It’s an unfortunate fact that nearly 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have periodontal disease by the age of 3! The single most effective way to keep your pet’s gums healthy and plaque controlled is to brush their teeth every day, and the time to start is when they are still young.
Although it may seem daunting, with patience most dogs and cats will eventually accept having their teeth brushed. Associating rewards with the sessions, before, during and after, can help keep dental care a positive event.
Choose a quiet time and place to begin. For small dogs and cats, simply hold your pet on your lap, facing away from you. For larger dogs, you should sit on a chair or the floor and have them sit beside you so that you can comfortably handle their mouth and teeth. You will likely need to repeat each of the steps below many times before moving on to the next step. Only move to the next step once your pet is completely comfortable!
- First, let your pet become accustomed to having their face and mouth touched. This is the most important step and will set the foundation for a positive tooth-brushing experience for both you and your pet! Briefly and gently touch your pet's face and mouth and then give them a reward (treat, praise, pats, playtime or a combination). Once your pet associates good things with your touching their face, you are ready to move on to the following steps.
- Lift the lips and apply a food-flavored toothpaste on the outer surfaces of the teeth. If your pet resists, you might want to try beginning with something yummy, like fish paste or fish oil for cats or peanut butter for dogs. Be careful to apply it on the outside surfaces of the teeth to avoid being accidentally bitten. Go slowly and do this many times until your pet becomes comfortable and learns that your lifting their lip means yummy treats. Only move on once your pet is completely comfortable with this step.
- Pet toothpastes come in a variety of flavors, so it may take some trial and error to find one your pet likes. Let your pet taste the toothpaste by first giving them a little bit from your finger. (Never use human toothpaste—it’s not designed to be swallowed and has ingredients like fluoride that will make your pet ill.)
- Once your pet has accepted the taste of the toothpaste, apply a small amount to a soft cloth or gauze square and gently rub it over their teeth. For the first few lessons, it’s best to rub the cloth along just a few teeth rather than the whole mouth, especially if your pet is unsure or nervous about the process.
- After your pet is accepting of your rubbing their teeth with a cloth, it’s time to start using a toothbrush. Always use a soft toothbrush or pet toothbrush. Medium or firm toothbrushes may damage your pet’s sensitive gums. Wet the toothbrush with some warm water before beginning and gently brush using a circular motion at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Keep focusing on the outer surfaces of the teeth—there is no need to open the mouth wide to get to the inside of the teeth.
Expert Tip: Smear some toothpaste on the teeth as you near the end to avoid having your pet chewing on the toothbrush while you finish.
- Keep it fun! Positive reinforcement is key to getting your pet to look forward to this daily routine.
Ready to give it a go? Shop pet-friendly toothbrushes, toothpastes and other dental supplies today! >>
