A step-by-step guide to brushing your dog’s teeth
When just starting, there are four basic yet essential steps to brushing your dog’s teeth:
STEP 1: Place your non-dominant hand in a ‘C-shape’ around your pet’s muzzle to close the mouth. With the mouth completely closed, gently lift the upper lip on the side of the mouth you plan to brush.
STEP 2: Use toothpaste that is formulated for dogs. Apply a pea-sized amount of paste with your finger around the gum and outside surfaces of the teeth. Do this without a brush at first to get your dog used to having his teeth touched and also to show him that the toothpaste tastes nice! Once your dog is comfortable with this step, you can move on to Step 3.
STEP 3: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and dampen the bristles with water. Then, place the brush at the level where the teeth and gums meet. Be sure to angle the bristles of the brush at 45 degrees in relation to the gumline to brush along and even just underneath the sulcus.
STEP 4: Move the brush in a circular motion, applying mild pressure on the surfaces (enamel) of the teeth on the outside. Be careful not to use too much pressure as this can irritate or damage the gums. Please note that mild bleeding may occur during the first several episodes of brushing. This is normal.
STEP 5: Always remember that when you are finished brushing your dog’s teeth, reward them with their favourite treat or give them extra love and attention.
