How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

June 26, 2010

We now recommend training kittens and puppies to accept having their teeth brushed, a job that's not really that hard even with older dogs and cats. Approach the task with a positive attitude, take it slow and easy, and then follow with something your dog or cat likes -- a play session, petting or a food treat.

STEP 1: Find a quiet, convenient time when you and your dog or cat are relaxed. Introduce a brushing program gradually. Avoid over-restraining your pet and keep brushing sessions short and positive. A cat or small dog can be held in your lap. Praise and reassure your pet throughout the process.

STEP 2: Acquaint your pet with the process. This may take several sessions. Gently stroke the outside of her cheeks with your finger. Once she is comfortable with that, place a dab of dog or cat toothpaste on your finger and let her taste it. Then, once she is comfortable with that, rub the finger gently over her mouth and teeth. Make the initial sessions short and positive.

STEP 3: Gradually, introduce gauze over the finger and gently scrub the teeth in a circular motion. Gauze may work better with cats than a toothbrush. If your cat doesn’t like the toothpaste, consider dipping it in water from some canned tuna or salmon.

STEP 4: Finally, you can introduce a toothbrush with toothpaste designed specifically for pets. Special pet toothbrushes are available in the clinic or from a specialty pet store and are generally smaller and softer than a child’s toothbrush. Pet toothpastes contain enzymes that help dissolve plaque and don't need to be rinsed. They also have a flavor pets appreciate. Never use toothpaste designed for people. It contains sweeteners than can be deadly to your animal. In a slow circular motion, brush one or two teeth and the adjoining gum line. The purpose of this step is to get your dog accustomed to the feel of the brush.

STEP 5: Over the next several days, gradually increase the number of teeth brushed. It is important to eventually brush the rear teeth where plaque and tartar have a greater tendency to accumulate. Go slowly and gently. Stop brushing before your animal begins to fuss. If she learns that fussing makes you stop quicker, then this brushing business is going to get harder, not easier for both of you. Build up to about 30 seconds per side.

When brushing try to angle the brush at a 45 degree angle and brush along the gum line using a circular motion. Concentrate on the molars and canine teeth... they seem to accumulate the most bacterial plaque. The little front teeth, the incisors, are difficult to brush, but a quick rub over the gum junction is helpful. Dogs and cats don't get much tartar on the inside surfaces of their teeth, so you only need to worry about the outside surfaces Be sure to get the big teeth way in back.

STEP 6: As you are brushing her teeth press your pet’s gums for a few seconds then take your finger away. While pressing, note the color of the gum – it should be white where you are pressing. The color should quickly return to pink when you stop pressing the area. If it doesn’t, call the clinic as this may be a sign of gingivitis or a more serious health concern. This is also an excellent time to check for any cracked or broken teeth. If you see any problem teeth give us a call right away.
Proceed slowly and gently. Stop each session while it is still fun and lavishly praise your dog or cat afterwards. She will soon start looking forward to tooth brushing and it will become a pleasant activity for both of you.

Daily brushing is the ideal, but studies show that every other day cleaning provides excellent control of tartar and even twice weekly care is better than no care. Most importantly, this simple routine can help your pet live a longer, healthier life.