You should have a look at this toothpaste if you want to maintain your dog’s teeth clean but are worried about the brushing procedure. Petsmile Professional Dog Toothpaste has received approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council. A component of the toothpaste called Calprox has been shown to safely prevent plaque, combat bacteria, and reduce foul breath. There is no need for a toothbrush when using this dog toothpaste, which should be used two to three times per week. Owners can simply rub the paste on their dog’s teeth using the finger applicator.
Fluoride, parabens, sulfates, and other compounds that could be detrimental to dogs are not present in the Petsmile toothpaste, which only contains safe components. The 4.5-ounce container of toothpaste has a flavor intended to appeal to canines called “London broil.” Customers who have reviewed this product claim that it is user-friendly and effective. Additionally, according to reviews, dogs seem to enjoy the flavor and are less reluctant to being brushed with this paste. However, some reviews also believe that this toothpaste is pricey in comparison to other alternatives available.
A few reviews also point out that shaking the tube before usage is advised because the contents can separate when stored in the tube. Price: $25
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.
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 at home to clean my dog’s teeth?
Let’s discuss about supplies first. You’ll require toothpaste made specifically for dogs. Dogs are poisoned by the ingredient xylitol, which is found in human toothpaste. There are many choices, and fantastic dog-friendly varieties like chicken and peanut butter are available. Thus, you can select a taste based on what your dog likes. A toothbrush of some kind is the second item you require. Here, you have a few choices. One choice is a dog-specific toothbrush, which you can get at your neighborhood pet shop along with your dog’s toothpaste. An additional choice is to use a child’s toothbrush. These are safe for your puppy because of the gentle bristles. Try using a finger brush if your dog is completely opposed to having the brush in their mouth. It’s a tiny fingertip protector made of rubber that has bristles on it.
Do dogs require certain toothpaste?
It’s easy to maintain good dental health in humans: just brush twice a day, floss once, and swish some mouthwash. This will guard against cavities, tooth decay, and other problems. But how many of us take the time to give our pet’s teeth the same level of attention? Furthermore, does the typical pet owner even know how to take care of their dog’s teeth?
Brushing your pet’s teeth is the gold standard for at-home dental care, and it should be done daily, according to Scott Linick, DVM, a Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry and the head of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry’s public relations committee. Unfortunately, he claims that less than 10% of dog owners regularly or at all brush their pets’ teeth.
Next to providing him with food and affection, he claims that offering your pet at-home dental care is one of the most crucial things you can do for him.
It’s because dental disease, which has been linked to systemic illnesses including heart and kidney disease, affects 75 to 85% of dogs and cats over the age of four.
Naturally, you can’t simply pick up your own tube of toothpaste for humans and begin brushing your dog’s teeth. Dog toothpaste is different in various ways from human toothpaste, just as our dogs’ nutritional needs are different from ours. “According to Dr. Linick, it’s crucial to use a toothpaste designed specifically for pets because human toothpaste contains fluoride and detergents that shouldn’t be consumed. “You cannot teach your dog to rinse, no matter how bright he is. Additionally, since dogs generally detest the flavor of mint, using your own toothpaste could make brushing their teeth even worse for them.
Laura M. LeVan, DVM, Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College, states that any brand-new, soft-bristled toothbrush can be used for your dog, despite the fact that there are also toothbrushes made specifically for pets. Find a brush that has a long handle and a head tiny enough to fit into your dog’s cheek.” Additionally, she advises replacing a dog’s toothbrush at least every three months or anytime the bristles start to fray.
According to Dr. LeVan, gingivitis will develop in the soft tissues around the teeth as plaque accumulates on teeth as a result of the combination of saliva, food particles, and bacteria. If this plaque is left untreated, it will eventually turn into tartar and your pet’s natural chewing movement won’t be sufficient to keep his or her mouth clean. ” Six to eight hours after brushing, plaque begins to accumulate on human teeth; the same thing occurs in canines, she continues. Although the mouth’s natural immune system can counteract the negative effects, she points out that periodontal disease can still happen. She cautions that although many dog owners mistakenly refer to this as “doggy breath,” it is actually an indication of sickness.
You can start by looking for the VOHC Accepted seal when selecting a dog toothpaste, while it’s not strictly necessary. “According to Dr. LeVan, the majority of pet toothpastes contain enzymes (lactoperoxidase and glucose oxidase) that may react with saliva to become antimicrobial. Even if your dog’s toothpaste does not have the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal, it will probably still work to remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s mouth.
When your dog closes his or her mouth, the outside of the lower teeth brush the inside of the upper teeth, and the tongue action brushes the inside of the lower teeth, so pet owners can focus their brushing on the outside (or buccal) surfaces of the teeth. Dr. LeVan advises dog owners to slip the toothbrush underneath the cheek to ensure that the back teeth are brushed.
“Every day, owners should brush their dog’s teeth. Even though it may seem difficult, brushing your teeth daily is simpler than doing it sporadically throughout the week or month. She claims that brushing seldom is a waste of time because studies have proven that it does not prevent oral illness.” The entire process should only take 30 to 60 seconds, which may seem like a long time. Owners are making things more difficult than necessary if they take longer time than that.
While it’s ideal to begin your dog’s teeth-brushing training when they are puppies, you should still make the process as enjoyable as you can for an older dog. Buying a few flavors of dog toothpaste will help you determine which your dog loves. Many dog toothpastes have chicken or beef flavors. Brushing your dog’s teeth may become much simpler if he like the flavor of his toothpaste. “Make brushing enjoyable for your dog, especially if they are older canines. According to Dr. Linick, if you put your dog in a headlock and begin shoving the toothbrush into its mouth, it will only be an occasional event since the dog will scurry away.
Dr. Linick advises beginning gradually, wiping or brushing one or two teeth with toothpaste at first, and offering lots of praise and rewards as you increase your efforts. And if Sparky continues to object? There are backup options to brushing a dog’s teeth. According to Dr. Linick, there are pads you may use to wipe your teeth, rinses, chew toys and snacks, and water additions that have components that support oral health, ranked from most effective to least effective. We’ll add that none of these are as effective at keeping your dog’s mouth clean as using toothpaste designed for canines.
