your dog is still a puppy, it’s ideal to train him to accept getting his teeth brushed. Even while the training process could take a little longer if your dog is older, it is still well worth the time and effort.
What steps do I need to follow to teach my dog to accept tooth brushing?
Making tooth brushing enjoyable for both of you is essential if you want to be successful. Praise your dog during the entire process and offer assurance at each stage to make it a happy experience. Follow these instructions for the best outcomes:
- Pick a peaceful time and location to start.
- Hold your dog firmly in your lap with his head turned away from you if he is tiny enough. In order to comfortably handle your dog’s jaws and teeth, you should sit on a chair and have your dog sit next to you.
- Starting at the point where the gum meets the tooth surface, gently rub your finger or a soft cloth over the outer surfaces of your dog’s teeth in a back-and-forth motion. To prevent unintentionally biting yourself, take care to only touch the exterior surfaces of the teeth. If your pet is hesitant or anxious about the procedure, it is best to only massage the cloth along a few teeth during the first few lessons rather than the entire mouth.
- Allow your dog to taste some pet toothpaste off your finger once he is comfortable with you brushing his teeth. Use only dental floss; human toothpaste is not intended to be swallowed.
- Apply a small bit of pet toothpaste to the towel and wipe it over the teeth once your dog has grown accustomed to the flavor.
- Use a toothbrush once your dog is fully accustomed to you wiping his teeth with a cloth (see below).
What type of toothbrush should I use?
There are commercial toothbrushes on the market made expressly for use on dogs. These consist of:
- angled-handled brushes,
- brushes with a variety of heads (so that you can simultaneously brush the inside, outside, and top surfaces of the tooth),
- little brushes that are relaxed to hold, and
- brushes for the fingers (designed to fit over the tip of your finger).
Some canines can tolerate the use of an extremely soft toothbrush made for human infants.
Your dog’s size and your personal dexterity both have an impact on the toothbrush you choose. When first starting to brush their dog’s teeth, many pet owners find it easier to use a finger brush. If you are unsure which brush to use, see your veterinarian.
No matter what kind of toothbrush you use, it’s crucial to be careful and move slowly because it’s simple to unintentionally touch your gums with the toothbrush’s tip, which might irritate them.
Is it okay to use human toothpaste?
No. Ingredients in human toothpaste should not be consumed. If consumed, it may result in digestive problems or an upset stomach. Some human toothpastes have high sodium content that could harm your pet, while others might have xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs.
My friend recommended that I use baking soda. Is this okay?
No. Due to its strong alkaline composition, baking soda can disturb the digestive system’s acid balance if it is consumed. Additionally, your dog might not cooperate when you try to brush his teeth because baking soda doesn’t taste pleasant.
Why is pet toothpaste recommended?
Dogs enjoy the flavors of poultry, beef, malt, and mint in pet toothpaste, which is offered in a variety of varieties. Your dog is more likely to appreciate the entire experience if you use a tasty product.
Exactly how should I brush my dog’s teeth?
Brush the toothbrush with a little toothpaste. Lift the lips on one side of your dog’s mouth gently. You can either achieve this by pushing up on the lip with your free hand’s index finger (as indicated in the illustration) or by lifting your dog’s lips by placing your free hand over his head and your thumb and index finger on either side of his upper jaw.
You will need to slightly open your dog’s mouth in order to brush the lower teeth. You can do this by grasping your dog’s top jaw with your thumb and index finger while gently turning your dog’s head backward.
Start by focusing on brushing the canine teeth and the big cheek teeth since these are the teeth where plaque and tartar buildup happens the fastest. Work your way up to brushing every tooth (this will probably take several days or weeks).
As long as your dog is being helpful, you shouldn’t bother about brushing the inside or tips of their teeth. The outer surfaces of the teeth are where periodontal disease most frequently manifests itself, so you should concentrate your efforts there. Additionally, the inner surfaces of the dog’s teeth don’t need to be brushed as often because the dog’s tongue tends to remove a lot of plaque from them.
Is there anything else I should know?
Yes. If at all possible, wear gloves when brushing your dog’s teeth because a dog’s mouth is filled with a lot of bacteria. If this makes it difficult for you to adequately brush his teeth, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you’re done. Before storing the toothbrush, make sure to properly rinse it. If you have multiple dogs, use a different toothbrush for each of them and replace the toothbrush every three months.
Can we give our pets human toothpaste?
- Maintaining your dog’s dental health is just as crucial as other preventative measures because it will prevent your pet from acquiring linked medical problems.
- Regular tooth brushing is essential for your dog’s dental health.
- Making your own homemade dog toothpaste with only a few things you might already have on hand will save you money and trips to the shop.
When your dog gives you a wet, sloppy kiss on the face, it’s more than simply annoying if he has foul breath. It might be an indication of oral disease and decay that can be treated with teeth cleaning.
Pets’ dental health is crucial, even though it’s sometimes overlooked, especially for older dogs. Dogs are susceptible to periodontal disease, cavities, oral irritation, and ulcers just like humans. Dental issues can cause secondary infections in the blood, a weakened immune system, and a dog’s susceptibility to illness and disease, all of which can significantly lower the quality of life for dogs. Dental issues can, at the at least, cause chronic pain and make eating challenging.
Additionally, brushing your dog’s teeth has the added benefit of improving their breath fragrance, in addition to the cleanliness and health benefits.
According to experts, we should preferably brush our dog’s teeth daily or even twice daily. If that seems impossible, try for two or three times a week to maintain the cleanliness and health of your dog’s teeth and gums.
Avoid using human toothpaste for the job at all costs. Dogs should avoid using human toothpaste since it contains substances like Xylitol that can harm their kidneys and liver and make them sick.
You may either purchase toothpaste designed specifically for dogs or manufacture your own dog toothpaste at home, which is quick, simple, and may already be in your pantry.
Additionally, DIY toothpaste helps you to save unnecessary excursions to the store, saves you money, and makes for a simple home activity during this quarantine.
You can guarantee it contains only natural, nutritious ingredients and no chemicals by making your own dog toothpaste. Additionally, it is more environmentally responsible because you are avoiding the plastic packaging waste and transportation emissions that are associated with store-bought products.
Fluoride
In sufficient amounts, fluoride is poisonous to dogs. The purpose of human toothpaste is to be washed out of the mouth, not to be ingested. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to persuade a four-year-old—let alone a Labrador—not to swallow toothpaste?
While acute fluoride toxicity (a big dose of fluoride swallowed all at once) is conceivable, a chronic toxin exposure—where fluoride is ingested through repeated use over the period of months or years—is more likely to occur.
Signs of acute fluoride toxicity from a dog ingesting human toothpaste include:
- drooling
- nausea/vomiting
- restlessness
- urinary and fecal incontinence
- convulsions and weakened state.
Symptoms of chronic toxicity from a dog ingesting human toothpaste over time include:
- the teeth’s discolouration and mottling
- irregular limping (Two of the most peculiar concoctions of clinical symptoms I’ve ever discussed in a blog article regarding canine health!)
What can I use to brush my dog’s teeth?
Whether you are a novice dog owner or a seasoned canine caregiver, you are certainly aware that the oral health of your dog is just as vital as your own. Our canine friends use their teeth for biting and chewing much as we do, and while cavities are relatively uncommon since they consume a diet that is significantly lower in sugar than ours, up to one-third of dogs will have periodontal disease by the time they turn three. Unfortunately, this dental condition can result in a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including pain, difficulty eating, and tooth loss. Additionally, it has been demonstrated to aggravate general health issues in both humans and canines.
Cleaning your dog’s teeth at home is the greatest approach to prevent your pet from developing periodontal disease and to make sure that her mouth and teeth are as healthy as possible. If this is your first dog, you might think that this is a difficult, if not impossible, undertaking. But with a little perseverance, practice, and your dog’s cooperation, most pet owners discover that they can easily brush their furry friend’s teeth. In fact, some dogs not only learn to accept the treatment but also come to love it, offering it the perfect opportunity for some daily bonding.
Get the right equipment
Make sure you have the appropriate tools before you begin brushing your dog’s teeth. You must first purchase a toothbrush. Although a specific veterinary variation is available, a soft-bristled human toothbrush will also do the trick.
Toothpaste is the other item you require. Never, however, should you give human toothpaste to your dog or any other animal. This is due to the fact that it includes substances that are extremely toxic to animals and could cause serious illness in your dog. Instead, use a pet-approved toothpaste, which is typically available at any reputable pet store.
Master the brushing process
Once you have the necessary equipment, it is time to show your dog the benefits of routine tooth brushing! Get her accustomed to the toothpaste’s flavor first. Encourage her to come up and smell and taste it by squeezing a little on your finger or her preferred chew toy. She should lick it completely if she enjoys the flavor. If not, you might have to think about switching to a different taste.
Start brushing after you are certain that she enjoys the flavor. Apply a small amount to the toothbrush and begin making tiny circular motions over the surfaces of her teeth. While you brush, give your dog lots of encouragement and praise. If your dog only tolerates a minute or two before pulling away, don’t be discouraged. She should eventually allow you to brush her entire mouth for longer and longer periods of time. Try to give additional attention to the canine and molar teeth, as well as the area where the teeth touch the gums, as these areas are more likely to build plaque and tartar, which causes periodontal disease.
Reinforce cleaning at home with dental chews and chew toys
Saliva is your dog’s natural defense against plaque and tartar and is produced when they chew. Nevertheless, you don’t want to encourage your pet to begin gnawing on anything at random, so we advise you to buy a consistent supply of dental chews, the majority of which contain compounds that have been proven to improve oral health. Another great addition that can aid with boredom reduction is one or two sturdy chew toys.
While brushing your dog’s teeth at home is the most crucial and effective thing you can do to keep their teeth healthy, you should also make sure that you regularly seek the guidance and support of your veterinary dentist. Her teeth and mouth will be thoroughly examined by your veterinarian to make sure everything is as healthy as it possibly can be. Your veterinarian has the skills and experience to do this.
A professional-grade clean is yet another crucial service that your veterinarian may provide. Your pet will receive a general anesthesia over the course of this dental cleaning. The biggest benefit of doing this is that your dog will be perfectly calm during the cleaning, allowing your veterinarian to take their time and do a thorough job. Another important advantage is that your dog will not grow anxious or afraid because she will be rendered unconscious for the length of the process.
