How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth with Crusoe the Dachshund, by Crusoe the Dachshund on YouTube. 6 min 35 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 35 s
- Time to do it
- 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Sit back on a couch or bed with your knees up. Tuck the dog between your legs so its body has little room to move and its head faces you.
Place one hand over the snout and a finger under the chin. This stops the dog from throwing its head back while you work.
Lift the lip and gently open the mouth. Keep one finger inside, either pressing the tongue down or pushing it to the side.
You can also lay a finger across the mouth like a crossbar to hold it open. Keep the pressure light and stop if the dog struggles.
Put dog toothpaste on the brush. Never use human toothpaste, since the fluoride and xylitol can harm dogs.
Brush back and forth, side to side, and in small circles. Cover the outside, inside and top of every tooth.
Rest the bristles on the tooth near the gum line and make tiny circles. This nudges debris out from between teeth and slightly under the gum.
Work around the whole mouth until every side of every tooth is brushed. Praise and give a treat at the end.
Tips and common mistakes
Brush every day, since occasional brushing does little for plaque buildup.
Brushing does not replace vet cleanings, which reach under the gums and between teeth.
Start with short sessions and build up if your dog is new to the brush.
Use a brush sized for small mouths so you can reach the back teeth.
Questions
Can I use my own toothpaste on my dog?
No. Human toothpaste can contain fluoride and xylitol, which are toxic to dogs. Use toothpaste made for dogs.
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
Daily is the goal, and twice a day is even better. Brushing once a week does little to control plaque.
Does brushing mean my dog can skip vet dental cleanings?
No. A brush cannot clean under the gums or fully between teeth, so keep up with vet checkups and cleanings.
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.
