How Do I Brush My Dog's Teeth? (And What to Do If You Can’t)
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When it comes to brushing your dog’s teeth, the struggle is all too real! Some dogs run. Some squirm. Others treat it like an Olympic sport to avoid you at all costs. And for pet parents? It can be frustrating, time-consuming, and easy to neglect.
But here’s the truth: your dog’s dental health is just as important as their diet, exercise, and vet checkups.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
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Why brushing matters
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How to brush your dog’s teeth step-by-step
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What tools to use (and what not to)
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How often you should brush
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And what to do if brushing just isn’t happening
Spoiler alert: Doggie Dental™ by Other Half might just become your new secret weapon for clean teeth, fresh breath, and a healthier smile without the daily brushing battle.
Why Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth Is So Important
Dental disease affects over 80% of dogs by the age of three. It’s not just about bad breath, neglecting oral hygiene can lead to:
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Plaque and tartar buildup
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Gum inflammation and infection (gingivitis)
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Tooth loss
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Pain and difficulty eating
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Systemic problems, including kidney, heart, and liver issues
Much like in humans, bacteria from the mouth can travel through the bloodstream, affecting your dog’s overall health. Daily brushing is the gold standard, but it’s not always feasible; especially for dogs who hate it.
Step-by-Step: How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Ready to give it a try? Here’s how to do it right.
🧼 What You’ll Need:
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Dog-specific toothbrush (finger brushes or soft-bristle)
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Dog-safe toothpaste (never use human toothpaste because xylitol is toxic!)
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Treats for positive reinforcement
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Patience, praise, and a sense of humor
⏱ 1. Pick a Calm Time
Choose a quiet moment when your dog is relaxed; after a walk or meal, for example.
🐶 2. Let Them Explore the Toothbrush
Let your dog sniff, lick, or chew on the toothbrush or finger brush. You can even let them try the toothpaste for flavor.
✋ 3. Start with Your Finger
Gently rub your finger along their gumline to get them used to the sensation. Reward with praise or treats.
🦷 4. Introduce the Brush
Add a pea-sized amount of dog toothpaste to the brush and gently lift their lip. Focus on the outer surfaces of the upper teeth, where plaque accumulates most.
⏱ 5. Aim for 30 Seconds per Side
You don’t have to do the whole mouth in one go. A few seconds a day builds routine and reduces resistance.
🍖 6. End on a High Note
Always finish with a treat or play session so your dog associates brushing with something positive.
How Often Should You Brush?
Daily brushing is ideal. But if that’s not realistic, even 2-3 times a week can make a difference. The goal is to prevent plaque from turning into hardened tartar, which requires professional cleaning.
🦷 Reminder: Once tartar hardens, no toothbrush in the world will fix it; it’s vet time.
What If My Dog Hates Brushing?
You’re not alone. Many dogs just won’t tolerate brushing, no matter how patient you are.
Here’s what to try instead:
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Start slow with finger brushes or gauze-wrapped fingers
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Use flavored toothpaste (chicken, beef, or peanut butter)
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Try a dental gel if a brush is too much
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Switch to passive oral health solutions, like water additives or powders
This is where Doggie Dental™ by Other Half truly shines.
Doggie Dental™: Your Backup Plan (That Actually Works)
If you’ve tried brushing and failed, or simply want a daily boost for your dog’s oral health, Doggie Dental™ is the most clinically-proven oral supplement you can add to their routine.
🦴 What Is It?
Doggie Dental™ is a bacon-flavored, human-grade powdered supplement that features a patent-pending Canine Oral-Health Postbiotic (COHP), a first in the industry.
It’s not a gimmick. This ingredient is:
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Proven to reduce odor-causing compounds in 7 days
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Shown to disrupt oral biofilms by 98% in vitro
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Targeted to fight plaque, tartar, and gum-damaging bacteria
🥓 Why It Works:
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Delivers oral-health benefits via food, no brushing needed
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Pairs with wet or dry food
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Safe for all breeds and life stages (3 months+)
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Made from 100% human-grade ingredients
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Contains no fillers, no preservatives, and no artificial flavors
👅 Bonus: Dogs Love the Taste
It comes in a naturally delicious bacon flavor that dogs crave. So instead of wrestling with a toothbrush, just scoop and serve.
How to Use Doggie Dental™
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Scoop the recommended dose based on your dog’s weight
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Small Dogs (0-25 lbs): 1 scoop
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Medium Dogs (26-75 lbs): 2 scoops
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Large Dogs (75+ lbs): 3 scoops
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Sprinkle on wet or dry food
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Mix and serve once per day
🎯 Consistency is key; results typically show in as little as 7 days, but full benefits build over weeks of use.
Combine Brushing + Doggie Dental for Best Results
Doggie Dental™ is a brushing alternative, but it also works beautifully in tandem with brushing. Together, they tackle dental health from multiple angles:
Routine | Benefits |
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Brushing | Physically removes plaque |
Doggie Dental™ | Reduces microbial buildup + breath |
Chewing (e.g. toys) | Stimulates gums and scrapes teeth |
Vet cleanings | Deep-clean tartar and gum pockets |
Think of it like your own dental routine: flossing + brushing + mouthwash = optimal care.
What About Dental Chews?
Dental chews can help, but many are:
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Loaded with calories
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Contain artificial additives
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Don’t actually remove tartar
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Get eaten in seconds (minimal contact time)
Doggie Dental™ works differently: it delivers clinically-tested postbiotics that influence the oral microbiome, helping your dog fight plaque at the source.
And unlike dental chews, it doesn't add unnecessary calories or fillers to their diet.
Vet-Backed, Pet Parent Approved
Other Half's commitment to transparency and quality sets Doggie Dental™ apart:
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Every batch is tested for heavy metals and contaminants
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Manufactured in facilities that meet human-grade standards
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Formulated in-house, with ingredients carefully selected for bioavailability and efficacy
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Backed by veterinarians and real science, not marketing fluff
It’s a supplement you can trust, and one your dog will actually look forward to.
Real Talk: Why Brushing Alone Isn’t Enough
Even if you're brushing like a champ, your dog still needs additional support. Brushing:
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Only reaches visible surfaces
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Misses microbial buildup under the gumline
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Can be inconsistent (let’s be honest)
Doggie Dental™ addresses these gaps, providing a layer of defense from the inside out.
FAQs
Q: Is Doggie Dental™ safe for puppies?
Yes! It’s safe for dogs 3 months and older. Always start with the smallest recommended dose and consult your vet if you have concerns.
Q: Can I use Doggie Dental™ with other supplements?
Absolutely. It’s designed to pair well with Everyday™ by Other Half, their flagship daily multivitamin with 45 active ingredients. Together, they support oral, digestive, immune, joint, and skin health.
Q: Will it replace vet dental cleanings?
No. Doggie Dental™ is a powerful daily preventive tool; but just like humans, dogs still need occasional professional cleanings.
Final Wags: Brushing Is Best, But Consistency Is Better
Brushing your dog’s teeth is a great habit. But let’s be honest, it’s not easy for everyone. And that’s okay.
The key is to find a routine you can stick to, whether that’s brushing a few times a week, using dental toys, or scooping Doggie Dental™ on top of your pup’s meals.
When brushing works: awesome.
When it doesn’t? You’re not out of options.
With Doggie Dental™, you can show up for your dog’s health every single day... no toothbrush required.
Ready to Ditch the Brush Battles?
Try Doggie Dental™ today and see why thousands of pet parents are switching to smarter, simpler oral care for their dogs.
Shop Doggie Dental™ by Other Half
✔ Clinically-tested
✔ Human-grade
✔ Dog-approved