How do I brush my dog’s teeth?

A Guide To Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Taking care of your dog’s teeth is an important part of their overall health and wellbeing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to brushing your dog’s teeth at home.

1. Get the Right Gear

You’ll need the following to ensure your dog’s teeth are properly cleaned:

A Finger Brush: An easy-to-grip finger brush made for dogs is ideal for the job.

Pet Toothpaste: Various flavours are available, all of which are safe for dogs, such as chicken flavour, beef and fish.

A Soft Cloth: For wiping away excess toothpaste.

2. Start Slowly

Begin by introducing your pet to their new equipment in a comfortable setting. Let them sniff it, touch it and get used to the sensation before you encourage them to open their mouth.

3. Build the Habit

Once comfortable, encourage them to open their mouth wider and for longer, by softly tapping and massaging the area around their mouth using your finger or the brush. This will help them get used to the feeling and make it easier to apply toothpaste.

4. Use the Right Technique

Gently brush or wipe the teeth in circles, using the brush and/or cloth. Make sure you brush both the inside and outside of the teeth. As with humans, the back teeth are the most important, so pay special attention to those.

5. Clean Up

Once you’re done, rinse your dog’s mouth with water and wipe away any excess toothpaste with a cloth.

6. Reward Your Dog

Remember to reward your pet throughout the process, as this will make them more comfortable. Give them plenty of praise, strokes and treats so that the process becomes easier and your dog enjoys it.

By following these steps and making sure you brush their teeth regularly, your dog’s teeth will stay healthy and your pet will enjoy the process.

Good luck!