How to clean your dogs teeth, by Pooch and Mutt on YouTube. 1 min.
- Video length
- 1 min
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Pick a quiet moment when your dog is relaxed, and have the toothbrush and dog toothpaste ready before you start.
Let your dog sniff the toothbrush and lick a little dog toothpaste off your finger. Reward calm behaviour with a treat.
Lift the lip gently to see the outer surfaces of the teeth. Only brush the outside faces, not the inner side.
Put a pea-sized amount of dog toothpaste on the brush and brush the back molars first, in small circles.
Work along the gum line on both sides, brushing the upper and lower teeth for a few seconds each.
Keep sessions short at first, around 30 seconds, and stop before your dog gets restless.
Finish with praise and a treat, then rinse the toothbrush and store it somewhere clean.
Repeat daily or at least several times a week so the habit sticks and plaque does not build up.
Tips and common mistakes
Never use human toothpaste, as fluoride and xylitol are toxic to dogs.
Start with just a finger and toothpaste for the first few days if your dog resists the brush.
Check for red gums, bad breath or loose teeth and book a vet visit if you spot them.
Brush at the same time each day so your dog learns the routine.
Questions
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
Daily is ideal, but three to four times a week still helps control plaque. Short, regular sessions beat one long weekly brush.
Can I use human toothpaste on my dog?
No. Human toothpaste can contain fluoride or xylitol, which are harmful to dogs. Always use toothpaste made for dogs.
What if my dog won't let me brush its teeth?
Build up slowly with toothpaste on your finger, then a finger brush, then a soft dog toothbrush. Reward each small step and keep sessions under a minute.
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.
