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DEER RUN ANIMAL HOSPITAL, Inc. www.deerrunanimalhospital.com Home Teeth Brushing for Dogs and Cats It is important to start slowly when introducing pets to teeth brushing. With some time, patience, and positive reinforcement it is possible for owners and pets to learn to tolerate and even enjoy home dental care. For best results, brushing should be done daily. But you may still make a difference even if you only brush a couple times per week. Week 1- Becoming Familiar Begin the first week by massaging the gums with your finger around the muzzle. At first just gently rub the skin and lips outside of the mouth. Give your dog a small treat for allowing you to rub the lips. Next, start gently massaging with your fingers inside the mouth along the gums and teeth. Again treat your dog for allowing this. Gently rub the front incisors, the canines (fang teeth), and the side cheek teeth. It may take some to time for your pet to allow you to reach the back molars. Slowly build on this goal over the next 4 weeks. To reach the molars you will need to insert your fingers inside the pocket of the cheek. If you feel your dog is anxious and may bite, do not put your fingers inside the mouth. Simply continue rubbing from the outside. Week 2- Adding Toothpaste Start offering small amounts of flavored pet toothpaste. Do not use human toothpaste as it can be irritating if swallowed. We recommend enzymatic anti-plaque toothpaste such as CET Pet Toothpaste. Ask us for a sample! It comes in a poultry flavor that most pets like. You can purchase full tubes of this paste from Deer Run Animal Hospital, or similar products from pet stores. Offer the paste like a treat off your fingers. Allow your pet to lick the paste voluntarily. Try not to force it. Let your pet learn the paste is a treat. Be sure to reward with praise when your dog licks the paste. Once your pet enjoys tasting the paste, you can slowly start rubbing your finger with the paste along the gums and teeth. At first you may just rub a few teeth, or just one side of the mouth. Keep the sessions short and fun! If your pet tolerates the brief rubbing with the paste, reward again with praise, or another tasty treat. Get your pet used to the idea that tooth brushing is fun and tastes good! Week 3- The Toothbrush Now that your pet likes the tooth paste, and tolerates rubbing of the gums and teeth, it is time to add in the toothbrush. Many dogs seem to respond well to adding a simple finger toothbrush that slides right over your index finger. You can purchase these finger brushes from Deer Run Animal Hospital and they are also available at pet stores. They can be washed with mild soap and water after each use. Human adult and child toothbrushes have bristles that are too rough. Specially designed pet toothbrushes with soft bristles and long handles are available at pet stores. Round head tooth brushes are most ideal for cats. Week 4- Brushing the Entire Mouth By now your pet should enjoy the taste of the toothpaste, as well allow having you touch their teeth and muzzle area. Continue brushing and gradually lengthen sessions until you can brush the entire mouth. Concentrate on the outer surfaces of the upper and lower the teeth. You don’t have to worry about the insides of the teeth. The tongue does an excellent job of cleaning the inside surfaces of the teeth. Gently rub or brush the teeth in a circular pattern. Your pet will also be stimulated to move their jaws as they try to lick the paste, which helps to allow better access to the back cheek teeth. Remember to frequently praise and offer several small, but really great treats that your pet does not get at any other time. This will help your pet associate the brushing sessions with this very delicious reward. It is ideal to teach young puppies and kittens to allow teeth brushing, but older pets can learn to enjoy this as well. Brushing times should be fun for everyone! If you approach your pet and these sessions as though they are one of the most fun activities you do together, both you and your pet will be happy, and so will the teeth! For more information visit www.deerrunanimalhospital.com and click on the Dental Care section. You will find helpful videos demonstrating these techniques, as well as other articles and handouts on home dental care and products.