How Often Should I Brush My Dog Or Cats Teeth?

How often should you brush your pet’s teeth?

Well folks every veterinarian that I spoke with has stated that you should do it every day..  A dog or cat having bad breath is a bad sign of periodontal (or gum) disease and if not taken care of quickly will be very expensive down the road- not to mention the pain it could potentially cause your dog or cat. Just like if we didn’t brush our teeth plaque and tartar will build up.

If your dog or cat gets periodontal disease every time they bite down they are releasing an explosion of bacteria which may damage the heart, liver or kidneys.  I’m officially scared.  I better start brushing their teeth more often.

How to brush your pets teeth.

• Get a soft toothbrush
• Buy a pet toothpaste.  The pet toothpastes have a special enzyme in them to help break down bacteria.
• Use a back and forth method while brushing spending about 40 seconds on each side.  Don’t forget to get the front teeth as well.
• The process should take about a minute and a half.

Here’s a video on how to properly brush your dogs or cats teeth.

Chomping down on rawhide, bully sticks or Greene’s can help break down the plaque but be careful that your dog doesn’t swallow the whole Greene and chews it instead.

Avoid

• Human toothpaste
• Marrow bones once the marrow has been licked out remove it
• Dentabones are too hard for your dogs teeth

Make sure you schedule a dental cleaning with your veterinarian.  How often really depends on the dog.