If your dog is uncomfortable with you sticking objects in its mouth, start with your finger.  Dab your finger in some peanut butter so it associates this as being a pleasant experience. When you are ready to introduce brushing, we use real lime juice as the “cleaning agent.”

     Approach your dog from the side, not face to face.  Kneel next to larger dogs.  With a small dog, set it on your lap with its face away from you and its hind end against your stomach.  Reassure and praise your dog before, during and after the brushing.  Go slow and gradually build up to brushing all the teeth and gums.

     Brushings should consist of gentle short, up and down motions in small, circular patterns. We begin at the back and work forward, brushing the upper and lower, inner and outer surfaces of the teeth. Pick a time when you and your dog are relaxed to begin this gentle process of cleaning your dog’s teeth. Happy Brushings!