How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth: Step-by-Step Vet Guide, by My Best Friend Veterinary Center on YouTube. 3 min 26 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 26 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Choose a dog toothbrush that fits your dog's mouth. A finger brush works well for small dogs, and a soft-bristled brush with a long handle suits larger dogs.
Pick a toothpaste made for dogs, in a flavor like poultry or peanut butter. Never use human toothpaste, since it can contain xylitol or fluoride that harm dogs.
Start slowly without a brush. Let your dog lick a little dog toothpaste off your finger so it learns the taste is a treat.
Lift your dog's lip and gently rub its teeth and gums with your finger or a finger brush for a few seconds. Praise and reward, then stop.
Repeat the finger rub for a few days, working up to about 30 seconds and reaching the back teeth. Keep sessions short and calm.
Switch to the toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of dog toothpaste. Brush the outer surfaces of the teeth in small circles, starting at the back.
Work along both sides and the front, lifting the lip as needed. Aim for the gum line, where plaque builds up most.
Finish with a treat or praise, then rinse the brush and store it clean. Brush your dog's teeth daily or at least several times a week.
Tips and common mistakes
Stop and try again later if your dog pulls away or seems stressed, so brushing stays a positive experience.
Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth, since the tongue keeps the inner surfaces fairly clean.
Check your dog's gums and teeth as you brush and book a vet visit if you see bleeding, broken teeth or heavy tartar.
Keep sessions short at first, even 10 to 20 seconds counts as progress for a nervous dog.
Questions
Can I use my own toothpaste on my dog?
No. Human toothpaste can contain xylitol, fluoride or foaming agents that are harmful to dogs. Use only toothpaste labeled for pets.
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
Daily brushing is best for controlling plaque. If that is not possible, aim for at least three or four times a week.
What if my dog already has heavy tartar or bleeding gums?
Do not try to scrape it off yourself. See your veterinarian, since painful gums, broken teeth or trouble eating need a professional check.
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.
