Comments on: Can Dogs Share Toothbrushes?

By: Deanna Hoisington

Deanna Hoisington — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:22:25 +0000

I just saw a flea on my pet, and they have had their monthly flea control (Frontline Plus). What should I do to ensure that the fleas go away? We have tile on our floors downstairs and hardwood upstairs. He recently had his dental hygiene at the vet and may have picked up fleas from the other dogs.

By: Skathock

Skathock — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:07:12 +0000

I use children’s medium soft on my two and it works well. They are color coded and everything. Right now I am having to share the one between them but I sanitize it (dishwasher+extra rinse) between unless they got into fecal matter. Then it’s a good dip in listerine and a rinse between. I’ve never used a canine tooth brush but I’ve got a question about canine toothpaste.

Canine Toothpaste is necessary right? I mean human toothpaste says to not swallow and dogs can’t really help it so it’s safer to use a formula that is for them….or am I out in left field here?

By: Vicki

Vicki — Sat, 10 May 2008 01:03:30 +0000

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.

By: Candyce

Candyce — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:22:37 +0000

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.

By: Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM

Dr. Eric Barchas, DVM — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:38:43 +0000

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.

By: Barrie

Barrie — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:54:35 +0000

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 :-)

By: victoria yang

victoria yang — Thu, 08 May 2008 23:48:04 +0000

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.