The 6 T’s of Puppy Dental Care

The 6 T’s of Puppy Dental Care

Help keep your puppy’s teeth clean and ready for sloppy kisses.

Your new little furball is finally home! Talk about a 10 out of 10 on the cuteness scale. Now that your puppy is settling in, let’s touch on something all new doggy parents need to know about: good dental hygiene. If you start a dental care routine when they’re young, you can help keep their teeth clean and their mouth healthy as they get older.

We know you love that li’l pooch, but ...

... while puppy breath might be cute now, doggy breath isn’t so adorable.

That’s why you’re gonna need our nutritious GREENIES™ Dental Treats and some oral care TLC.

Here are the six T's to keep in mind to support your puppy's dental health:

1. Teach 'em when they're young

The first step is to teach your puppy it’s OK for people to touch their mouth and muzzle. The best time to do this is when your puppy is snuggling with you.

Just move your pupper’s upper lip aside and rub their front teeth and gums with your finger. Gently open and close their mouth and be sure to give your puppy lots of praise for being so polite.

OPEN UP AND SAY, "AHH."

Puppy running through a field with text that says "start them when they're young"


2. Toothbrushes (yep, we're serious)

Who knew brushing puppy teeth was a thing? Well, it is!

Start with a specially designed doggy toothbrush or one that fits on your index finger and is appropriately sized for your puppy’s mouth. Then gently move the brush in small circles to clean your pup’s teeth and remove pesky plaque.

Do this daily — or at least a few times a week at first — to help your puppy learn the tooth-brushing routine and keep those razor-sharp chicklets perfectly polished.

3. Toothpaste we dare you to try

Peanut butter–flavored toothpaste? Chicken and beef flavors, too?

If your puppy could talk, they’d say, “Yes, please!”

Not only does doggy toothpaste come in mouthwatering, grin-inducing flavors, it’s formulated just for dogs.

And just to be safe: People toothpaste contains ingredients that could be unsafe for your little friend, so you shouldn’t use it when brushing your puppy’s teeth.

FOUR WORDS:

PEANUT. BUTTER. FLAVORED. TOOTHPASTE.

Brown and white dog laying on the couch with its owner in a red shirt


4. Tooth wipes for the win

Whether your pint-size pooch isn’t a big fan of brushing or you’re looking for a quick, convenient alternative to brushing, dog tooth wipes are a great solution. (But be sure to check the label and make sure your pup is old enough to use them.)

Just rub them against your puppy’s teeth to help remove plaque. Of course, nothing gets in the nooks and crannies like a toothbrush, but dog dental wipes are easy to use and still help get the job done.


NOPE. NOPE. NOPE.

Brown puppy playfully biting its owners fingers
5. T-A-S-T-Y dental chews

Sure, our delicious dental chews make awesome once-a-day treats for polite puppies who are 6 months or older, but they’re also amazing for your pup’s dental health. They help keep:

  • Your little buddy’s chompers clean
  • Their gumline gleaming
  • Your puppy’s mouth healthy because of their easy-to-chew texture

Now reward your little friend with GREENIES™ Puppy Treats if they’re over 6 months old.


SIT, LITTLE PUPPER, SIT... GOOD DOG.

Collection of Greenies Puppy Dental Treats products

6. Trips to the vet

Did you know that 76% of adult dogs have oral health issues, according to Banfield Pet Hospital’s State of Pet Health® 2016 Report?

That's why the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends that your vet check your puppy’s teeth and gums at least once a year. They may also recommend a professional cleaning.

A border collie puppy with the veterinarian


NOW YOU KNOW THE 6 T'S OF PUPPY DENTAL CARE

Stop scrolling and go have some fun with your new pal.