At-Home Doggie Dental Care

Annual dental exams with a veterinarian are necessary for your dog’s optimum oral health. Although some procedures should only be done by a professional, you can still take advantage of an at-home dental health care program for added assurance and prevention. Brushing and routine examinations for your dog are two preventative measures that can easily be done at home.

Here are some easy-to-follow steps to brushing your dog’s teeth. This process will start off gradually, but will pick up in no time. Try not to overly restrain your dog because it may imply something negative. Be positive and excited during the process and your dog will be positive and excited as well.

Step-by-Step Guide to Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

*Doggie Dental Tip: The hardest thing is getting started. Once you and your dog have gotten used to the routine, make it a daily occurrence.

1. It’s all about introducing something new and having a positive response. Dip your finger into some beef bouillon and call the dog as if you had a dog treat. Let your dog lick off the liquid, then proceed to gently rub the teeth and gums. Keep it brief. After a few sessions this will be a welcomed occurrence and you can move on.
2. Repeat the first step, but this time; wrap a small strip of gauze around your finger to let your dog become familiar with a new texture. Rub the teeth in a circular motion. Again, keep the sessions brief to avoid discomfort or disinterest. Praise your dog to let it know it’s doing well.
3. After your dog is used to the gauze, you can switch to a dog toothbrush. Before actually brushing, let your dog get used to the texture of the bristles. You can do this by applying something that tastes good to the bristles and having your dog lick it off.
4. Once your dog is familiar with the brush you can introduce a toothpaste or rinse (use pet specific products, DO NOT use human products). Dog toothpastes are generally flavored with poultry or something your dog will immediately enjoy. Let your dog lick it off your finger, then gently rub it over the gums like in Step 1.
5. Now that your dog is used to all the tools you can start brushing. Remember to start small and work your way up. The canines are large and easy to reach. Start with these, then take a break. Increase the number of teeth you brush each session. Stay positive and praise your dog to keep dental health an enjoyable part of your dog’s life.