While ignoring dental care can cause plaque buildup and other problems, keeping your dog’s teeth clean helps ensure they stay healthy, happy, and pain-free. Moreover, neglecting oral hygiene can lead to plaque, gum disease, tooth loss, and even organ problems over time.  Yet with a consistent dog dental care schedule, you can keep your pet’s teeth sparkling and their health in check for years to come.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how often to brush your dog’s teeth, the role of dental chews, when to book professional cleanings, and seasonal tips to create the best dental routine for dogs.

Daily Habits for Healthy Dog Teeth

Daily brushing is the foundation of your dog’s oral hygiene, and it’s a healthy habit to maintain every day. This simple routine can help prevent plaque, bad breath, and painful dental issues. 

• Brush every day — Ideally, brush your dog’s teeth once a day, or at least 3–4 times weekly, using a dog-safe toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste.
  
  

• Keep it short and positive — A minute or two is enough, especially if your dog is still learning.
  
  

• Observe while brushing — Check for bad breath, gum redness, or loose teeth, which can be early signs of trouble.
  
  

💡 Pro tip: Brushing after their final meal of the day helps prevent overnight plaque buildup.

Weekly and Monthly Dental Care Tasks

Brushing every day is the best way to protect your dog’s smile, but adding a few simple weekly and monthly habits can make a big difference. Once a week, take a quick look at their teeth and gums, just to be sure everything looks healthy and clean. If you miss brushing here and there, no worries! A soft dental pad can help wipe away buildup and freshen their breath.  Once a month, swap out old toothbrush heads or replace worn brushes so they stay effective. It’s also a great time to check their diet. You can add crunchy snacks like carrots to help naturally clean teeth while giving them a tasty treat.

How Often to Use Dental Chews and Natural Alternatives

Dental chews are a great supplement for your dog’s oral care—they help scrape away plaque, freshen breath, and keep those pearly whites healthier between brushings. Offer vet-approved dental chews, like the Vivus Pets Plant-Based Dental Chews, made with natural, plant-based ingredients that are gentle on tummies yet tough on plaque, 2–3 times per week to boost oral hygiene and give your pup a tasty treat they’ll love.

Just remember to avoid very hard bones or antlers, as they can crack teeth and cause painful injuries. And while dental chews are helpful, they should never replace regular brushing as the foundation of your dog’s oral care routine

When to Schedule Professional Teeth Cleanings

Even with the best at-home dental care, professional cleanings are essential for reaching areas that brushing and chews can’t. For most healthy adult dogs, an annual cleaning is enough to keep their mouth in great shape. However, small breeds, senior dogs, or pups prone to dental disease may benefit from cleanings every six months. During these visits, your vet can thoroughly clean below the gum line, remove stubborn tartar, and spot hidden issues—such as early gum disease or cracked teeth—before they become painful or costly problems.

Seasonal Dental Care Tips for Dogs

Just like we adjust our habits with the seasons, your dog’s dental care can shift slightly too.

• Spring & Summer: Active dogs may chew more — check toys for wear and damage to avoid accidental tooth injuries.
  
  

• Fall & Winter: Holidays often mean more treats; counter this with extra brushing sessions to keep sugar and starch from causing plaque.
  
  

Maintaining Consistency in Your Dog’s Dental Routine

The most effective dental routine is the one you can stick to every day without stress. You can  keep your dog’s toothbrush, toothpaste, and other tools in one handy spot so you can grab them without hunting around. Don't forget to make brushing into something your pup actually enjoys by following it up with a yummy treat, belly rub, or a quick game of fetch. And finally if life gets busy, you may set a phone reminder so you never forget. 

A well-planned dog dental care schedule isn’t complicated—it’s about consistency. Daily brushing, weekly checks, dental chews a few times a week, and professional cleanings once or twice a year can protect your dog from preventable pain and health problems. For a tasty and effective option, try Vivus Pets’ range of dental chews and oral care products to help reduce plaque and freshen breath between brushings. When you make oral hygiene a routine, you’re not just caring for your dog’s teeth—you’re giving them a healthier, happier life.