A simple nightly routine with Willie changed how I think about dog health and preventative care.
Willie has become surprisingly cooperative about tooth brushing over the Years
A Vet Visit That Changed My Thinking
When I first got Willie, I honestly did not know dogs needed their teeth brushed. Maybe some readers already know all about dog dental care, while others may be learning about it for the first time like I once was.
At one of Willie’s early vet visits, the veterinarian noticed some plaque on his teeth and asked if I brushed them. The answer was simple: I did not. At the time, I did not even realize dog dental care was something many owners routinely did at home.
That conversation stayed with me.
Over time, I also noticed that one of the first things the vet often checked during appointments was Willie’s ears and teeth. That observation alone made me realize dental health probably was not a trivial issue.
Starting Slowly
I decided to start slowly.
For the first few days, I simply used a soft washcloth so Willie could get used to the idea of having his teeth touched. After that, I gradually transitioned to a soft toothbrush.
These days I actually use a toothbrush made for dogs that was reasonably priced and works well for us. The toothpaste, however, can be surprisingly expensive for a small tube. The brand I have mostly used over the years is Virbac C.E.T. toothpaste. I am sure there are many other good brands and perhaps even more popular choices. I simply continued using the one that worked well for Willie.
In my opinion, consistency probably matters more than finding the “perfect” product.
Thankfully, dog toothpaste is not mint flavored like ours. Willie has used chicken and beef flavored toothpaste over the years and actually seems to enjoy it. That definitely helps make the nightly brushing routine easier.
The Routine That Developed
The routine eventually became part of everyday life in our home.
Each morning, Willie gets a dental treat shortly before breakfast. That timing simply works for us, although treats could obviously be given at other times during the day.
At night, I usually brush Willie’s teeth right before bed while brushing my own teeth. Somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling unusual and simply became part of our nightly routine together.
If someone cannot afford specialty toothpaste, even gently getting a dog comfortable with brushing using water and a soft toothbrush may still be better than doing nothing at all. Of course, owners should always talk with their veterinarian about proper dental care for their own dog.
Preventative Care Matters
One motivation, beyond overall health, is practical reality. Dental procedures for dogs can become very expensive. A broken tooth, tooth extraction, or other dental issues would likely cost far more than a toothbrush, toothpaste, or dental treats over time.
Of course, no routine can prevent every problem, but I would rather try to stay proactive than ignore Willie’s dental health completely.
At the same time, every dog is different.
Some dogs may tolerate brushing right away, while others may strongly resist it. Every owner also has different routines, patience levels, schedules, and motivations. This article is not meant to judge anyone or pretend there is only one correct way to care for a dog.
I am not a veterinarian, and I do not receive compensation for mentioning any products in this article. I am simply sharing what gradually worked for Willie and me over the years.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the biggest lesson for me was simple: I did not know about dog dental care when Willie first came home. Maybe some readers do not know either.
Now you do.
Thank you for visiting my website. Willie and I appreciate every reader more than you know.
Learn More About Dog Dental Health
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – Pet Dental Care
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care
American Kennel Club (AKC) – Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-brush-dogs-teeth/
VCA Animal Hospitals – Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brushing-teeth-
Have a great weekend!