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Here's How Often You Should Brush Your Dog's Teeth, According To A Veterinarian
How often should you brush your dog's teeth? The answer may surprise you. (Getty Images)
While he's pretty small, my toy poodle requires regular grooming. I try to brush his hair every day to keep it from matting, but he goes to a professional groomer every 4 to 6 weeks for a haircut, nail trim and more. After a recent appointment, the groomer brought to my attention that my dog seemed to have an issue with his gums — they were red and sensitive when she tried to brush his teeth. Of course, I immediately reached out to my vet, and she advised me that I should be brushing his teeth more regularly to avoid it getting worse.
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Now I'll be the first to admit, I love my dog — not to mention that I'm really into my own dental health — but I never brush his teeth. He hates it and wiggles so much, it makes it difficult to do. I tried when he was puppy, but gave up pretty quickly. Now, as he's coming up on his second birthday, I'm starting to understand just how important a pet's dental health is.
I reached out to Dr. Ambika Vaid, an integrative veterinarian and veterinary advisor to Badlands Ranch, a premium dog food brand. She specializes in pet nutrition, surgery and dental procedures, and so seemed a perfect source of expert advice. She advised brushing my (and your) dog's teeth once a day.
"Periodontal disease can lead to significant systemic disease if left untreated for too long. It is an underrated disease and prevention is highly effective in keeping your pet healthy for much longer," said Dr. Vaid. "Ideally, you should brush your dog's teeth daily. If this is not possible, as often as you can."
If you have a puppy, she recommends starting a tooth-brushing routine right away, even if they only have a few baby teeth. This can help them get used to the sensation, so they won't fight it like my put-upon pooch does.
How do you brush a dog's teeth?Of course, as a human, you should brush your teeth twice a day and brush them all over, making sure you hit every nook and cranny. But dog teeth are different.
"When brushing [your dog's] teeth, you only need to focus on the outside," said Dr. Vaid. "Dogs have enzymes in their saliva that help break down buildup of calculus [hardened plaque] and tartar on the insides of their teeth."
That said, you can use a dog toothbrush or a finger brush to remove tartar. You can do this alone or use a toothpaste with abrasive properties to help remove the really stuck-on stuff. Just note that there are toothpastes made specifically for dogs in fun flavors like chicken, beef or in my case, I got my dog a London Broil flavor. And unlike like human toothpaste, you don't need to rinse it out with water.
"You can start by putting a little bit of the toothpaste on your finger to help them get used to the taste, and over time, even enjoy it. This allows the experience to become a fun, treat-filled activity for your pet," Dr. Vaid explained.
Keep in mind, you should never use human toothpaste on your dog or anything that contains Fluoride. Dr. Vaid says, "Fluoride is an ingredient found in human toothpaste, but it's extremely toxic to dogs and cats, which is why it is never recommended to use a human toothpaste product on an animal."
Can you use dental treats or water additives in place of teeth brushing?For a while, instead of brushing my dog's teeth, I gave him minty dog bones and put a water additive in his bowl to keep plaque at bay, but I learned that that's not enough. Think of it like this: Would you replace your regular teeth brushing with eating mints or drinking mint tea? Probably not.
Dr. Vaid shared that there's no replacement for regular, good old-fashioned brushing. "Toothbrushing is the only way to prevent dental disease," she said. If you do decide to give your dog a supplement in between brushing, however, make sure it's a healthy option.
"I know it can be difficult to brush daily, or even weekly, so when you aren't able to brush as often as your veterinarian recommends, you can try supplementing with a treat to aid in breaking tartar accumulation while chewing," she said, adding that, "a Kong filled with your pet's favorite snacks and then placed in the freezer is a great option that requires chewing."
If you want to go the more holistic approach, you can give your dog raw carrots. "[They're] a great source of Vitamin A and beta-carotene and can naturally strengthen enamel," she said,
However, it's important to note that Dr. Vaid recommends avoiding bully sticks, antlers, or other types of large bones, sharing that these are the No. 1 reason for broken teeth in dogs.
Additionally, Dr. Vaid suggests considering your dog's diet, especially if you're concerned about bad breath. "Diet also plays a large role in prevention of periodontal disease," she said. "Bad breath is directly related to gut health. If you are running into an issue of bad breath even after having the teeth professionally cleaned and/or brushing daily, your pet may need a diet change."
She recommends a whole-balanced diet that's rich in vegetables and proteins.
"While raw or fresh food has grown in popularity, these diets are often soft, which don't provide much value to our dog's dental health. For the best of both worlds, you can opt for a whole food diet that's air-dried using a low-and-slow drying method, like Badlands Ranch Superfood Complete, which maintains nutritional value, while offering our dog's teeth with the benefits of a hard food diet," she said.
What if you've never brushed your dog's teeth before?If you've never brushed your dog's teeth before, you may want to talk to your vet about getting them professionally cleaned.
"If you are unable to brush teeth at home, I would recommend starting professional cleaning as early as 2 years of age," Dr. Vaid advises. "If you can brush teeth at home, you can push this back to 4 years of age. Usually by 4 years of age, a yearly cleaning is necessary to ensure periodontal disease does not occur."
That said, professional cleanings often require putting your pet under general anesthesia so your vet can clean and remove any infected teeth if necessary. It's a serious procedure that also comes with a serious price tag, anywhere from $600 to $1,200.
That's why if you can brush your dog's teeth regularly, you can usually delay getting it done while also keeping your pet's teeth and gums in tip-top shape.
Keep in mind, if your dog develops advanced periodontal disease, they may be in pain and may even need to get some of their teeth extracted.
What kinds of toothbrushes, toothpaste and treats are safe to use on your dog?Ready to upgrade (or start) your dog's toothbrushing routine? You'll need the right tools. Dr. Vaid and my own vet suggested choosing products that have the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval. There's even a list with all of the VOHC-approved items online, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, food and treats.
Take a look below at some doggy dental products you can purchase online today. While it may take some time for you both to get used to it, it's never a bad time to start brushing your dog's teeth to prevent periodontal disease and bad breath.
Chewy
This dual-headed toothbrush has a smaller brush head on one side and a larger brush head on the other, so you can use it for any size dog. It also has BPA-free, soft nylon bristles that won't irritate your dog's gums.
You can also purchase this toothbrush in a bundle with the brand's toothpaste, which is VOHC-approved.
$14 at Chewy
Chewy
Like Dr. Vaid said, your dog could view flavored toothpastes as a treat, so pick you one they'll like! This toothpaste comes in flavors such as London Broil, Rotisserie Chicken and Cheese.
$15 at Chewy
Chewy
While the VOHC doesn't have these finger brushes on their list, my own vet recommended them for my small pup, because they can be a little easier to maneuver, especially over his tiny teeth.
$6 at Chewy
Chewy
If you have a dog, you've probably heard of Greenies. Not only do dogs love them, but they're on the VOHC's list of approved dental treats for dogs. Like Dr. Vaid said, you can use one of these to supplement your teeth brushing routine, not replace it.
Keep in mind not all dogs like mint, so Greenies also offers blueberry and sweet potato flavors. They also come in different sizes for small and big dogs.
$18 at ChewyChewy
My dog personally prefers Wellness Whimzees to other dental dog treat brands. This value box includes 44 treats in a range of shapes to keep things interesting for your pup. They also come in different sizes for different dogs — this box is the brand's medium-sized treats.
$45 at ChewyView comments
Insomniac's 'Spider-Man: The Great Web' Multiplayer Game Trailer Leaks Online
Spider-Man 2
SonyIn the wake of the Insomniac hack in December 2023, we learned that the developer was working on a multiplayer Spider-Man game called Spider-Man: The Great Web. Then, a bit later, images surfaced from the game. Now, a full-on trailer that makes the game look like close to a finished product. As in, you could have convinced me this was a genuine reveal trailer for a game that was about to come out within the year. But it was ultimately canceled, and not because of the hack.
I'm not going to embed the Great Web trailer here or even share screenshots, but it's being uploaded all over social media and over at Streamable, so it's out there now.
The trailer shows off co-op play that appears to be up to five players at a time. Given that each Spider-Man game comes with roughly 70 alternate suits, you can imagine it was not hard to find costumes for player's multi-Spider-Men, but also Spider-Women, this time, as we can see Spider-Gwen as playable in the trailer. There's also Spider-Man 2099, Ben Riley and even what appears to be a playable Venom (which as we know ultimately landed in Spider-Man 2).
Spider-Man 2
SonyThe concept here is that Scarlet Witch opens up the multiverse and out come pouring threats, including the grand villain group, the Sinister Six. Now, Spider-Man from all worlds have to band together to fight it and you have probably heard some of this before in the form of the Into the Spider-Verse animated movies. This isn't that stylized, it's very much still Insomniac Spider-Man, including Peter voiced by Yuri Lowenthal, but it's something many players are now mourning they'll never play. Here's the voiceover from the trailer via Insider-Gaming:
'New York City. Nothing in the whole world I wouldn't do for this big, beautiful apple. One moment you're scarfing down a slice from Vinnie's, the next – you're stopping a super-villain prison break. Sometimes you can swing it as a lone wolf, but you're way better off with some friends. I've seen the Sinister Six before… But never so methodical – so savage. I don't think I'm going to be enough this time, guys. But together, we just might be.'
I am at least somewhat skeptical of the idea this would have for sure been some amazing thing that everyone loved. While it's not clear that this would definitely have been a full live service, given Sony's recent "everyone do a live service" mandate, it stands to reason the idea here would be recurrent revenue and ongoing content in some form or another. And does a live-service superhero game sound familiar to you? We of course had Marvel's Avengers fail for Square Enix to the point where it's not even for sale anymore and now Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League this year, which currently has *checks tab* 377 concurrent players on Steam a month and a half after launch.
I do agree that a multiplayer Spider-Man game, especially with fun additions like Spider-Gwen could have been enjoyable. But I think we would have needed to understand more about exactly what type of game it was before lamenting that it was definitely a terrible idea to cancel it. The fact that it was cancelled means that's two of Sony's major studios cancelling multiplayer spin-offs of their main games, which now also includes Naughty Dog ditching The Last of Us Factions.
So, this isn't happening. Maybe it could have been good, and it's a fun trailer. But maybe not. Probably not, if you ask me.
Follow me on Twitter, Threads, YouTube, and Instagram.
Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
The 6 Best Hairball Remedies For Cats Of 2024
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The best hairball remedies for cats include gels, treats, supplements, and foods.Chewy; Savanna Durr/Insider
It's important to treat and prevent hairballs so they don't cause a dangerous intestinal obstruction. While small amounts of hair usually pass harmlessly through a cat's digestive tract, too much hair can ball up and become trapped inside the stomach. At that point, the hairball may be "coughed up." While daily brushing reduces the amount of fur your cat swallows when they groom themselves, your vet might also recommend using one of the best hairball remedies for cats.
Hairball remedies come in a variety of different forms, including gels, foods, treats, and supplements. Most contain lubricating ingredients, fiber, or a combination of the two to help hairballs pass through a cat's system. For this guide, we spoke to two veterinarians and evaluated products according to their ingredients, ease of use, and whether the medicine carries the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal. Our top pick for a hairball medicine is Tomlyn Laxatone Hairball Remedy Gel, a treatment that works quickly and is recommended by veterinarians.
Read more about how Business Insider Reviews researches and tests pet products.
Best hairball gel: Tomlyn Laxatone Hairball Remedy Gel for Cats - See at Chewy
Best non-petroleum hairball gel: Nutri-Vet Hairball Paw Gel - See at Chewy
Best hairball treats: Feline Greenies Smartbites Healthy Indoor - See at Chewy
Best hairball supplement: Vet's Best Hairball Relief Digestive Aid - See at Chewy
Best dry cat food for hairballs: Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight and Hairball Care - See at Chewy
Best wet cat food for hairballs: Purina Pro Plan Hairball Adult Wet Cat Food - See at Chewy
Best hairball gel
Lubricant-based gels are among the best hairball remedies for cats because they are the most effective at treating and preventing hairballs. Hairball gels use ingredients like white petroleum, mineral oil, or other oils to gently help hair pass through your cat's digestive tract so it can be eliminated through their stool.
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Our top choice for hairball control gel is Tomlyn Laxatone Hairball Remedy Gel. It carries the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal. In addition to safely and gently eliminating hairballs, it can be used to prevent the formation of hairballs in the future.
"The Laxatone hairball supplement from Tomlyn, that's been a favorite of mine for a long time," says Dr. Keith Harper, veterinarian and owner of Hayward Veterinary Hospital in California. "I've had the most success with the Laxatone over my career."
Tomlyn Laxatone gel provides quick relief with a blend of three gentle lubricants (petrolatum, light mineral oil, and soybean oil) in three different flavored gels: catnip, maple, and tuna. Omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids are added to help support skin and coat health. It's easy to give: Simply squeeze a small amount on your cat's nose or paw for them to lick off.
Best non-petroleum hairball gel
Many hairball gels contain white petrolatum, which is the same ingredient found in Vaseline — a semi-solid gel derived from oil. Although petrolatum is a safe and effective hairball remedy recommended by veterinarians, some pet owners prefer to avoid petroleum products.
Our top pick for a petroleum-free hairball gel is Nutri-Vet Hairball Paw Gel, which uses natural lubricant ingredients to prevent and eliminate hairballs. The gel consists of three natural oils (hydrogenated vegetable oil, soybean oil, and corn oil) plus fiber to provide lubrication and help eliminate and prevent hairballs in adult cats and kittens.
The veterinarian-formulated remedy also contains omega-3 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin — the other non-petroleum hairball gel we considered does not.
It's available in both chicken and salmon flavors and is easy to give. Just place some of the gel on your cat's paw for them to lick off or squeeze on top of your cat's food.
Best hairball treats
Hairball control treats are a good option for cats that refuse to take hairball control gels because they don't like the taste. Developed by a veterinarian for hairball prevention, Feline Greenies Smartbites are our top choice for hairball control treats because they contain two effective ingredients: petrolatum and fiber.
Smarbites are loaded with chicken-based protein and contain a combination of plant-based fibers and a small amount of petroleum. The added oil helps lubricate the digestive tract to minimize hairball formation and help with digestion. Available in both chicken and tuna flavors, each treat has less than 2 calories. You can feed a 10-pound cat up to 18 treats per day.
Best hairball supplement
If you're looking for a supplement to promote healthy digestion for hairball prevention, our top pick is Vet's Best Hairball Relief Digestive Aid supplement. It contains three types of ingredients to support digestion and prevent or eliminate hairballs: fiber, probiotics, and multiple natural ingredients. We chose this over VetriScience Hairball Chicken Liver Flavored Soft Chews Hairball Control Supplement for Cats, which only contains fiber.
Made from all-natural plant-based ingredients, including marshmallow root, slippery elm bark, and papaya extract, these supplements support your cat's digestive system and help prevent hairballs. The product carries the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal. This formula is free from petroleum-based ingredients and comes in a chicken flavor. Each bottle contains 60 tablets to provide a full 30 days of hairball prevention for your cat.
The chicken-flavored chewable supplements are easy to administer. Simply break the tab into pieces to entice your cat and give them as a treat.
Best dry cat food for hairballs
Hairball control cat foods contain extra fiber to help prevent or eliminate hairballs. Although the best cat foods for hairballs are not as effective at eliminating hairballs as gel remedies, they are a great addition to a prevention routine and are useful for cats who refuse to take gel remedies.
Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight and Hairball Care is a high-fiber, budget-friendly food. Its fiber blend includes beet pulp to aid in digestion and reduce hairballs. Added omega fatty acids help support a healthy coat and skin too.
Best wet cat food for hairballs
Hairball control cat foods contain extra fiber to help prevent or eliminate hairballs. Dry hairball foods may be more effective since they contain more fiber than wet formulations. However, for cats that eat wet food only, Purina Pro Plan Hairball Adult Wet Cat Food is our top recommendation.
This wet food has the most fiber of any of the canned hairball cat food formulas we considered. It also contains about 50% more than Purina's popular adult wet food (Complete Essentials Chunky Chicken Entrée) and comes in three flavors: chicken, turkey, salmon, and ocean whitefish and tuna.
What to look for in hairball remedies for cats
If your cat is throwing up hairballs, make an appointment with your veterinarian, who can recommend which hairball medicine or remedy might be appropriate for your cat.
"We simply recommend choosing the remedy that the cat is most likely to accept and eat," Whittenburg says. "Some cats refuse the treats. Some cats don't like the gel. Some cats won't eat the food, or have medical conditions requiring a different diet. All the remedies are similar, but the delivery method is different."
It might take some trial and error to find out which hairball remedy works best for your cat. Harper says it's possible to overdo it with hairball remedies and recommends trying one remedy at a time. "It could turn into a situation where the cat is not vomiting up hairballs, but it's vomiting up everything else," he says. "One thing at a time would be sufficient to see what works best, otherwise you won't know."
If the best hairball remedies for cats don't seem to be helping, it's time to go back to the vet for a follow-up. "More diagnostics need to be performed to rule out more serious gastrointestinal issues," Whittenburg says.
Here are the different types of hairball remedies to consider:
Hairball gels: Hairball gels are given daily to eliminate current hairballs, or a few times a week to prevent hairballs from forming. Most over-the-counter hairball remedies contain petroleum or mineral oil, which provide lubrication to help move the hair through your cat's digestive system.
"These products are not absorbed into the cat's gastrointestinal system and will pass right through, so there is no danger posed to the cat's health," Whittenburg says, emphasizing that all hairball products should be given according to the directions on the label. However, regular grooming is always the first line of defense for avoiding hairballs.
Hairball food: Specially formulated hairball diets contain extra fiber to support digestive health and help push hair through the digestive tract. Both dry and wet hairball diets are available. Hairball foods are complete and balanced and are intended to be used as your cat's regular diet.
Hairball treats: Like hairball food, hairball treats usually contain fiber. Some also contain lubricating ingredients like petroleum or other oils. Treats are typically given daily — follow the recommendations on the package.
Hairball supplements: Hairball supplements are not intended to eliminate hairballs that your cat currently has, but they contain natural ingredients to support digestive health and help prevent future hairballs from forming.
How we selected the best hairball remedies for cats
We researched various gels, pills, treats, and foods to bring you our top picks for the best hairball remedies for cats. Products that carry the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal are rated higher than those that do not. NASC-certified products pass a comprehensive third-party audit and maintain ongoing compliance with rigorous NASC quality requirements.
For additional expertise, we interviewed two veterinarians for advice about preventing and treating hairballs in cats. Although the information they shared contributed to our product selection, our veterinary experts did not specifically endorse any of the products included in this guide, unless explicitly stated in direct quotes.
Cat hairball FAQs
Cat hairball treats are a good option for cats who don't like gels.Chewy
Why do cats get hairballs?Cats inadvertently develop hairballs when they groom themselves. "When a cat grooms, they swallow some of the loose hair from their coat," says Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, veterinarian and owner of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Lubbock, Texas. "Cats are especially prone to ingesting loose hair because they have spikes on their tongues called lingual papillae. The hair becomes caught in the spikes and the cat then swallows it."
Since cats cannot digest hair, it must pass through the digestive system and come out in the cat's stool. However, sometimes hair becomes trapped in the stomach, creating a hairball.
Is it normal for cats to throw up hairballs?All cats can develop the occasional hairball. Long-haired cats are especially prone to them. If your cat gets a hairball once in a while, it's usually not cause for alarm. But if your cat is throwing up hairballs frequently, it needs to be addressed.
"Once a month normally is not as big of a deal, once a week is a little bit too much," says Harper. "When people tell me that their cat vomits every day or every week, it's a problem."
Can hairballs be dangerous?Cats often vomit up hairballs — what some people call "coughing up" hairballs — but if hair becomes lodged in the small intestine, it can cause a life-threatening obstruction, which could require surgery.
"A cat that is vomiting or retching, lethargic, or does not want to eat may have an obstruction from a hairball," Whittenburg says. "Defecating does not rule out a hairball, as feces are stored in the colon and intestinal obstructions occur in the small intestine."
What should you do if your cat is throwing up hairballs?It's important to make an appointment to see your veterinarian if you suspect your cat is having an issue with hairballs. Harper says that cats that get frequent hairballs may have some kind of underlying skin condition causing them to over-groom themselves, and as a result, develop hairballs. Red rashes or areas with very short hair or no hair at all are all cause for concern and should be shared with your veterinarian, explains Harper.
After checking your cat for other health concerns, your vet can discuss the best ways to address your cat's hairballs, including increasing brushing to cut down on how much hair your cat swallows while self-grooming, as well as using one or more hairball remedies, such as a hairball gel, food, treat, or supplement.
How can you prevent hairballs?According to Whittenburg, the best way to reduce hairballs is through daily brushing. "Removing the hair before the cat has a chance to swallow it works wonders," she says. Cats with recurrent severe issues can also benefit from shaving, but other measures, like hairball food and treatments, may still be necessary.
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