How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth
by Sue Oxley and Graham Peck
Good dental care means no more "doggy breath" but more importantly can really make a long term difference to mouth problems and the overall health of your dog.
Positioning to allow easy brushing
First choose a time when you don't have to rush the tooth brushing. Otherwise you and your dog will get stressed and it will be less co-operative. Ask your dog to sit down, hold the muzzle shut with your thumb over the top of the nose with fingers underneath. Keeping the mouth shut, gently lift the lip at the side to show the teeth.
Preparing the Brush for Battle
Apply a small amount of Virbac Enzymatic pet toothpaste to the brush. It isn't advisable to use human toothpaste for a number of reasons.
- Dogs don't tend to like frothy toothpaste.
- Unless you have your dog very well trained to rinse and spit the toothpaste will be swallowed, which over time might cause tummy problems.
- The minty flavour of human toothpastes can taste like a vindaloo curry to some dogs! They much prefer a malt or poultry flavour of their own toothpaste.
The next trick is to make sure that the paste is pushed into the bristles of the toothbrush, otherwise you will find that the paste is eaten even before you have started brushing!
Doing the Deed
Rotate the brush so that it slots into the back of the mouth between the gums and the teeth. Start gently brushing at the back of the mouth moving forward to the front. Then repeat on the other side. You don't usually have to do the inner aspect of the cheek teeth as the tongue does a good job of keeping this area clean. Finish with the very small teeth at the front. These are a bit ticklish and you may struggle to do the rest if you start with these.
Hints to Make it Easier
In puppies examine their mouth and clean their teeth as part of your routine health check. Starting early is definitely easier, you can make it fun thing to do!
With older dogs if it's your first attempt at cleaning your dog's teeth, remember it's going to be one heck of a surprise for him or her. Consider working up in stages to the full brushing experience rather than charging in and trying to do it all at once. Otherwise you're likely to frighten the living daylights out of the poor thing.
- Start by just getting the dog settled and relaxed at having his gums and teeth examined and your fingers stuck in its mouth!
- Then progress onto using your finger to rub on the teeth.
- If the dog is still anxious move onto a finger brush rather than going straight to a toothbrush.
- Finally try the toothbrush!
- Toothpaste can be introduced at any stage once you feel they are confident about the whole process. Delay and retry if they get anxious.
Turn the whole process into a consistent fun routine, that way both you and the dog know what should happen next. Once done give plenty of praise and yes maybe even a tooth friendly treat!
Obtaining the Products
Parkvets keep starter tooth brushing kits for cats and dogs in stock. We also supply new toothbrushes, tooth pastes and enzymatic chews. Please ask at reception or book into a nurse clinic appointment for free tooth brushing coaching.
Five Reasons to Brush Your Pet's Teeth
- Dental disease is a painful debilitating condition that causes suffering to tens of thousands of pets each year.
- Dental disease is called the silent killer because it is not obvious when a pet is suffering with this problem but if left unchecked can cause death!
- Dental disease is the only condition we can guarantee your pet will get if you don't take action.
- Daily brushing is the best way to prevent this
- Dental problems can cost hundreds of pounds to correct each year - much cheaper to avoid.
