11 July 2024
Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
- Apply the toothpaste to the toothbrush or Finger brush (a small pea sized amount is sufficient)
- Choose a time when your dog is settled. Sit him or her down quietly, either on the floor or on your lap for a small dog. Offer a pea sized amount of the toothpaste to your pet as a treat to get them used to the taste of it
- Place your left hand across the bridge of the nose or muzzle, with a finger or thumb under the chin to keep the mouth closed. Gently lift the top lip and insert the brush inside the cheek. The most important place to brush is at the gum line.
- The goal is to brush the outside surfaces of all the teeth in a systematic way. Initially your dog may not co-operate for long enough; if so, start brushing at a different position in his mouth each time. Only do a little at a time until your dog gets used to the process.
- Start by cleaning the back teeth, particularly the upper ones, and then the canine teeth.
- There is no need to brush the inner surfaces of the teeth as the tongue will do quite a good job of this.
- Move the brush in gentle circular motions. DO NOT scrub the teeth.
- Tooth brushing should be carried out daily.
- Remember, there is no point wrestling with your dog. Try to make it an enjoyable experience. If your dog behaves well, reward him or her with a small healthy treat afterwards to turn it all into a positive experience.
