How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Brushing your dog's teeth is a crucial part of maintaining overall health for your beloved pet. To keep your dog’s breath fresh, it’s best to do this daily. Clean teeth also contribute to your dog’s health, happiness, and longevity. Plaque and tartar not only cause foul breath, but they can also lead to dental damage. More seriously, poor oral hygiene may lead to painful infections and threaten your dog’s kidney, heart, and liver health. Regular brushing will improve your dog’s quality of life.

Choose the right toothbrush for your dog. There are many dog-specific toothbrushes available for you to choose from, and these can typically be found at pet care stores.

• Dog toothbrushes are designed with softer bristles than human toothbrushes, allowing you to reach tricky spots in your dog’s mouth.
• The size of the toothbrush should be based on your dog’s size. Larger dogs need a bigger toothbrush, while smaller dogs require a smaller one.
• There are also finger brushes that fit snugly over your finger, allowing for more accurate brushing. However, be cautious as your dog may accidentally bite your finger when you place it in their mouth.
• Do not use an adult human toothbrush to clean your dog’s teeth. If necessary, you can use a small, soft toothbrush designed for children.
• Other tools should only be considered if your dog refuses all regular toothbrushes, including dental wipes or pads.

Choose toothpaste for your dog. Just like with toothbrushes, there are many types of toothpaste specially made for dogs, so never use human toothpaste to brush your dog’s teeth.

• Human toothpaste contains fluoride and other ingredients that can be harmful. While people don’t swallow toothpaste, many dogs do. Swallowing human toothpaste can lead to vomiting and potentially damage the kidneys.
• Dog toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors to make the brushing experience more pleasant for your dog.
• You can try different flavors to find the one that works best for both you and your dog.

Start this routine when your dog is young. The best time to begin brushing your dog’s teeth is when they’re still a puppy. You can start when they’re about 8 weeks old.

• Starting young will help your dog get used to the toothbrush and daily brushing habits.
• However, starting early doesn’t have a huge impact on the cleanliness of their teeth as they won’t have all their permanent teeth until about 6 to 7 months of age.

Pick the right time to brush your dog’s teeth. The success of brushing largely depends on your dog’s cooperation. It’s best to choose a time when your dog is most relaxed and comfortable.

• A good time to brush is usually after your dog has exercised or played, as they’ll be tired and less likely to resist.

Make your dog comfortable with your hand in their mouth. When you start brushing your dog’s teeth, begin slowly and gently so your dog can get used to having your fingers in and around their mouth. Regularly touch their mouth and muzzle with your finger.

• This step might take time, as your dog may need to adjust to the sensation of your hand near their mouth.

Let your dog lick the toothpaste off your finger. You can start by letting your dog lick a small amount of toothpaste from your finger. This will help you see if your dog likes the taste and also help it get familiar with the flavor, making it easier to transition to using the toothbrush later.

• After your dog has tasted the toothpaste, gently lift its lip and rub your finger along the teeth and gums. This is the same action you'll use with the toothbrush later on.

Let your dog see the toothbrush. Next, show your dog the toothbrush so it can inspect it before you put it in its mouth.

• You can also let your dog lick a bit of toothpaste from the brush and praise it for doing so. This helps your dog get used to having the toothbrush in its mouth.

Start brushing a few teeth. Whether you're using a toothbrush or not, begin by brushing the easiest-to-reach teeth. Usually, the longer canine teeth are the easiest to access.

• Gently lift the upper lip, place the toothbrush on the teeth, and slowly move it back and forth.
• This will allow your dog to experience the sensation of the brush on its teeth and gums, while also letting you observe its reaction.
• Some dogs will be okay with brushing, but if your dog reacts reluctantly or becomes aggressive, proceed carefully. It's best to have a friend or family member help calm your dog.
• Speak gently to keep your dog calm throughout the process. If your dog continues to resist or becomes aggressive, take a break and try again another day. If the problem persists, consult a vet or dog trainer for advice.
• After brushing a few teeth, praise and reward your dog with a treat and end the session.

Brush the outside of your dog's teeth. After your dog has tasted the toothpaste and become familiar with the toothbrush, it’s time to begin the actual brushing. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the brush and gently start with the easy-to-reach teeth, as previously mentioned. Gradually move along the outer surfaces of both the upper and lower teeth.

• Increase the number of teeth you brush each time until the entire set of teeth is cleaned.
• Try brushing along the gum line. This helps clean without requiring you to open your dog’s mouth too much.
• Each brushing session should last only a few minutes. It may take several attempts for your dog to get used to this routine.
• Throughout the process, continue praising your dog in a calm voice.

Brush the inside of your dog's teeth. Once you’ve brushed the outer surfaces of the teeth in one session, it’s time to move on to brushing the inner surfaces.

• Place one hand on your dog’s muzzle, lift the upper lip, and gently open its mouth. If your dog is reluctant to open its mouth, gently insert your finger and apply light pressure to help ease the process.
• Once the mouth is open, begin brushing the easier spots first. As always, start slowly and work your way to the harder-to-reach areas as your dog becomes more comfortable with the brushing process.
• The dog’s tongue naturally helps prevent tartar buildup along the inside surfaces of its teeth, but brushing will make a significant difference.

Make Brushing Your Dog's Teeth a Habit. The more frequently you brush your dog’s teeth, the more accustomed they will become. Over time, this will make the task much easier.

• Brushing your dog’s teeth every day is the best practice. It helps prevent periodontal disease, a painful condition that can cause infections and serious health issues for your dog.
• If your dog has loose teeth or bleeding gums, it's important to consult a veterinarian before starting the brushing routine.
• Begin slowly and aim to make tooth brushing a daily habit. If brushing every day isn’t possible, try to brush your dog’s teeth as often as you can to keep their teeth healthy.

Use a Cloth. Brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste is the ideal method, but if your dog isn’t cooperating, you can try other approaches. In this case, use a soft, thin cloth with toothpaste and gently clean your dog’s teeth.

• You can use old socks, washcloths, or wrap a clean piece of gauze around your finger.
• This method will allow you to rub the toothpaste evenly on your dog’s teeth, helping to reduce plaque buildup.

Use Chew Toys to Clean Teeth. Chew toys not only help remove plaque and tartar and massage the gums, but they also relieve stress and prevent boredom compared to brushing.

• You can give your dog leather, nylon, or rubber chew toys. It's best to consult your veterinarian to ensure the right choice.
• Letting your dog chew toys can be a good temporary replacement for daily brushing, but it should not be a long-term substitute.

Choose Foods That Help Keep Teeth Clean. Feeding your dog dry food instead of canned food can slow the buildup of plaque on their teeth.

• There are also special foods that can help clean your dog's teeth, but these should not replace regular brushing.

Using gel or spray to clean your dog's teeth. Another alternative to daily brushing is utilizing a spray bottle designed for dental cleaning. This solution contains ingredients that help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and plaque buildup on the teeth.

• Before using these products, it's advisable to consult with your veterinarian.

Opting for professional dental care services. If your dog refuses to let you clean its teeth, take it to the vet for professional care.

• Make sure to regularly discuss your dog's dental health with the vet during check-ups.

• There's no need to make your dog rinse its mouth after brushing. Many dog toothpaste products contain enzymes that slow plaque buildup, and they work best when still in contact with the teeth surface.
• Yelling at your dog will make tooth brushing seem unpleasant and it may react negatively. Stay calm, gentle, and relaxed throughout the process.
• As with training, it's a good idea to offer treats or praise after every successful step. This reinforces positive behavior and encourages cooperation. Rewards can be very helpful in maintaining dental hygiene.
• Smaller dog breeds and those with short snouts, like the Shih Tzu and Bulldog, benefit most from daily brushing. It's best to brush at least once a day, or twice if possible, since their teeth are closely spaced and plaque builds up quickly.

• Neglecting dental care can have serious health consequences for your dog. Proper dental hygiene not only boosts overall health but also helps your furry friend live a longer, happier life.
• If you feel your dog needs additional support, don't hesitate to reach out to a veterinarian for advice.
• Never force your dog if it resists tooth brushing. If your dog shows signs of fear or aggression during the cleaning process, stop immediately. You might need to consult a behavior specialist to address the issue.