Download Home Brushing for Dogs and Cats

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.