How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Brushing your dog’s teeth does not have to be a chore. In fact, many dogs look forward to it! Read this post and your pup be on the way to a brighter, whiter and healthier smile.

Things you’ll need to get started:

1. Dog toothbrush
2. Canine toothpaste
3. Gloves or finger toothbrush
4. Patience

Introducing your dog to dental duties can be difficult, but with patience and preparation you can achieve this important task. If your pet has never had a toothbrush or toothpaste in his mouth, he may be very upset with an aggressive approach.

Things to Do Before Brushing

Purchase an easy-to-use SENTRY Petrodex dental kit from your local pet specialty store. It has everything you will need to get going!

Get your dog familiar with having your fingers in his mouth. Take is slow. Let your dog lick your finger a few times. Lift up your dog’s lips with one hand and hold the mouth still with the other hand. Gently rub his gums, teeth and mouth while using a finger toothbrush or gloves. Repeat this until your dog relaxes. When you dog seems to be comfortable with having your hands around his mouth, you know it’s time to introduce him or her to the toothpaste.

Add a small amount of delicious pet toothpaste to your finger (peanut flavor is a favorite among our bloggers). Let him lick it off. Put some in his mouth. Remember to pet and reward your dog while doing so. This will help your pet appreciate brushing his teeth even more. After all, it should be a reward, not a punishment.

After you do this, try it with the toothbrush. Don’t rush. Take it slow.

Cleaning Teeth

Begin brushing with short, back-and-forth strokes at the gumline. Brush only a few teeth the first time. Give a lot of praise during this process. Start with your dog’s mouth closed. When your dog becomes comfortable with the toothbrush and the process of brushing, open his or her mouth and get the inside of the teeth.

Don’t go weeks at a time without brushing. Try and do it at least three times weekly as it’s important to establish a routine. With a great tasting toothpaste, your dog will think it’s just another reward for being such a good pup!

For a step-by-step guide to brushing, the ASPCA has a great article to use as an additional reference. As always, if you have questions about brushing or about the SENTRY Petrodex products, please feel free to call us at 1-800-224-PETS.