Can you brush a dog’s teeth with human toothpaste? That is one of the frequently-asked questions when it comes to home dental care for dogs. Indeed, keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy is essential. However, there are things you can and cannot do to your canine fellows. In this article, we will show you things to know when it comes to taking care of your dog’s dental needs.
What can I use to brush my dog’s teeth?
You can always buy a dog toothbrush in pet shops nearby. Be sure to moisten the toothbrush before using it, and the brush should come with soft bristles. On the other hand, if a special toothbrush for dogs is nowhere to be found, you can use a kid’s toothbrush, a finger toothbrush, cotton swab, or gauze around a finger.
Dogs are as sweet as small friends. Thus, handling them with care is essential. Should you use special toothpaste too? Well, using a dog toothpaste is the best option you could offer. Those products are commonly flavored with dog-friendly varieties, such as malt and poultry.
But, can you brush a dog’s teeth with human toothpaste? No, you cannot. Other than human toothpaste, you shouldn’t apply salt or baking soda to brush your dog’s teeth. Those ingredients may lead to potentially life-threatening conditions for your canine friends.
Cleaning tips for at-home care
It is recommended to bring your pet to professional dental care for dogs. However, if you want to do it at home and create a bonding with your fellow, you can do these things.
Be sure to always use a designated toothbrush or recommended replacement. Dog toothpaste is made for dogs – always use that product instead of human toothpaste. Feel free to give a small sample of the toothpaste to your dog – he or she would love to know how it tastes.
Start by lifting the lip to see the surface of the gums and teeth so you can gently brush them. Commonly, dogs will not let you touch the inside surface of their teeth. Thus, you can stick by brushing the outside surface instead.
When brushing your dog’s teeth, do not skip the canines and back upper molars. Those areas easily buildup tartar. Once the entire process is done, reward your dog with its favorite activity. And this is the end section of “can you brush a dog’s teeth with human toothpaste”.
