Everything You Need To Know About Doggie Toothbrushes

You spend a couple of minutes each morning and evening brushing those pearly white nashers, and if you don’t, you probably should! Brushing your teeth does more than keep them looking fantastic, it also protects your gums and mouth from a whole range of problems. Failing to maintain your dog’s oral hygiene could leave them more susceptible to a whole host of painful diseases, just like you. These diseases won’t just affect the quality of your dog’s life, but they could also cost you serious cash at the vet’s to remedy them. This article will explain why you need to invest in a toothbrush for your dog, what to look for in a toothbrush, where to get them, and how much they cost.  

Why Does Your Dog Need a Toothbrush?

You might well be thinking, dogs and humans went countless centuries without brushing their teeth, why on earth do I need to start brushing my dog’s teeth now? While dogs and humans survived without brushing, they experienced tooth loss, debilitating pain, and a wide range of gum diseases!

You need to care for your dog’s teeth for two reasons. First, you need to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can lead to tooth loss and disease. This is a problem that was clearly revealed in an in-depth 4-year clinical study led by Jan Lindhe and Sven-Erik Ham. In addition, another study from the Journal of Periodontal Research looked into gum disease amongst Beagles and was quick to highlight the need for effective oral hygiene. So don’t let your dog suffer, get brushing! It will also allow you to regularly check your dog’s mouth for any abnormalities, such as signs of broken teeth, trauma, and symptoms of disease.

What Makes a Good Doggie Toothbrush?

With so many toothbrushes for dogs on the market today, how do you know what to look for? As you can probably imagine, most dogs aren’t too keen on having their teeth brushed to start with, so looking for a toothbrush that will ease the discomfort is a sensible idea. That means looking for toothbrushes with soft, nylon bristles. These will be gentle on the teeth and gums and should prevent your dog bounding for the exit as soon as they see the toothbrush heading their way.

Maneuvering a toothbrush in your constantly fidgeting dog’s mouth can be somewhat challenging. However, if you buy a finger toothbrush the job may be significantly easier. They work a bit like a finger sock with bristles on the end, allowing your finger to work as the handle. They’re quick and easy to use, plus anything that makes life easier gets a thumbs up over here.

Where Should I Buy a Doggie Toothbrush?

Thanks to technology, finding and buying good toothbrushes for dogs has never been easier. There are countless different online sites that sell them, not to mention most local pet stores also provide them. In addition, some local vets will also sell toothbrushes and be able to offer advice on which ones you should go for.

The cost of toothbrushes is relatively cheap, and certainly much cheaper than paying for gum disease treatment. You can pick them up for as little as $1, or spend up to $15 for top-end options. However, it is always worth doing some research and looking for customer reviews to ensure you are getting value for your money.

The Toothbrush Conclusion

While a toothbrush for your dog may seem like a new and slightly unnecessary expense, using one on your pooch could save your dog considerable pain and discomfort. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and a whole host of other problems. Fortunately, toothbrushes for dogs can be picked up for just a few dollars and from a range of online retailers and local pet stores. When you are buying a toothbrush, look for soft bristles and an easy to maneuver handle and always check the reviews first.