Dental care for dogs: how to do it right
Brushing a dog’s teeth may sound unusual at first. But what we do for ourselves every day is also important for our four-legged friends.
Plaque, food particles stuck between the teeth and bad breath: even symptoms that seems harmless can lead to painful inflammation or tooth decay in dogs – and, in the worst case, end up in the operating room.
Dental problems are among the most common, yet often underestimated, health risks for pets. But if you take action early, you can spare your dog pain and stress — and save yourself high veterinary bills. That’s why veterinarian Sonja Hermann advises: “An annual dental check-up is definitely a good idea.”
In this article, you can read which dental cleaning methods are recommended, what costs may be involved and what Sanitas pet insurance covers.
Why dental care is so important for dogs
Many owners assume that their dog’s teeth stay clean on their own. Some also think that letting a dog chew on bones occasionally is enough to keep its teeth clean.
Not true: As with humans, food particles accumulate in the spaces between a dog’s teeth. And these can only be removed with a dog toothbrush.
What happens if I neglect dental care?
If teeth aren’t brushed regularly, tartar, gingivitis and periodontitis (inflammation of the tissues supporting the teeth) may develop.
“The periodontium is damaged by inflammation. “If periodontitis goes untreated, it can lead to tooth loss,” warns Hermann. Tooth decay, however, is rare in dogs.
Pain in the mouth is not only distressing, but it also often causes dogs to eat less or stop eating altogether. The result? Weight loss, digestive problems and inadequate nutrient intake.
If inflammation in the mouth goes untreated, there is also a risk that bacteria will enter the bloodstream. In the worst case, it can even trigger complications such as myocarditis, endocarditis, kidney damage or even sepsis.
In addition, dental treatments at the vet’s office are performed under general anaesthetic, which is stressful for animals. Dental care therefore protects not only the teeth and gums, but the animal’s overall health.
How often should a dog’s teeth be brushed?
If possible, teeth should be brushed daily using a special dog toothbrush. Suitable chew toys or dental care products can also help – but they are no substitute for regular brushing.
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Brushing teeth
It’s best to start dental care when your dog is still a puppy – step by step and without pressure. Positive reinforcement with treats and plenty of praise help them get used to the process.
Special dog toothbrushes, some of which now even use ultrasound, and toothpastes in enticing flavours like liver can be helpful.
Important: “Please use only special dog toothpaste. Toothpaste for humans can contain substances that are very toxic to dogs, such as xylitol,” says Hermann.
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Finger toothbrush
If your dog doesn’t accept a brush right away, a finger toothbrush can help him gradually get used to dental care. However, a conventional dog toothbrush is better suited for more thorough cleaning and removing food particles from deeper crevices.
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Dental care sprays
Liquid products for dogs can be sprayed directly into the mouth or onto the teeth and gums. They contain antibacterial active ingredients designed to reduce bad breath and slow plaque build-up.
However, dental care sprays don’t dissolve tartar and aren’t a substitute for mechanical brushing. They are more of a supplement – especially for dogs that don’t (yet) let you brush their teeth.
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Tooth gel
A dental gel can help with cleaning because dogs like the taste. However, it’'s not essential. What matters is that deposits and food residues are removed mechanically.
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Chew toys
Chew toys with added dental care benefits, dried natural chews such as beef hide and tendons, or pressed chew sticks clean the teeth only superficially through friction.
However, they should be neither too hard nor too small in order to prevent injuries or choking. In addition, chewing products are no substitute for brushing teeth.
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Food
What ends up in your pet’s bowl also affects their teeth. For example, a high proportion of grains can promote bacterial growth in the mouth.
Chew toys, bones or dental care treats such as dental flakes reduce plaque through mechanical abrasion, but they can wear down the teeth over time and are by no means a substitute for brushing.
Is a professional dental cleaning at the vet a good idea?
Vet Sonja Hermann agrees that an annual dental check-up is definitely a good idea. You can do this, for example, when your pet has to go to the vet for its annual vaccinations.
“The veterinarian can then check for tartar or gum inflammation and decide whether dental cleaning is necessary.”
If a dog is prone to tartar build-up, regular dental cleaning – about once a year – may be a good idea. “This happens more often with small dogs,” she says. It’s best to ask your veterinarian for advice.
Is anaesthesia necessary for dental cleaning?
“Anaesthesia is absolutely necessary for a thorough dental cleaning,” says Hermann.
This is the only way to avoid pain and prevent injuries caused by defensive movements, since even hard-to-reach areas under the gums need to be cleaned.
How much does dental cleaning cost, and what does insurance cover?
The cost of dental cleaning, including anaesthesia, varies depending on the veterinary practice, the dog’s size and the type of anaesthesia used, but is generally between CHF 400 and 600.
“Depending on the situation, there may be additional costs,” says the veterinarian. “For an older dog, a blood test may be advisable before anaesthesia, or dental X-rays may be necessary to assess the condition of the teeth.”
It’s best to talk to your veterinarian to find out what the costs will be in your specific case.
Sanitas pet insurance does not cover the cost of preventive dental cleaning.
However, if a tooth is diseased and needs to be extracted, Sanitas pet insurance covers 90% of the cost of extraction, anaesthesia and medication under both categories of insurance (Smart and Premium).
Bad breath and other symptoms: how to recognise dental problems
Check your pet’s teeth regularly: yellowish-brown deposits, plaque and loose or damaged teeth should be treated by a vet. Bad breath in dogs is often more than just unpleasant – it can be a sign of dental problems.
Common causes include tartar, inflamed gums or bacterial plaque. Other warning signs include difficulty chewing, increased salivation or reddened gums. If these symptoms persist, your dog should be examined.
How can I tell if my dog has a toothache?
Dogs rarely show obvious signs of toothache, which is why problems often go unnoticed for a long time. “The best thing to do is watch the dog while it’s eating,” Sonja Hermann. The following behaviour could indicate a toothache:
- Chewing on one side
- Excessive salivation
- Preference for soft food
- Complete refusal of food
Unpleasant bad breath, rubbing their muzzle with their paw or rubbing their head on the floor can also be signs. Tip: Test with a chew bone to see if your dog bites down as usual.
Conclusion
Dental care for dogs is not a minor matter, but an important part of preventive health care. If you brush your pet’s teeth regularly, opt for a suitable diet and take warning signs seriously, you can avoid unpleasant pain, expensive treatments and stressful anaesthesia.
Dr Sonja Hermann is a veterinarian and has been working at Sanitas since February 2026 as a claims specialist in veterinary services. There, she is responsible for processing and reviewing complex claims, coordinating and communicating with external partners such as veterinary practices, and overseeing quality assurance and knowledge management within Sanitas Pet Insurance.
