How to Brush Puppy's Teeth (for the First Time!) | Argos Clips, by Argos Dog Training on YouTube. 3 min 36 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 36 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Pick a quiet time when your puppy is calm, such as after a walk or play. Sit on the floor so the puppy is not cornered.
Put a small dab of dog toothpaste on your finger and let the puppy lick it. This builds a positive link with the taste.
Rub your finger gently along the outside of the teeth and gums for a few seconds. Stop before the puppy pulls away.
Swap your finger for a finger brush with toothpaste on it. Lift the lip and brush the outer surfaces of the teeth in small circles.
Work along one side, then the other. Keep each pass short and praise or treat the puppy between passes.
Move to a soft dog toothbrush once the puppy accepts the finger brush. Brush the outer tooth surfaces at a 45 degree angle to the gum line.
Finish with a treat and end the session on a good note. Aim for a short session each day and build up the time.
Tips and common mistakes
Never use human toothpaste, as the fluoride and xylitol can harm dogs.
Keep sessions under a minute at first and stop if the puppy struggles, then try again later.
Focus on the outer tooth surfaces, since the tongue keeps the inner sides fairly clean.
Ask your vet to check the teeth and gums if you see bleeding, bad breath or loose teeth.
Questions
Can I use human toothpaste on my puppy?
No. Human toothpaste can contain fluoride and xylitol, which are toxic to dogs. Use toothpaste made for dogs.
How often should I brush my puppy's teeth?
Daily brushing works best for preventing plaque. If that is too much at first, aim for a few short sessions a week and build up.
What if my puppy hates the toothbrush?
Go back to rubbing toothpaste on your finger and reward calm behaviour. Move to the brush only when the puppy is relaxed.
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.
