Dog Teeth-Brushing Log
How often should you brush your dog’s teeth? Daily is the gold standard, according to the Veterinary Oral Health Council and the American Veterinary Dental College, and at least three times a week is the minimum that helps. This one-page log gives you a gentle six-step way to build up to brushing, a weekly tick chart to keep the habit going, and the safety rule that matters most: never use human toothpaste, because some contain xylitol.
Fillable · bilingual EN/ES · vet-sourced, not a scanned template.
Got the free sheet? The full version → Dog Dental Care Guide $5.23 What's inside
- Six steps to build up to brushing over a few weeks, from a finger on the teeth to 30 seconds a side
- A fillable weekly tick chart, Monday to Sunday, with room for notes
- The toothpaste rule (pet toothpaste only) and what the VOHC seal on a chew means
- The signs that mean a dental check with your vet
How to use it
- Start with step one and move on only when your dog is relaxed at the current step.
- Brush at the same time each day so it becomes routine, and tick the day off.
- Keep sessions short and end on a good note, with praise or a small reward.
- Bring the log to your next vet visit and ask about a professional dental exam.
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- How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
- Daily is best. The VOHC and the American Veterinary Dental College call daily brushing the gold standard, and VCA Animal Hospitals gives three times a week as the minimum that helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.
- Can I use my own toothpaste?
- No. Some human toothpastes contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, and fluoride isn’t meant to be swallowed. The FDA says to use only pet toothpaste for pets.
- Do dental chews replace brushing?
- No. Chews with the VOHC seal can help slow plaque or tartar, but brushing is still the gold standard. Pick chews that bend a little when pressed; very hard chews can break teeth.
- Is anesthesia-free dental cleaning okay?
- The American Veterinary Dental College and VCA describe it as cosmetic only: it can’t assess or treat disease below the gumline. A full cleaning and exam are done under anesthesia.
Free educational printable. Not veterinary advice, and not a substitute for your vet's official records or an emergency call. Full disclaimer → · Leer en español →