How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth Principles:

• Make it enjoyable for your pet

• Focus on the molar and canine (“fang”) teeth

• Concentrate on brushing the outside (cheek side) of the teeth

• Keep introductory sessions short- 5 seconds, and work up to 2 minutes/day

Equipment:

• Use toothpaste specially formulated for pets (DO NOT USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE)

• Use appropriate sized toothbrush or finger brush

Steps:

• Introduce your pet to the flavored toothpaste.  Let them lick it off your finger without trying to brush their teeth.  Immediately following this task, give your pet something that it enjoys (a special treat, praise, etc.) so that they associate brushing with something good.  Do this several times each day until you pet accepts the toothpaste 

• Next, introduce the appropriate sized toothbrush/finger brush to your pet by placing toothpaste onto the brush and let them lick it off.  Do this everyday until they feel comfortable with the brush

• Now, introduce brushing by lifting up the lips of your pet and gently brushing the outside of the teeth.  Concentrate on the molars and canine (“fang”) teeth along the gum line.  Your pet may only allow you to do this for a few seconds.  Reward your pet for allowing tooth brushing

• Every day, gradually increase the time you spend brushing.  Ideally, you should brush your pet’s teeth every day for 1-2 minutes 

Tips:

• Remember to be patient with your pet during each step.  It may take months before your pet will accept tooth brushing

• ALWAYS associate tooth brushing with something your pet enjoys 

• If possible, introduce your pet to brushing as puppies or kittens

• Even with home care, a pet should still have regular dental exams by your veterinarian