Instructions
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Your veterinarian has advised you to brush your dog’s teeth more regularly. Here’s how to make that happen. First, plan to brush your dog’s teeth in a quiet area away from distractions and at a time when your dog is calm. If this is your first time trying to brush, know that it can take several sessions before your dog might accept a toothbrush, and that’s completely normal.
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The important thing is to be patient and consistent and make the experience a positive one for your dog. There are different ways to position your dog when trying to brush their teeth, and there is no right way to do this. Only the way that works best for you and your dog. If you have a larger dog. Try having them sit with their rear end in the corner of a room, which will deter them from backing away from you.
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Straddling them can also work for smaller dogs. You can have them sit on your lap or beside you in a chair. In all cases, a second person may be helpful. Now it’s time to start brushing. Well. Sort of. The first step is to get your dog accustomed to having their mouth touched. To do this, simply massage their face and gently nudge their lips apart with your fingers while you’re relaxing together.
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Reward them for their cooperation with treats and massage. After a few sessions, once your dog is comfortable having their mouth touched, try using a cotton swab, soft gauze, or dental wipe dipped in something tasty for example dog toothpaste, canned food, or a creamy treat. Gently rub the outside of the teeth at the gum line. This is less about cleaning the teeth and more about getting your dog comfortable with the experience.
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Do a few teeth at a time over several sessions until your dog is relaxed and doesn’t resist your efforts. Canines or fang teeth are often the easiest teeth to start with. Once your dog is well accustomed to rubbing their teeth, try using a toothbrush. You might put something tasty on it and let your dog lick it at first.
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As they do, gently try brushing a tooth at the gum line. Then try a few teeth. Then try using a pet friendly toothpaste. If your dog resists the toothbrush, go back to what you were using before. Keep on working towards your dog’s acceptance of a toothbrush, cleaning their teeth. Here’s a few extra pieces of advice. There are different types of toothbrushes available, and you may need to try a few before finding one.
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That makes it easy for both you and your dog. When brushing, brush the gum line on an angle to sweep the plaque from the space just under the gums. And lastly, take it as slow as you need to give yourself and your dog time to get comfortable with each stage and with the actual brushing. Here are the key things to remember when brushing your dog’s teeth.
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Move through the stages of brushing only as fast as you and your dog are comfortable. Focus on brushing the outside of the teeth where they meet the gum line, and praise your dog when it’s over. Brushing your dog’s teeth may not go as planned. The first time, or even the 10th time, but as a pet owner, you do the best you can because your dog is worth it.