How to brush your dog's teeth
The most neglected part of pet care, and one of the most expensive to ignore.
Most dogs show signs of dental disease by the age of three. It is painful, it is progressive, and dogs hide it well — they keep eating because the alternative is not eating. By the time an owner notices, treatment usually means a general anaesthetic and extractions.
Never use human toothpaste
Many contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, and fluoride is not meant to be swallowed. Use a pet-specific enzymatic paste, usually flavoured with poultry or malt.
Building up to it over two weeks
- Days 1–3. Let your dog lick the paste off your finger. That is the whole session.
- Days 4–6. Lift a lip and rub a finger along the outer gum line for a few seconds. Stop before they object.
- Days 7–10. Introduce the brush or finger brush with paste, a few teeth at a time.
- Days 11+. Work up to the full mouth, 30 seconds a side.
Only the outer surfaces need brushing — the tongue handles much of the inside, and forcing the jaw open is what turns this into a fight. Angle the bristles toward the gum line, where plaque actually accumulates.
How often
Daily is ideal because plaque begins hardening into tartar within about 48 hours, and once it is tartar no brush will remove it. Three times a week is a meaningful improvement over nothing. Consistency matters more than duration.
What chews do and do not do
Dental chews and specially textured diets reduce plaque somewhat and are a reasonable addition. They do not clean the gum line the way brushing does, and many carry significant calories that need counting into the daily total. Hard chews — antlers, bones, hooves — are a common cause of fractured teeth, which is worse than the problem they were meant to solve.
Signs it has already gone too far
Bad breath is the first and most ignored. Also: brown or yellow build-up at the gum line, red or bleeding gums, dropping food, chewing on one side, pawing at the mouth, reluctance to take hard treats. Any of these warrant a dental check.
Dental disease is one of the most common reasons for a general anaesthetic, and the bill is a large one. Budgeting for it beats being surprised by it. What a dog really costs →
Common questions
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
Daily is ideal, because plaque starts mineralising into tartar within about two days. Three times a week still helps considerably. Short and consistent beats long and occasional.
Can I use human toothpaste on my dog?
No. Human toothpaste often contains xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, and fluoride is not intended to be swallowed. Use an enzymatic paste made for pets.
Do dental chews replace brushing?
No. They reduce plaque to a degree and are a useful addition, but they do not clean along the gum line where disease starts. They also add calories that should be counted into the daily total.