Puppy Toothbrush

Start Before You Need To

Most dogs show dental disease by three years old, and by then cleaning is a vet job rather than a home one. The window that matters is the first year, when a puppy will accept having its mouth handled. A toothbrush introduced at ten weeks is a routine. Introduced at four years, it is a fight.

Types to Choose From

Finger brushes

The double finger brush at around $32 slips over your fingertip. Best for the first few weeks and for very small mouths, because your finger tells you how hard you are pressing.

Handled brushes

The cleaning brush with handle at around $35 and the pastel brush at around $26 reach the back molars, which is where problems actually start.

Triple head brushes

Around $27. Cleans three surfaces at once, which shortens the session. Useful for dogs who tolerate about ten seconds.

Multi packs

Ten colourful brushes at around $22 and the soft two pack at around $44. Worth it for a household with several dogs, since brushes should not be shared.

How to Introduce It

A week of letting the puppy lick paste off your finger. Then a week of touching the outside of the teeth. Then brushing. Never use human toothpaste: xylitol and fluoride are both a problem for dogs. Aim for the outer surfaces, since the tongue handles most of the inside.

Trusted by RPBA Breeders

Members handle puppies' mouths daily from three weeks, which is why RPBA puppies tend to accept brushing, worming and vet checks without a struggle.