Brushing your dog's teeth is an important part of his overall grooming. Keeping your dog's breath fresh is one reason it's important to brush his teeth regularly. Clean teeth can also improve your dog's health, happiness, and longevity. Plaque and tartar don't just make your breath bad. Both can also cause teeth to fall out. Serious dental problems can also lead to painful and life-threatening infections in dogs. By brushing your dog's teeth regularly, you can help improve his quality of life, as well as yours.
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Part 1 of 3: Preparation for Brushing Your Teeth
Step 1. Prepare a special dog toothbrush
There are a variety of specialty toothbrushes you can choose from for your dog. You can get them at any pet store.
- Dog toothbrushes have softer bristles and are designed to allow you to reach hard-to-reach areas more easily.
- Choose a toothbrush according to your dog's body size. You can buy a larger toothbrush for larger dogs, but smaller dogs need a toothbrush that fits their mouth size.
- There is also a small toothbrush that you can attach to your fingertips, so you can use it more precisely. However, this toothbrush can increase your dog's chances of accidentally biting you.
- Do not use an adult human toothbrush to brush your dog's teeth. You can use a soft children's toothbrush if necessary.
- Another option you can try if your dog refuses a toothbrush is special pads and sponges.
Step 2. Choose a toothpaste for dogs
Just like toothbrushes, there are a variety of different toothpastes made for dogs. Never use adult human toothpaste to brush your dog's teeth.
- Human toothpaste contains fluoride and sometimes other ingredients that may be toxic. We don't swallow toothpaste when we brush our teeth, but many dogs do. Swallowing human toothpaste can cause vomiting and possibly kidney damage in dogs.
- Dog toothpaste is available in a variety of flavors to make brushing your teeth easier and make it more enjoyable for your dog.
- You may need to try several flavors of toothpaste until you find the one that works best for you and your dog.
Step 3. Start brushing your dog's teeth when he is small
The ideal time to start brushing your dog's teeth is when he is a child. You can start brushing his teeth as early as 8 weeks of age.
- Starting to brush your dog's teeth from a young age will get him used to the toothbrush and the brushing motion of his teeth.
- However, this will not make a big difference in the dog's general dental hygiene. Because the permanent teeth do not grow until they are six to seven months old.
Step 4. Choose the right time to brush your teeth
When you brush your dog's teeth can have a big impact on your success. Try to brush your dog's teeth when he is calm and relaxed.
A good time to try brushing his teeth is after the dog has finished exercising or playing. The activity will likely tire him out so he won't have to fight you as much
Part 2 of 3: Brushing Dog's Teeth
Step 1. Make the dog feel comfortable when you put your hand in his mouth
When brushing your dog's teeth for the first time, start slowly so your dog will gradually get used to your hand going in and around his mouth. Touch the dog's mouth and muzzle frequently with your fingers.
It may take your dog some time to get used to your touch in his mouth
Step 2. Let the dog lick some of the toothpaste from your fingertips
Start brushing his teeth by letting your dog lick some of the toothpaste off your finger. This will help you determine how much your dog likes toothpaste. This will also help your dog get used to the taste, making him more likely to receive toothpaste with his brush.
After your dog has licked the toothpaste, run your finger along his teeth and gums while lifting his lips. This motion is similar to brushing your teeth, and will help your dog to be more receptive to the toothbrush later on
Step 3. Show the toothbrush to the dog
Next is to show the toothbrush to the dog and allow him to check the toothbrush before putting it in his mouth.
You can also allow your dog to lick some of the toothpaste off the brush. This will help your dog get used to the brush in his mouth
Step 4. Brush some of the dog's teeth
With or without toothpaste, gently brush some of the most accessible teeth. Canines are usually the longest teeth and are usually the easiest to reach.
- Gently lift the dog's upper lip, and place the toothbrush over his teeth. Then rub it back and forth slowly.
- This motion will help your dog get used to the new brushing of his teeth and gums, and will help you see how he responds.
- Some dogs will accept it, but if your dog refuses or is aggressive, proceed with caution. Ideally, try it when a friend or family member can pet and help soothe the dog.
- Using a quiet, gentle voice can also help you calm your dog. If your dog continues to fight or attack, try to stop and continue later or tomorrow. If this behavior persists, consult your veterinarian for advice on what to try next.
- After brushing some of his teeth, give him a treat and end the brushing session.
Step 5. Brush the outside of the dog's teeth
Once your dog has gotten used to the taste of toothpaste and toothbrush, it's time to mix the two together. Place a small amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush, then slowly and gently, start brushing the teeth in the same places as before. Then slide along the outer surface of the dog's upper and lower teeth.
- Increase the number of teeth you brush until your dog is comfortable completely brushed.
- Try to scrub along the gum line. This allows you to get your dog used to brushing his teeth without having to try and open his mouth.
- Limit each brushing session to a few minutes. It may take a few sessions for your dog to get used to brushing his teeth.
- While brushing your dog's teeth, praise him in a gentle voice.
Step 6. Brush the inner surface of the teeth
Once you've successfully brushed all the outer surfaces of your teeth in one session, you're ready to try brushing the inner surfaces.
- Place one hand over the dog's muzzle, lift the upper lip, and open its mouth. If your dog refuses to open his mouth, apply gentle inward pressure to help him open his mouth.
- Once the mouth is open, brush a small part of the inside of the teeth. As usual, rub gently in small sections as you start. Continue to a wider area as your dog gets used to brushing his teeth.
- Naturally, the dog's tongue will help control tartar deposits on the inside of the teeth. However, rubbing the area will also make a clear difference.
Step 7. Get in the habit of brushing your dog's teeth
The more often you brush your dog's teeth, the more accustomed he will become to having your hand in his mouth. Over time, it will become easier for you to brush your dog's teeth.
- Ideally, brush your dog's teeth every day. This will help prevent gum disease which can lead to toothaches and dangerous infections.
- If your dog has loose teeth, appears sensitive in the mouth, or is bleeding orally, consult your veterinarian before continuing to brush his teeth.
- Start brushing your dog's teeth slowly and try to get used to it every day. If you can't brush your dog's teeth every day, try to brush his teeth as often as possible.
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning a Rejecting Dog's Teeth
Step 1. Use a cloth
Using a toothbrush and toothpaste is the ideal choice. However, if your dog can't stand brushing his teeth, there are other options you can try. If your dog can't stand a toothbrush, try applying toothpaste on a piece of cheesecloth.
- You can use old stockings, an old washcloth, or a piece of bandage wrapped around your finger.
- This way of "brushing" your teeth creates friction when you apply toothpaste, and helps slow the build-up of plaque.
Step 2. Use chewable toys
Chew toys for dogs will remove soft tartar and massage their gums. This toy will also prevent him from feeling bored and reduce his stress.
- Choose toys made of leather, nylon, and rubber. Seek advice from your veterinarian.
- Giving your dog chewable toys and bones can be a temporary substitute for brushing your dog's teeth. However, these toys and bones are not a good substitute for brushing your teeth in the long run.
Step 3. Choose foods that can help your dog's teeth grow
Giving your dog dry food instead of canned food will help slow the build-up of plaque and tartar.
There are also special foods designed to help a dog's teeth grow while eating, but these are not a substitute for brushing their teeth
Step 4. Try a gel or spray
Another option is to use gels and sprays that you can apply regularly. Both contain ingredients that help inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause tartar buildup.
Talk to your vet about using gels and sprays, and other products
Step 5. Clean your dog's teeth with professional help
If your dog continues to refuse you to clean his teeth, take your dog to the vet and have his teeth cleaned.
Also be sure to talk about your dog's dental health during regular health checks with your vet
Tips
- You don't need to rinse your dog's mouth after brushing his teeth. Many dog toothpastes contain enzymes that slow down plaque build-up, and give better results if left on the teeth longer.
- If you yell at your dog, he will associate the brushing session with negativity. Do it gently and relaxed.
- As with any training activity, you can give your dog more reward and attention each time he completes it. This can help to build a positive and cooperative experience from the dog. Choose a hard snack that can help fight plaque buildup as a reward.
- Smaller dogs with short muzzles, such as Shih Tzu and Bulldogs, may benefit from brushing their teeth regularly. At least once or even twice a day is the ideal frequency, because the dog's teeth are denser and are in a smaller space. This causes plaque and tartar deposits to form more easily.
Warning
- If a dog's teeth are not cared for, there can be many negative consequences, not just in terms of oral hygiene. Good oral care means a longer and happier life for your best friend.
- If you notice that your dog needs more help with dental care, consult your veterinarian.
- Do not try to fight or force your dog if he refuses to brush his teeth. If your dog seems frightened or attacks while brushing his teeth, stop immediately. You may need to consult an animal behavior therapist to address this issue.
