How to Choose the Best Dog Toothbrush: A Complete Guide for Pet Parents in India

As a pet parent, are you aware that puppies are born without teeth and their teeth emerge between 3-6 weeks of age? While humans have 32 teeth, adult dogs have 42 teeth. Necessary care of your dog’s teeth is a must if you want to prevent infections and gum diseases.

This guide will help you understand why it is important to brush your dog’s teeth, how to choose the best dog toothbrush, and what mistakes you can avoid so that your dog’s teeth will remain healthy for a long period. Also, as a pet parent, ensure you have pet insurance from Bajaj General Insurance so that you can take good care of your dog in case of any health issues.

Why Your Dog Needs a Toothbrush?

Our pet dogs have habits that are not similar to wild canines. Domesticated pets eat processed foods and treats, which can leave sticky residues on their teeth. It can cause bad breath and lead to the formation of plaque and tartar. It can also cause infection and hurt your dog’s gums and teeth. If the infection is severe, it can spread to the heart, kidney, or liver.

Therefore, regular brushing is essential as it prevents plaque from accumulating on the teeth’s surface and reduces the risk of gum disease. The habit of regularly brushing your dog’s teeth will also prevent dental problems in the future. Now, the question most pet parents may face is: How to choose the best toothbrush for my dog?

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Dog Toothbrush

To select the best toothbrush, think about the teeth size of your dog and dental needs.

1. Size and Shape

Use a toothbrush according to the size and shape of your dog.

• If your dog is small, like Shih Tzus or Pomeranians, the size of their mouth is also small, so use a toothbrush with a very small head and soft bristles.
• If your dog is medium-sized, like Beagles or Cocker Spaniels, go for a medium-sized brush.
• For big dogs (Labradors and German Shepherds), a large brush is necessary to clean their teeth thoroughly.

2. Bristle Type

Some brushes have soft bristles while some have hard ones. Always go for soft bristles as they are gentle on the gums while hard bristles may cause bleeding in the gums.

3. Handle Design

The size of the handle depends on the size of your dog. For small dogs, a short handle will give you more control. But for large dogs, a large handle is needed to clean their back teeth easily.

4. Finger Toothbrushes

Finger toothbrushes are made of soft silicone and fit over your finger. You can use them for puppies with delicate teeth. With the finger toothbrush, you understand how to control the pressure.

5. Double-Headed Toothbrush

The two heads of the toothbrush are placed at different angles. It can clean different sides of the teeth at the same time. You can use this kind of toothbrush if your dog moves a lot and you want to finish brushing quickly.

6. Electric Dog Toothbrush

Electric brushes clean the teeth thoroughly but they vibrate and make sound. It can make your dog nervous initially.

7. Material Safety

Always go for a toothbrush that is made from safe materials like BPA-free plastic. It will protect your dog’s health while cheap brushes may break easily or have harmful chemicals.

How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?

If your dog does not like brushing the teeth and resists initially, follow these tips to introduce your dog to brushing.

• Be patient and calm: Be calm and hold the new brush near your dog so that it can sniff and lick the brush. This makes them feel the brush is safe.
• Start with a finger brush: Put a tiny amount of dog-safe toothpaste on your finger and let your dog taste it. You can purchase a flavour they like, such as chicken or peanut butter.
• Start with your finger or a finger brush: If your dog is nervous, use a soft finger brush. Gently rub the front teeth and gums for a few seconds.
• Move to a regular toothbrush slowly: Move to a regular brush after a few short sessions with a finger brush. Begin by brushing only a few teeth each time.
• Do a little at a time: In the first week, brush 30–60 seconds and cover only the front teeth. Slowly add more teeth each week and cover all surfaces.
• Use gentle, small circles: Brush in small circular motions along the gum and teeth as plaque generally builds up near the gums.
• Keep sessions positive and end on a happy note: Praise your dog after the brushing session is complete or you can also give a small treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most caring pet parents can commit simple mistakes that can be easily avoided. Do not use human toothpaste as it has ingredients like fluoride and xylitol which are toxic to dogs. Applying too much pressure can hurt the dog’s teeth and gums, so brush gently.

And do not ever skip brushing your dog’s teeth as it leads to the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Also, replace the brush regularly, as old brushes can collect bacteria. And lastly, ignoring dental problems of your dog is a mistake that can prove costly. Bleeding gums may highlight an underlying infection, which when ignored, can give rise to serious infections.

Conclusion

Your dog’s smile is one of the most precious gifts. So, ensure dental problems do not ruin this happiness. Choose the best dog toothbrush based on the factors discussed in this article and do not forget to brush its teeth regularly to avoid the buildup of plaque and tartar.

Along with this, purchase a pet insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance. We provide coverage for surgeries and hospitalisation and there is no waiting period for accident related injuries.

Get pet insurance online and set up your dog for a longer, happier, and healthier life.

FAQs

1. Can I use a human toothbrush for my dog?

No, do not use a human toothbrush as dog toothbrushes have soft bristles for cleaning your dog’s teeth gently.

2. What toothpaste should I use for my dog?

Always use dog toothpaste as human toothpaste has fluoride, which is harmful to dogs.

3. My dog hates brushing. What can I do?

Start slowly. Use a finger brush and brush a few teeth at a time. Give treats or praise after each session and gradually brush more teeth as your dog gets used to it.

4. Are dental chews enough instead of brushing?

No. Dental chews can help reduce plaque but you should also brush their teeth.

5. Does pet insurance cover dental care?

Routine teeth cleaning is usually not covered. But if your dog has a dental injury or illness from a covered event, it may be included. Check your Bajaj General Pet Dog Insurance policy for details.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.