How To Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
24th April 2020 | Written by the team at Coquet Vets
Dogs and cats don’t just use their teeth to eat. They are also essential tools for carrying things, playing, and chewing. Here, at Coquet Vets, we strive to provide your pets with oral care and treatment to the highest of standards. Our vet team have a genuine interest in this area and we have a dedicated dental suite, ensuring that your pets get the best care possible.
Whilst your pets will benefit from our free of charge dental check-ups, we also encourage home care in-between check-ups to maximise your pet’s dental health. Just like you and I, brushing teeth is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene and healthy teeth. However, this is not always the easiest thing to do when you are brushing the teeth of an excitable and wriggly little pet that won’t sit still!
To help you to do this, here is our step-by-step guide to brushing your pet’s teeth. All you need is a small baby toothbrush or a finger toothbrush and some pet friendly toothpaste. Brushing a pet’s teeth is also akin to training, so getting some treats for your pet to reward good behaviour and progress is also recommended. You can easily buy dog or cat toothpaste, but don’t worry if you don’t have any. Just using water will be okay, as proper brushing is the most important thing. Whatever you do, never, ever use human toothpaste of any kind! Human toothpaste is poisonous to your pets.
Once you have the brush, pet friendly toothpaste, and treats you are ready to get started!
Step 1 – Create a good environment
Make sure you’re in a comfortable spot for you and your pet. Try to do this at a convenient time so you aren’t rushing the brushing and add it into the daily routine of your pet.
Step 2 – Test if they are willing
Test your pet’s willingness to have their teeth brushed by lifting up their lip fold and touching their gums with your finger. Be cautious! Any snarling or growling - STOP.
You may need to get your pet comfortable with this over a few sessions before moving on to step 3.
Step 3 – Test the toothpaste
Test the toothpaste (if you have it) to see if your pet accepts it. Place a small amount on your finger and let your pet taste it. If they lick it, try rubbing a small amount on their gums and teeth. If they accept it and seem to like it, you can move on to step 4.
Step 4 – Start brushing
When your pet is used to you opening and touching their mouth, apply the toothpaste (if you have it) to the toothbrush. Start by lifting up the lip fold and slowly do circular movements with the toothbrush over each of the canine teeth (these are the biggest teeth at the front, with two of them on both the bottom and upper jaw).
Angle the bristles so they can also reach the gum line. You may notice some light bleeding. If you are concerned about the bleeding, stop and call your vet for advice.
Step 5 – Keep brushing
Brush a few teeth at a time, working up to more teeth each day. Aim for two minutes of brushing time. If your pet will let you, try brushing the insides, but don’t worry if they will only let you keep to the outside.
Step 6 - Be reassuring
Talk to your pet throughout brushing and tell them what you are doing. Take your time and don’t get frustrated if your pet does not let you – just stop and try again another day. It’s not something your pet will be used to, so it can take a while to train your pet to be comfortable with getting their teeth brushed. It will not happen overnight, but they will get used to it and be more comfortable with it if you are patient and reassure them each time you are brushing.
Step 7 – Reward good behaviour
Always end on a positive note. Reward your pet with appraisal and a treat each time you brush their teeth – especially when you are just starting out with the brushing. Carrots are a great alternative to dental sticks.
Good luck and take your time. Why not let us know how you get on. If you have any advice or tips, please share them on our Facebook page.
