Just like humans, the dental health of a dog is extremely important. Pet Dental Health Month just passed so we are a bit late writing this article on training your dog on how to brush their teeth. Nevertheless, training your dog now to get comfortable with brushing will help them keep healthy teeth down the road. There are several problems that can occur when you ignore a dog’s dental health. Tooth extractions are painful and can cost a lot of money. Read on to learn some techniques on training your dog on how to brush their teeth.
What you’ll need to brush your dog’s teeth.
- Pet-friendly toothpaste: Dog-friendly toothpaste can be found at your local veterinarian or pet supply store. It usually comes in flavors such as peanut butter and chicken. Never use human toothpaste on your dog!
- Your dog’s favorite treat: Treats are a positive way to keep your pet motivated. Pick the snack that you know they’ll love, and it will make the training process for teeth brushing easier.
- A pet toothbrush: Many owners opt for the finger toothbrush, but you can experiment with different kinds to see which works best for you and your dog. Just be sure to grab something that isn’t harsh on your dog’s gums.
Get your dog acclimated to toothbrushing.
The message should be simple when you are starting the process of training your dog on how to brush their teeth, toothbrush = equals their favorite treats. The positive association between the treat and the toothbrush will make future brushings a breeze. The first step is to have your dog sit still for a few minutes and then give her a treat.
After she learns to sit still, you can gently lift her gums on the left side and then give her another treat. Rub your dog’s gums with your fingers give them one more treat. Always move slowly and don’t use the toothbrush quite yet. If your dog starts to pull away, give them a break and try again later.
Start brushing with your finger.
Don’t start your first brushings with the toothbrush. Use your finger with toothpaste on it instead. Again, if your dog seems uncomfortable, don’t push them. After they are used to the sensation of brushing with your finger, you can start getting them used to the actual brush. A good way to get them excited about the brush is to let them lick the toothpaste off of it. Always focus on the top teeth first. They are the easiest to get and should be the only teeth touched during your training periods. Lift the gums gently with your free hand and use your dominant hand to brush down and away from your dog’s gums.
Brushing your dog’s whole mouth.
Once your dog is completely comfortable with the toothbrush and having their teeth brushed, you can move on to the lower teeth. The lower teeth might be harder to brush so be sure not to move too quickly. Never forget to use those treats liberally!
The Perfect Pup, LLC – A Professional Dog Training Facility in Deep River, CT.