Many dogs simply don’t respond well to someone touching their mouths or trying to brush their teeth. They might snap at you, bite the brush, or run away. It might seem impossible sometimes, but trust us—brushing your dog’s teeth is worth the effort. 

Plaque buildup causes many of the same dental problems in dogs as it does in humans. Since dogs can’t brush their own teeth, most of them develop some kind of dental disease by the time they’re three years old. If you want to spare your dog from the pain of tooth loss, brushing their teeth is one of the best things you can do.

So how do you get your dog to let you brush their teeth? We know it’s tricky—our veterinarians offer a few toothbrush training tips below.

Training Your Dog to Tolerate the Toothbrush

Getting Started

First, you’ll need the right kind of toothbrush and toothpaste. Make sure to choose dog-specific products, so you don’t end up hurting your pet’s mouth or making them sick. Human toothpaste is not meant for dogs. You’ll also need to make sure you have the right size of toothbrush for your dog’s age or breed. If you’re at all uncertain about what to buy, your veterinarian will be happy to give you advice. 

Next, try to find a brand of dental treats that your dog enjoys. They’re no substitute for brushing, but they will help remove plaque and keep your dog’s teeth a little cleaner until they get used to a toothbrush. You can also use them as rewards to encourage good behavior during the tooth-brushing process.

Three Tips for Toothbrush Training 

1: Start When They’re a Puppy

The sooner you start brushing your dog’s teeth, the better. If you make a habit of it when they’re still a puppy, they’ll accept it as a normal part of the day. This will make it much easier to keep their teeth healthy and strong when they grow up. Just make sure to use a brush that’s small enough for your puppy’s mouth.

2: For Adult Dogs, Start with a Finger Brush

If you’re trying to introduce an adult dog to tooth brushing, it’s best to take it slow. Make sure they’re comfortable and relaxed, then start with touching their lips and lifting them up. Gradually work up to using a finger brush and then a toothbrush.

A silicone finger brush won’t do much in the plaque-removal department. However, it will help your dog get used to you touching their teeth and gums. It also feels “tickly” like a toothbrush, so they won’t be surprised by a new sensation when you eventually make the switch.

3: Bribe Your Dog with Treats

When it comes to plaque removal, brushing your dog’s teeth is three times more effective than giving them a dental chew. However, when you add dental treats to your dog’s brushing routine, their teeth will be even cleaner. 

Ideally, dental treats make the best bribes. In the beginning if you need to use a few bits of a regular dog treat, that’s fine. It’s all about making toothbrushing more enjoyable for your dog. If they need their favorite treats to get through it, that’s okay. What matters is that the toothbrush is reaching and cleaning all their teeth.  

Is Your Dog Due for a Checkup?

Dogs should get a veterinary examination at least once a year. If you live in the Gilbert area, schedule an appointment at Anasazi Animal Clinic. Our vets are here to help you keep your pets happy and healthy. During the exam, we’ll check up on your pet’s physical and dental health. And if you have any questions about how to get your dog to let you brush their teeth, please let us know!

Photo by Andriyko Podilnyk on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons License for Commercial Use 9/18/24.