Caring for your dog’s teeth | Casey’s Corner

I admit it: until I adopted Frankie, I’d never brushed any of my dogs’ teeth. Even though Frankie is the fifth dog I’ve had since 1995.

I always figured it would just be too challenging for both me and the dog to get them to tolerate tooth-brushing.

Besides, since I always took my dogs in for regular vet checkups, I knew they’d tell me if there was a dental problem.

Quite honestly, I simply lucked out. All my dogs have had pretty good dental health throughout their lives, and only needed an occasional professional cleaning.

Even before I adopted Frankie, I decided I would change that shoddy practice with my next dog, and I’m pleased to say that I have. No, I’m not perfect: I don’t brush her teeth very day, but I try for at least four days a week.

Let’s start with some canine teeth basics. A puppy’s adult teeth start to push out their deciduous (puppy) teeth at about three months; the process is over by the time the dog is six or seven months old. It’s those adult teeth that pose the greatest health risks — and yes, poor dental hygiene can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences.

Plaque and tarter buildup leads to gingivitis, bright red or purple swollen gums which not only bleed easily, but are very painful. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, and potentially lethal infections which can spread throughout the dog’s body.

Brushing your dog’s teeth can go a long way toward avoiding these kinds of negative outcomes. As far as how often to brush your dog’s teeth, one veterinary professional said it best: the more you brush, the less frequently you’ll need to pay for a veterinary cleaning.

And if you haven’t experienced one lately, dental cleanings can be very expensive, ranging anywhere from $500 to well over $1,000.

Ideally, you want to brush your dog’s teeth at least 1-2 times a week.

If you’re like me, and unbelievably lucky to have a dog like Frankie who loves having her teeth brushed, you have it made. With most dogs, however, it takes both patience and time to get your dog accustomed to having you messing around inside their mouth with a foreign object.

Be sure to use a toothpaste created for dogs, never human toothpaste or baking soda. You may need to try several flavors before finding one that your dog likes the best. I recommend using a toothbrush designed for dogs, since they have long handles and soft bristles.

Start with just your finger touching your dog’s teeth and gums, and slowly progress to rubbing the teeth and gums with a soft cloth in a back-and-forth motion.

Again, be patient: teaching your dog to accept toothbrushing can take weeks.

Once your dog is comfortable with you touching their mouth and is familiar with the toothbrush and toothpaste, gradually switch to putting the toothpaste on your finger, and then to putting the toothpaste on the toothbrush. You only need to brush the outside of your dog’s teeth along the gum line. Work up to at least 30 seconds of brushing for each side of the mouth.

Always include plenty of praise while you’re brushing, and reward with treats at the end. Do your best to make the activity enjoyable by using a happy, upbeat tone of voice, and being gentle in your touch.

If you can’t brush every day, supplement with dental treats or an oral rinse that have a Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of approval. As always, talk with your veterinarian for their recommendation.

Joan Merriam lives in Northern California with her Maine coon cat Indy, the infinite spirit of her beloved golden retriever Joey, and the abiding presence of her dog Casey, in whose memory this column is named. You can reach Joan at joan@joanmerriam.com.