Can Dogs Share Toothbrushes?
Hi Dr. Barchas,
I am a pet sitter/walker and I have recently added
daily toothbrushing to the activities for my
walk dogs. I thought it would be a nice thing to
add for clients since everyone says that while
they know they should brush their dogs’ teeth
they just HATE doing it and I obviously have a
vested interest in these dogs’ health and
longevity. However, people are not buying
toothbrushes for the dogs (although I did ask them
to and provided a link to a pet catalog where they
could do so) so I’ve been using one canine
toothbrush with canine toothpaste for six dogs at a
time with thorough rinsing between dogs. Is there
any genuine cause for concern about cross
contamination here? Do I have to carry six
little, labeled toothbrushes for my charges or
absolutely force my clients to buy toothbrushes
for their own dogs?
I always enjoy reading your blog!
Thanks,
Barrie - have toothbrush, will travel ;-)
Lexington, KY
I think you’re performing a wonderful service for your clients by brushing their dogs’ teeth. And, as you point out, you are contributing to the health, well-being, and longevity of the dogs you walk.
I am continuously surprised by how many people refuse to brush their pets’ teeth. Of course, I understand that it’s inconvenient. Nonetheless, dogs and cats need their teeth brushed for the exact same reasons that we brush our own teeth. Tooth brushing is incredibly beneficial for feline and canine health.
However, I’m afraid I can’t sign off on using the same tooth brush for all of the dogs that you walk. I realize that dogs sometimes eat garbage or other revolting and unmentionable substances, so it doesn’t seem like sharing a toothbrush between several of them would be a big deal. Nonetheless, there is a slight risk of spreading some viral and bacterial diseases between the dogs, even if you thoroughly rinse the brush between each pet.
If your clients absolutely refuse to buy tooth brushes for their dogs, you can try to find low-priced soft bristled human toothbrushes and buy them yourself. Human toothbrushes work fine for pets, and they may cost less than canine-specific brushes.
You have questions.
I have a follow up question Dr. Barchas which hopefully you have time to answer. I give my dog greenies and bully sticks on a fairly regular basis and I give him bleached bones and similar chew to chew on. I heard this can help keep his teeth clean. Is brushing still necessary? He’s still young right now, 1 year old and I check for tartar occasionally and haven’t seen any.
Thanks so much for answering my question! Everything else I’ve read has said that adult human toothbrushes are too hard on the dogs’ gums but children’s toothbrushes feel about the same to me as the ones specifically marketed for dogs plus it will be easier to keep track of which brush goes with which dog since I can get Elmo for Abby and Kermit for Butter, etc. Um, a follow up question…I know that we’re supposed to replace our toothbrushes every 3 months. How often should a dog’s toothbrush be replaced?
Again, thank you very much for answering :-)
Victoria, Greenies and bully sticks do help to prevent tartar buildup. However, they do not work as well as brushing the teeth. There simply is no substitute.
Barrie, to answer your question: yes, toothbrushes should be replaced regularly because bacteria grow on them. That said, I’m not sure I replace my own toothbrush every three months. But if you want to play by the rules, you should regularly replace the brushes.
I have found that some canine toothbrushes have quite firm bristles. I recommend using the softest toothbrush you can find. I started using a human toothbrush for my pal Buster after I made his gums bleed with a canine toothbrush.
Finally, Barrie, I hope that your clients appreciate the wonderful service you are providing for them and their dogs. It’s a very good idea.
I can’t understand why people don’t brush their dogs teeth. As my dogs are show dogs they are trained from a very young age to have their teeth inspected and brushed. They love their doggy tooth paste and as soon as they see their tooth brushes on the sink bench at night they all line up and wait for their turn. One of them wasn’t too keen to start with, but with patience got used to having her teeth brushed and now loves it.
My dogs never have to have their teeth cleaned by our vet.
Surely, even if people don’t like cleaning their dog’s teeth, once a week would be preferrable to not at all.
Thanks Dr. Barchas! I’ll definitely get started on brushing Morgan’s teeth. :) Not sure how thrilled he’ll be. I have a feeling people don’t really brush their dogs teeth only because it’s hard enough to take care of our own. I know I get really lazy and the thought of flossing everyday makes me groan, I’m lucky if I get in a few flossings a week.