Discovering which dog toothbrush to buy for top teeth!
© Shutterstock Ekaterina Brusnika
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A dog’s teeth are important and need regular cleaning. To keep Fido’s mouth healthy, you need to use a special toothpaste and one toothbrush for dogs.
Depending on the docility of the specimen and your availability, you will find all types of toothbrushes on the market, from the classic brush to the toy toothbrush. Some can even be ingested!
It is important to get Fido used to this cleaning process from an early age and for this there are accessories that also adapt to puppies’ teeth. With your necessary care and the right toothbrush your pet will have a healthy mouth and fresh breath for a long time.
What types of dog toothbrushes are there?
There are several types of dog toothbrushes to meet the needs of all owners:
- The classic toothbrush with a plastic handle and a nylon bristle head;
- Toothbrushes with 2 heads of different sizes to fit all breeds;
- Toothbrushes for dogs of natural silicone;
- Toothbrushes with or without tips that can be placed on the index finger.
Chew sticks are a special type of toothbrush that allows the dog good oral hygiene. Some have the shape of brushes.
There are also toys that allow you to brush your teeth made of very solid chewing gum for hours.
What to watch out for when buying a dog toothbrush?
If you are brushing your dog’s teeth for the first time, a finger or silicone toothbrush is the right choice to start with. These accessories are softer and can be used without risk of injury. They are also easily washable.
At the time of purchase, you have to plan for a model suitable for the specimen. Most have 2 different sized heads to fit all breeds and puppy teeth too.
If Fido is large, you also need to make sure the handle is long enough to reach the back teeth.
An advice: It is possible to buy dog toothbrushes in sets, so you can easily change them once the bristles are worn.
How to brush your dog’s teeth?
With a finger brush, just insert your index finger between the dog’s lip and teeth and massage gently.
With a toothbrush, you can start with the front teeth (incisors and fangs), then lift the stencil to wash the molars. Proceed as you would for yourself, using gentle strokes up and down.
Brushing your dog’s teeth will be more effective if you use a specific toothpaste intended for canine use. Never use a toothpaste intended for human use. Dog toothpastes are designed to be non-toxic to the pet and do not require rinsing.
How often?
The dog’s teeth should be cleaned at least 2-3 times a week, ideally every day. It is estimated that effective brushing should last at least 30 seconds on each side.
Smaller breeds like Poodles, Shih-Tzus and Coton de Tulear are more likely to develop periodontal disease and need daily dental care.
On the other hand, large dogs like Golden Retrievers are less prone to tartar. For them, regular chewing sticks or a chew toy may be enough for maintaining a healthy mouth.
When can you start brushing a puppy’s teeth?
It is best to start as soon as possible. You can brush your puppy’s teeth from the age of 3-4 months. At this age, the teeth are still milky and will be replaced by permanent teeth, just like in children.
Use a very soft toothbrush suitable for your puppy’s mouth. Don’t rush him: gradually get him used to this daily hygiene ritual.
With a little patience and practice, brushing your dog’s teeth will become a great bonding experience between you and Fido.