Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
As much as we put it off, it’s vital to brush your dog’s teeth several times a week. Our veterinary dentist recommends daily, but as much as I try, I usually average 3-4 times per week. Brushing your dog’s teeth should be quick and easy, and without force. Check out these positive training tips!
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
This is easily the most important step because if your dog hates it, then you’re less likely to brush your dog’s teeth. Children are taught to accept teeth brushing as a normal part of their daily routine.
Practice each step for a few days with 5 reps of each. Once your dog will easily complete each step, move on to the next step.
Introducing a Toothbrush
- Using a VOHC-approved toothbrush, hold it in front of your dog and click/treat when he looks at it.
- Now click/treat when he touches it with his mouth or nose.
Putting a Toothbrush in a Dog’s Mouth
- Put dog-approved toothpaste on the toothbrush and place it in front of your dog. Most doggie toothpastes are flavored so your dog will lick the toothpaste off the brush. This is a good thing, as your dog is actually cleaning his tongue. 🙂
- Place toothbrush with toothpaste in your dog’s mouth. You’re not brushing yet, just placing the brush in his mouth. Click and treat as the toothbrush touches your dog’s mouth.
- If your dog is uncomfortable with you touching his mouth, check out this article.
Brushing Teeth
- Place toothbrush with paste in your dog’s mouth and brush 1-2 teeth and end session. Click and treat as you’re brushing the second tooth.
- Continue to extend teeth brushing sessions until you’re able to brush one side of your dog’s mouth.
- Now, try brushing the other side of your dog’s mouth.
- Lastly, brush both sides.
More:
Small Dog Dental Care Tips
Large Dog Dental Care Tips
5 Reasons Why You Need a Dog Dentist
Why You Should Get Pet Insurance