Dental Care for Small Dogs

“In a small breed dog without home dental care, periodontal disease can start as early as 9 months of age,” states the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Now knowing this valuable bit of information, it’s important to follow a combination approach for small dog dental care.

Tooth Brushing

Brushing your dog’s teeth is the single most effective means to maintain oral health between professional dental examinations. By regularly brushing your small dog’s teeth, you’re removing “the bacterial film known as ‘plaque,'” which keeps periodontal disease away, cited by the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC).

Small dog toothbrush

Before teaching, choose a Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approved dog toothbrush. The VOHC recommends “American Dental Association (ADA) compliant, soft-bristle, flat head toothbrush.”

The size of the toothbrush is important. For a small to medium-sized dog, I recommend a child-sized brush. For tiny dogs, using your toothpaste-covered finger tip, swabs or dental wipe work well too.

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Dog toothpaste

Choose a toothpaste made especially for dogs. Human toothpastes have high levels of fluoride as well as bleaching agents and detergents, which are toxic to pets. Plus, dog toothpaste is usually flavored, which makes tooth brushing a tad easier. So far, VOHC recommends Petsmile by Supersmile dog toothpaste, which comes in beef flavor to effectively keep plaque at bay.

Pressure

With such a small dog mouth, it’s hard to gauge pressure when brushing teeth. Bristles should touch teeth, but they should not flatten against teeth. Allow the bristles to do the work. When using wipes or swabs, gently move back your dog’s lips so you’re sure you’ve covered all tooth area. If your small or medium-sized dog is uncomfortable with mouth handling, check out this article.

Chews, Treats and Vet Exams

Tooth brushing is one part of small dog dental care. It’s important to provide chews and treats that scrub your dog’s teeth too. Check out VOHC’s recommended products, which are proven to remove tartar and plaque. Yearly vet exams of your small dog’s mouth are a must, as they can provide additional tips as needed.

VIDEO: Brushing a Small Dog’s Teeth

READ ALSO: 5 Reasons Why You Need a Dog Dentist