How to Brush Your Pet's TeethOral Care is Essential to Your Pet's Health
Be patient, start slowly, and use a lot of praise.
Handle your pet’s mouth and lips.
One minute the first day, two minutes the second day and so on. After a few days, start to use a clean cloth to gently rub your pet’s teeth and gums.
Flavor this cloth with something your pet likes, for example tuna juice for cats and beef or chicken broth for dogs.
Rub the outside surface of the teeth with the mouth closed. Do not worry about the tongue side. Praise your pet all the while.
After a few days, replace the cloth with a soft or very soft pediatric toothbrush or special pet toothbrush. Wet the toothbrush with the same flavoring used on the cloth.
Brush gently back and forth, while praising your pet.
Over the next week, start to water down the flavoring until you are using plain water.
Finally, use a pet specific toothpaste on a regular basis (at least twice a week). Human toothpaste contains both fluoride and foaming agents, which can make your pet ill. Our clinic carries toothbrush and toothpaste products that are safe for your pet.
For a “how to” video that might be helpful, please click on these links:
Please phone the clinic if you have any questions, or to inquire about the preventative dental care options that we offer!