When it comes to taking care of your family, you probably know how important it is to practice good oral hygiene habits. But what about the four-legged friends in your home? Should you be brushing your dog’s teeth? What should you be using to do so? All of these questions and more can be answered by a veterinarian.

For owners in Charles Town, WV, we here at Countryside Veterinary Clinic are more than happy to answer those questions!  We’ve got over 25 years of experience to best serve you and your pet. Whether you’ve never brushed your pup’s teeth or you’re simply wondering how you should be maintaining their oral health, here’s what you should keep in mind.

Your dog will benefit from having their teeth brushed on a regular basis because leftover food and plaque can start to build up and reach their gums. If left over time, they can be at risk for infection, gum disease, or even tooth loss, so it’s important to visit the veterinarian regularly for oral wellness checkups. Between veterinary visits, you can help promote good oral hygiene by brushing their teeth to limit the chance of infection. While there’s no set schedule when it comes to how often you should brush their teeth, some vets recommend a few days a week.  We recommend giving your dogs plain or CET treated rawhide chews to help reduce tartar without invasive brushing.  We do not recommend Greenies or other “dental” chews as they have been known to cause blockages! 

For brushing, we can give recommendations for a dog toothbrush and recommendations for toothpaste—they come in a variety of flavors, from seafood to peanut butter. It’s important to avoid human toothpaste because its ingredients can harm your furry friend. If you've never brushed their teeth before, it can take some time for your dog to get used to it. Be gentle, and let your pet become familiar with the tools you’ll be using.

As they get older, most pets will start to need a yearly dental cleaning under anesthesia.  This allows us to clean under the gums, where bacteria may be lurking, and to examine each tooth thoroughly and extract any that may be loose or infected.

If you’re looking for an experienced veterinary clinic or animal dentist in the Charles Town, WV, area, give a call at Countryside Veterinary Clinic today at (304) 725-7663 to set up an appointment. Whether your furry friend needs pet surgery or you simply need cat boarding services, our team is happy to help. To learn more, or to browse a full list of services, visit our website.