How To Brush Your Dog's Teeth

VideoJug shows you how to brush your dog's teeth, to keep them healthy and strong.  It is an essential part of pet care, so let VideoJug show you how to do it properly. Enlarge

How To Brush Your Dog's Teeth

VideoJug shows you how to brush your dog's teeth, to keep them healthy and strong. It is an essential part of pet care, so let VideoJug show you how to do it properly.

Step 1: You Will Need

Doggie treats
Pet Toothpaste. Be careful! Human toothpaste can be bad for your dog!
Dog toothbrush, pad or sponge. Again, human toothbrushes may be too firm and harmful for your pet.

Step 2: Open Mouth

The key to doggie tooth brushing is making it fun for your dog. With a leash attached, have the dog sit, and talk to him softly to keep him calm.
Open the dog's mouth. When you are able to do it, praise your dog.

Step 3: Feel The Teeth

Without a brush, get the dog used to you working with his teeth. Put some doggie toothpaste on your finger and gently rub his teeth while he licks your finger. Pet toothpastes are flavored so your dog will like the taste. Remember, this is fun! Offer treats.

Step 4: The Toothbrush

Now, you are ready to start with a toothbrush, dental sponge, or pad. The labels on the various products will tell you what's appropriate for your type of dog.
Then, get your dog used to the consistency and feel of it, especially the bristles of a brush. With a toothbrush, it's a good idea to let the dog play with the brush before it does its work. Let Fido know this brush thing isn't to be feared.

Step 5: Begin Brushing

To brush, talk pleasantly to your dog.

Get a few teeth done—the front ones are easiest to reach-- and praise the dog again.

Then work toward the other teeth. Dogs don't get much tartar on the inside surfaces of their teeth, so you only need to worry about the outside surfaces. Up and down, or side to side motions are fine.
Once brushed, no need to rinse.