Step-by-Step Guide: Brushing Your Pet's Teeth

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1. Get used to handling

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 play

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.

*You might have to repeat Steps 1 - 2 several times before going to Step 3.

Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy. - Saadi Shirazi, Persian Poet

3. Introduce toothpaste 

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 toothbrush

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

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

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!

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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. 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 it really pays off.

Don’t use human toothpaste. They are not safe if your pets swallow them. Only use animal 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.

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.

Finally, the above applies to cats too!