How often should you brush your dog’s teeth?

Just like humans, dogs need to have good dental hygiene to keep them in good overall health. While brushing your dog’s teeth will help him or her have fresh breath, it will also help your dog avoid gum disease.

According to the ASPCA, veterinarians estimate that about 85 percent of dogs over the age of five suffer from gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to issues with your dog’s kidneys, liver, heart or brain. However, brushing your dog’s teeth regularly can help prevent this.

The ASPCA says that ideally, owners should brush their dog’s teeth daily. However, as some owners might not have enough time to do this task each day, owners should try to do it at least several times a week.

The earlier you start brushing your dog’s teeth the easier the task will be, as they will grow more used to it.

You can get a specific dog toothpaste and brush at your local pet store. Never use human toothpaste on your dog.