Regular toothbrushing is an important part of your dog’s dental care regimen. Find out how to get her to accept and even enjoy the procedure.
Dental disease is common in dogs, but there are many ways to help prevent it, from feeding the correct diet and special dental treats, to water additives and oral sprays. In addition, though, it’s a good idea to brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis. Here’s how to train your pooch to accept and even enjoy toothbrushing in six simple steps!
For puppies
Slow and steady always wins the race for puppies, since the biggest challenge is to help her stay still and keep her from getting too “bitey”. Start with these steps and always go at your youngster’s pace and comfort level.
- Start when your puppy is somewhat relaxed, not when she’s ready to have a “zoomie” session.
- Place a dab of pet toothpaste or coconut oil on your finger (always use toothpaste especially formulated for dogs — never human toothpaste). Allow her to sniff and lick your finger. Repeat twice. Do this once a day for a few days. Move to the second step once your puppy is eagerly anticipating this first step.
- Now, instead of just having your pup lick the dab off, slide your finger into her mouth as she’s licking and massage one side of her gums for just a second or two. Repeat on the other side. Continue this process daily. Once you are easily sliding your finger along her gums, continue to Step 4.
- Once your puppy is accepting a little gum massage, start to pay attention to massaging each tooth.
- If you started with coconut oil to help encourage her taste enjoyment, switch to a half coconut oil/half pet toothpaste mix and start to wean off the coconut oil.
- Transition from your finger to your brushing tool of choice. Depending on your puppy’s mouth structure, you might use a baby toothbrush, a finger toothbrush, a glove with nubs, or even a gauze pad. Don’t forget to clean the toothbrush after each brushing.
Tip: Whatever the age of your dog, be gentle when brushing his teeth. For optimum success, you don’t want to cause him any discomfort.
For adult dogs
Before training your adult dog, take him for a dental exam at the veterinarian’s office, where they will check for, and deal with, any decaying or chipped teeth or severely inflamed gums.
While following the six steps below, pay attention to your dog’s emotions and behaviour. Again, the goal is to go at his comfort level so he is happy at each step.
- Find something sticky and tasty that your dog loves, like canned pet food, coconut oil, or pureed meat.
- Ideally, sit on the floor with your dog. Engage with him, showing him that he has a tasty treat coming up. Dab it on your finger, while saying things like: “Are you ready for this tasty snack?” Bring your hand and the yummy mixture down to his level, but not extended to him. You want him to approach you. Allow him to sniff your hand and lick. Repeat this step with two dabs. If your dog doesn’t show interest in the mix, try something else next time. Do this every day for as many days as needed. Don’t move to the next step until your dog is anticipating the process, coming to lick off the dab and looking for more.
- Once he’s completely happy with Step 2, gently slip your finger inside his mouth for one second and then back out. Do this once during each dab-licking session. Once he shows no concern about your finger sliding along his gums, move to the next step.
- Start to massage his teeth and gums during your brushing sessions, using one dab for each side of the mouth. Continue this process once a day until your dog is happily and easily having his teeth massaged with your finger.
- Gradually transition from a food dab to pet toothpaste. Start with half-and-half of each and slowly decrease the food until you’re only using pet toothpaste.
- Now it’s time to move to your toothbrush of choice. It will depend on your dog’s current dental and oral situation, and the structure of his mouth. If he is missing teeth, your veterinarian may recommend using gauze. You can also buy toothbrushes specifically designed for pets, or a finger glove with nubs.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Tonya Wilhelm is a dog training and cat care specialist who has traveled the US promoting positive ways of preventing and managing behavior issues with a holistic approach. Named one of the top ten dog trainers in the US, she has helped thousands build happy relationships with their dogs using humane, positive training methods. She wrote Proactive Puppy Care and other books. Tonya offers group and private dog training classes, provides training and behavior services via phone and online, and does workshops at pet expos. raisingyourpetsnaturally.com
