Brushing Your Dog's Teeth: Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Start slowly, initially concentrating on rubbing or brushing the outside of the upper molars. You don’t have to cover every surface of every tooth every time - go slow and give tons and tons of praise. You can even start by using a little bit of peanut butter before progressing to a veterinary-approved toothpaste. Dogs find comfort in routine, so a little planning can go a long way!

1.) Assemble what you’ll need:

Use your finger, a finger “brush,” a small pet toothbrush, or even a used child-sized toothbrush. Go slow at first and pick the tool that your dog likes best.

Never use human toothpaste. These can cause stomach upset. Only use a good-quality pet toothpaste. These come in dog-friendly flavors like peanut butter or poultry and contain enzymes that help break the plaque down before it has a chance to turn into tartar.

2.) Try to brush your dog’s teeth in the same place in your home every time.

3.) Use a “key phrase” to give them a head’s up (e.g. “c’mon Snoopy, it’s time to brush your teeth!”)

4.) Try to catch them in a nice calm, chill mood (not right after playing or exercising)

5.) Make the experience super positive!

Reward them verbally with tons of praise during and after brushing. Also include nonverbal praise by patting their head and scratching behind their ears. And don’t forget to end with a treat!

It’s a good idea to reserve a special treat for after you’ve brushed your dog’s teeth, trimmed their nails, cleaned their ears, etc. If this is the only time they get that special treat, they’ll learn to expect that reward.

Another helpful tip is to give your pup some sort of dental chew at bedtime. Greenies, Dentastix, and Oravet are like a really hard taffy candy that helps pull the plaque and food residue off before it has time to turn into tartar.

Follow these simple steps and before you know it, brushing your dog’s teeth will become a happy, routine part of their life. And you’ll be confident that tartar, gum disease, and bad breath will be prevented in a fun way.

Read more:

Everything You Need to Know About Your Dog’s Dental Health

Keeping Your Tiny Dog Healthy: Dental Care Edition

Dental and Oral Anatomy in Dogs

Need to speak with a veterinarian regarding your dog’s teeth or another condition?

Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores.