By Wikihow
Get your dog its own toothbrush. Never share your toothbrush with your dog. Do not use one of your cast-offs. While that may sound funny, it's important to start with a new, clean toothbrush.
Look for a toothbrush that's specifically designed for dogs. If you have a bigger dog, look for a bigger doggie toothbrush. If you have a smaller dog, look for a smaller doggie toothbrush.
In addition to "regular" toothbrushes for dogs, you might also find a finger brush helpful. Finger brushes fit over your fingers and offer more precision, but also keep alive the possibility that your dog accidentally bites down on your finger.
Try out different toothpastes specifically made for dogs. Getting the right kind of toothpaste is one of the most important steps in making your dog enjoy the process, and by extension, making the ordeal easier on you.
Choose an opportune time to begin the toothbrushing. Think about trying to brush your dog's teeth right after they've run around or exercised; your dog will be less willing to fight you because they're more tired.
Get your dog its own toothbrush. Never share your toothbrush with your dog. Do not use one of your cast-offs. While that may sound funny, it's important to start with a new, clean toothbrush.
Look for a toothbrush that's specifically designed for dogs. If you have a bigger dog, look for a bigger doggie toothbrush. If you have a smaller dog, look for a smaller doggie toothbrush.
In addition to "regular" toothbrushes for dogs, you might also find a finger brush helpful. Finger brushes fit over your fingers and offer more precision, but also keep alive the possibility that your dog accidentally bites down on your finger.
Try out different toothpastes specifically made for dogs. Getting the right kind of toothpaste is one of the most important steps in making your dog enjoy the process, and by extension, making the ordeal easier on you.
Choose an opportune time to begin the toothbrushing. Think about trying to brush your dog's teeth right after they've run around or exercised; your dog will be less willing to fight you because they're more tired.
Try to brush every day. Brushing your dog's teeth every day is ideal, and will stave off infections such as periodontal disease that may materially affect other parts of your dog's health. If you can't brush your dog's teeth every day, shoot for at least once or twice a week.
Smaller dogs, or those with short snouts, such as shitsu or bulldogs, require more frequent toothbrushing because their teeth are jammed into a smaller space. This increases the likelihood of plaque and tartar buildup.
Smaller dogs, or those with short snouts, such as shitsu or bulldogs, require more frequent toothbrushing because their teeth are jammed into a smaller space. This increases the likelihood of plaque and tartar buildup.
The more often you brush your dog's teeth, the more often they'll get accustomed to your hands in and around their mouth. This will make it easier to brush their teeth over time.
Get your puppy to become accustomed to hands in his mouth. Try this slowly, especially if (s)he is aggressive! Do it slowly, ideally with another friend or family member by your side petting and pacifying your dog.
Show the toothbrush to your dog. Most dogs need to inspect the toothbrush before allowing you to put it in their mouth. While showing it to your dog, tell him/her what it is for.
Gently brush a canine tooth without toothpaste. Let the dog get used to the feeling first. The canine tooth, the longest tooth on either side of the front four teeth, is the easiest tooth to reach. Carefully lift the lip and insert the toothbrush. Next gently brush that one tooth to gauge how well your dog will take to this brushing procedure.
Get your puppy to become accustomed to hands in his mouth. Try this slowly, especially if (s)he is aggressive! Do it slowly, ideally with another friend or family member by your side petting and pacifying your dog.
Show the toothbrush to your dog. Most dogs need to inspect the toothbrush before allowing you to put it in their mouth. While showing it to your dog, tell him/her what it is for.
Gently brush a canine tooth without toothpaste. Let the dog get used to the feeling first. The canine tooth, the longest tooth on either side of the front four teeth, is the easiest tooth to reach. Carefully lift the lip and insert the toothbrush. Next gently brush that one tooth to gauge how well your dog will take to this brushing procedure.
Let him lick some toothpaste off your finger. This is a good way to introduce the dog to what you'll be using. Even older dogs can learn this way, and it very well could whet their appetite.
Once you've brushed a couple teeth and let your dog taste the toothpaste, add toothpaste to your brush. Again, do not use human toothpaste; this will make your dog sick. Use toothpaste for dogs; many come in attractive flavors, like beef or chicken.
Try some beef flavored dog toothpaste on a finger. If those hands have something that tastes and smells good, it is a lot easier.
Rub the dog's gums on both sides and in the front.
Once you've brushed a couple teeth and let your dog taste the toothpaste, add toothpaste to your brush. Again, do not use human toothpaste; this will make your dog sick. Use toothpaste for dogs; many come in attractive flavors, like beef or chicken.
Try some beef flavored dog toothpaste on a finger. If those hands have something that tastes and smells good, it is a lot easier.
Rub the dog's gums on both sides and in the front.
Gently brush the gum line around all the teeth. Encourage and speak gently to him or her. Do a little at a time. He will continue to enjoy the taste of the flavored toothpaste.
Note: You do not need to brush on the inside of the dog's teeth. The dog's tongue, by and large, will take care of plaque there. As long as you are diligent about brushing the outside of the dog's teeth, they should be fine.
Use an alternative "better than nothing" approach, if necessary. If your dog won’t tolerate brushing, put some dog toothpaste on a small section of old worn washcloth (the thinner the better) and wrap it around your finger. Then rub the outside of his teeth, concentrating on the largest tooth in the upper jaw. Don’t worry about the inside of the teeth or the lower jaw. Even if you can only do this once a week it should help immensely.
Note: You do not need to brush on the inside of the dog's teeth. The dog's tongue, by and large, will take care of plaque there. As long as you are diligent about brushing the outside of the dog's teeth, they should be fine.
Use an alternative "better than nothing" approach, if necessary. If your dog won’t tolerate brushing, put some dog toothpaste on a small section of old worn washcloth (the thinner the better) and wrap it around your finger. Then rub the outside of his teeth, concentrating on the largest tooth in the upper jaw. Don’t worry about the inside of the teeth or the lower jaw. Even if you can only do this once a week it should help immensely.
Bring your dog to the vet if all else fails. If your dog simply will not accept you cleaning his teeth, bring him to the vet and have it done for you.
Schedule an "anesthesia free" teeth cleaning at your vet. The minimum charge for anesthesia, which can be dangerous, is around $500. If you schedule a monthly anesthesia-free teeth cleaning, your dog's teeth will be much better off, but for a fee.
Let your dog chew on raw meaty bones. Raw meaty bones have been dog's (other) best friend since the dawn of dog. They can wrap around some teeth and their abrasive texture has the ability to gently grind away on plaque. Poultry bones are typically used for all sizes of dogs.
Schedule an "anesthesia free" teeth cleaning at your vet. The minimum charge for anesthesia, which can be dangerous, is around $500. If you schedule a monthly anesthesia-free teeth cleaning, your dog's teeth will be much better off, but for a fee.
Let your dog chew on raw meaty bones. Raw meaty bones have been dog's (other) best friend since the dawn of dog. They can wrap around some teeth and their abrasive texture has the ability to gently grind away on plaque. Poultry bones are typically used for all sizes of dogs.
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