Handy Guide: How To Brush Your Pet's Teeth
Featured Article - 5 min read • Updated Dec 31, 2024
Reviewed by Dr. Arman Chen, BVSc (Qld.), BSc (Leic.)
1. Get Used to Handling Your Dog/Cat
Start by getting your pet used to hands touching her mouth, teeth and gums. Best if this is done during playtime. For shy pets, reward them with their favourite treats/snacks.
2. Turn It Into Pet Play Time
Try the ‘One, Two, Three!’ game. Hold her upper jaw with one hand, pull down her lower jaw with the other hand and then pop a treat into your dog’s mouth. Be gentle but firm. Once your pet gets used to it*, introduce the toothpaste.
*Note: You might have to repeat Steps 1 - 2 several times before going to Step 3. Have patience with your pet and yourself. All things are difficult before they become easy!
3. Introduce Toothpaste to Your Dog/Cat
Use your fingers or gauze to rub a bit of toothpaste over her teeth. Once she is familiar with the taste and associates it as a positive activity, you may introduce the toothbrush.
4. Introduce The Toothbrush to Your Dog/Cat
Do this at playtime, for your pet to smell and see the toothbrush as a non-threatening object. Put some toothpaste on it for her to smell.
5. Start Brushing Your Pet's Teeth
Place your pet under your arm and hold gently. Lift her lips and brush the front teeth very gently for a few seconds, praise her and release. Then pet her and play with her a little. It is normal for gums to bleed slightly especially if you have not brushed your pet’s teeth for a while.
6. Brush Deeper to Clean Your Pet's Teeth
Gradually work your way to the back upper and lower teeth (carnassial teeth). Take breaks and stop once your pet shows signs of stress. With time, you should be able to brush the anterior sides of the teeth too!
Some Dos & Don'ts
Do be patient. This takes time but once your pet gets used to it, brushing will be a breeze.
Do stick to small hard snacks/treats during training. It defeats the purpose of cleaning teeth if you feed them soft food as treats.
Do stop whenever your pet shows signs of stress e.g. struggling vehemently, heavy panting, gums turning blue etc. The point of this exercise is to let them associate brushing as a positive experience.
Do keep brushing after meals. Why? Because you can save a lot of dental fees by consistently remove any food debris stuck in their teeth and prevent plaque build-up.
Don’t use human toothpaste. They are not safe if your pets swallow them. Only use pet toothpaste.
Don’t be rough. Be firm but gentle especially when introducing the toothbrush to their teeth & gums.
Don’t give up. Come visit us if you need help or ask your vet to show you how to brush your pet's teeth.
*Note: Practising how to handle your pet’s mouth is also conditioning her to open her jaws for pills. We highly recommend pet owners to acclimatise pets instead of waiting till medication is actually required.
