START BRUSHING EARLY
8–12 weeks is best. If you brush daily, your pet will be more comfortable and familiar with the routine by the time their permanent teeth erupt. While teething (generally between 4–6 months), their gums may be more tender, so brush gently during this time. Keep in mind that brushing your pet's teeth can be started at any age, so don't fret if you have adopted an older animal. It may take more time for them to get used to the process, but as long as you make it part of the routine, you can teach an old dog (or cat) new tricks!
CHOOSE THE PERFECT TIME TO BRUSH
Be patient and make it fun. Use love and praise, and try to work with your pet at the same time each day to establish a routine. Choose a quiet time, such as late in the evening, or if your pet is food-motivated, try brushing before mealtime so they’ll be rewarded for their cooperation.
GET YOUR PET USED TO HANDLING THEIR MOUTH
Make sure both you and your pet are comfortable with you touching their mouth and gums. If you have concerns, please speak with your vet. If your pet allows you to touch their mouth, work your way up to rubbing the teeth and gums with your finger. Follow this with a few drops of diluted chicken broth or tuna juice on a washcloth. They will begin to look forward to these sessions.
USE A FINGERBRUSH OR A SOFT TOOTHBRUSH TO BRUSH TEETH
Using an enzymatic toothpaste made for pets, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth and brush gently back and forth or in a circular pattern from gum to tip. Brushing the tongue side of the teeth is less critical but still beneficial if your pet allows it. Offer treats and rewards for cooperation. Consider other dental aids as well. A wide selection of oral rinses, foods, treats, and water or food additives are available. Brushing is the best way to slow the progression of dental disease at home, but the benefits can be amplified with additional oral care products. Our veterinary team can help you select the right ones for your pet.
Choose toys that are safe for your pet to chew.
Do not feed your dog bones or antlers; even some Nylabones are too tough. Pets can fracture their teeth if they chew on something that is too hard—if it doesn’t yield to thumb pressure, it is too tough. Sticks can splinter in your pet’s mouth, causing pain and infection, so avoid them. The material found on tennis balls (wool) is too abrasive and can cause premature wear and pulp exposure, so toys made with that material should be avoided.