Don't Skip This! How to Brush a Difficult Dog's Teeth, by Dr. Lisa | VetCare on YouTube. 15 min 1 s.
- Video length
- 15 min 1 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes a day for a week
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Never use human toothpaste. It can contain xylitol and fluoride, which are toxic to dogs. Buy a dog toothpaste with the VOHC seal on the label instead.
Pick a tool your dog tolerates. A finger brush or gauze wrapped around your finger suits small or nervous dogs. A soft baby toothbrush works for larger mouths.
Start the 7-day desensitization plan. On day one, just let your dog lick toothpaste off your finger. Add a little mouth handling each day.
Lift the lip gently and touch the teeth and gums with your finger for a few seconds. Praise and treat, then stop before your dog pulls away.
Once your dog accepts touching, brush a few teeth at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line. Use small circles and short back-and-forth strokes.
Work along the outer surfaces of the upper and lower teeth on both sides. Aim for about 30 seconds per side, and skip the inner surfaces at first.
Brush daily if you can. Three times a week is the minimum for real tartar control. Keep sessions short and end with a treat.
If gums bleed a little at first, keep sessions gentle and short. If bleeding continues for more than a week, or your dog has bad breath or loose teeth, book a vet check.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not force your dog's mouth open. Brush only the outer tooth surfaces, which is where tartar builds most.
Stop a session the moment your dog gets tense, and try again later. Short, calm sessions beat long battles.
Senior dogs and dogs with sore mouths may need a vet check before you start brushing.
Chews and dental diets help, but they do not replace brushing.
Questions
Can I use my own toothpaste on my dog?
No. Human toothpaste can contain xylitol and fluoride, which are dangerous for dogs. Use a toothpaste made for dogs.
What if my dog totally refuses brushing?
Try gauze on your finger, dental wipes or VOHC-approved dental chews as a fallback. Ask your vet about a professional cleaning if tartar is heavy.
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
Daily is best. Three times a week is the realistic minimum to slow tartar buildup.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
