How To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Do you ever put off brushing your dog’s teeth because it usually ends in chasing him around the room? Are you entirely sure how to even brush your dog’s teeth? Well, brushing teeth is an important part of your dog’s grooming process and health. Maintaining your dog’s dental health doesn’t have to be a chore. The secret to success is helping your dog learn to accept it.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste for Dogs

Dog toothbrushes come in a ton of different styles, including single head, double head, and one that fits on the tip of your finger. Experts recommend using a soft-bristled brush to prevent gum damage. If you use a fingertip brush, keep in mind that big dogs might bite down and hurt you.

Specially formulated for cleaning dog’s teeth at home. dog toothpaste comes in savory meat or mint flavors. They contain dog-safe ingredients that can be swallowed. Dogs can not use human toothpaste! Human toothpaste contains ingredients not safe for dogs.

How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

1. Get your dog comfortable with having their muzzle and mouth handled. Cup your hand under your dog’s chin and give him a treat with your other hand. Repeat the process several times. As they start to get more comfortable, mimic tooth brushing with your finger. Reward with a treat.
2. Let your dog inspect the toothbrush and toothpaste. One of the biggest mistakes owners do when using grooming tools is immediately jump into it. Take it slow and allow your dog to sniff and taste the tools before you try to use them. Offer lots of praise and positive reinforcement.
3. Start brushing! Add a daub of toothpaste and begin by brushing your dog’s front teeth in a circular motion for a few seconds. Pair the process with treats to remind your dog that good things will happen if they allow you to work on their mouth.
4. Reward and repeat.  Don’t expect to brush your dog’s entire mouth the first try. Brush for about 10 seconds then try it again another day. Continue these brief brushing sessions on the front and sides of your dogs mouth for a week.
5. Gradually work towards the goal of brushing all their teeth in one session. The process can be more challenging as you work toward the back of your dog’s mouth. In order to clean your dog’s molars, you have to hold their mouth open. To make cleaning the rear teeth easier, try several quick brushes to the back teeth. You may need some assistance.

Experts say you should ideally brush your dog’s teeth daily or every other day, with special focus on the outer part (or lip side) of the tooth surface. If your dog is still struggling with getting used to the toothbrush, it’s likely that you moved too quickly through the process. So go back to the last type of handling your dog accepted and slowly work toward the next step, with plenty of praise and treats!