You’d do anything to keep your furry friend happy and healthy, right? Wanting clean teeth isn’t just a human thing—dogs need dental care too! That might seem like a big task, but don’t worry. This guide breaks it all down into daily, weekly, and yearly routines.
Daily – In a perfect world, we’d all have time to brush our dog’s teeth every single day. The gold standard is daily brushing with a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste. But some dogs aren’t fans of sitting still for a toothbrush session, and busy schedules don’t help! If once a day isn’t realistic, no stress. Brushing two or three times a week is still a great start!
To keep your pup’s teeth clean between brushings, try dental treats. Minties® are tasty treats that freshen your dog’s breath and clean their teeth with every bite! A bonus tool for daily dog dental care is something you probably already have: chew toys! Rubber or silicone toys and bully sticks help keep those teeth sparkling and gums massaged for healthy blood flow.
Weekly – Take a minute each week to have your dental detective moment! Like humans, dogs can develop dental problems like gingivitis, periodontal disease, and oral tumors. Setting a quick phone alert can remind you to check your pup’s mouth for issues every week. Some common things to look out for include: plaque and tartar, bleeding, and redness or swelling of the gums. Smaller breeds are prone to these issues thanks to crowded teeth and shorter roots, making them more likely to lose teeth from gum disease. In bigger breeds, look out for broken teeth from intense chewing. Catching problems early means happier, healthier pups!
Yearly – Once your pup is two or three, it’s time for their first professional dental cleaning! After that, most vets recommend yearly cleanings to help prevent dental disease. Smaller breeds may need one every six months—they have just as many teeth as big dogs, packed into a much smaller mouth, which can lead to more dental issues. Your vet can help you decide what’s best for your furry friend.
Dog dental care doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few minutes each day (and some tasty treats along the way) you can keep your pup’s teeth squeaky clean!
