When we are children our parents show amazing amounts of patience when teaching us and reminding us to brush our teeth. They made up songs, and games and tried to drill into our heads the importance of our dental health. Yet when it comes to our pets, many owners give up trying to brush our dogs teeth after the first few times. Like with so many things, brushing your pets teeth will take patience and persistence on your part, but it is an achievable goal that will not only improve your pet’s cuddle factor, but also decrease your chances of having expensive vet bills.

Just like children, your dog will most likely swallow the toothpaste, making it critical that you buy a pet toothpaste that will not only be safer for your pet, but will also taste great. You can find beef or poultry flavoured paste, if your four legged friend is partial to a particular flavour; we just suggest that you look for something Fluoride free. Or you can make your own using a tablespoon of baking soda with teaspoon of water, however this will not taste nearly as good as a beef flavoured paste.

Dental problems are the most common issues that are seen by Vets. A plaque build up around the gum line in your pet’s mouth can be a refuge for unwanted bacteria leading to gum disease, gingivitis to organ failure. To avoid serious illness, and costly veterinary bills we suggest you make brushing a regular part of your pets grooming.

The best way to introduce your dog to teeth brushing is a gradual introduction. Brush your teeth in front of your best friend, showing him it is a natural part of your routine. Show him the tooth brush, we recommend you use a small soft bristled brush or rubber bristle finger brush, and let him taste the paste giving him a treat after each step. This will help him associate the brushing of teeth with something good.

For the first week repeat this routine and start by touching your pets mouth, if he is OK with you holding his muzzle run your fingers over his teeth to get him used to having you touch his mouth. Reward your pet after you handle his muzzle and repeat this every day until he is comfortable with you touching his mouth and teeth. Next introduce the toothbrush with the toothpaste, if he seems nervous or hesitant start by letting him lick the tooth paste off the tooth brush then open his mouth and run your fingers over his teeth until he is comfortable with that, rewarding him after each step. Next brush only the front teeth in your dogs mouth, repeat this until he is comfortable with you doing this and then move on to the back teeth.

When brushing your dogs teeth work in an up and down motion starting at the top and brushing down. This will ensure that the toothpaste covers more of your dogs tooth before he is able to lick it off. You should brush up and down 10 times and cover 3-4 teeth at a time, the goal is to have your dog comfortable enough that you are able to brush his teeth properly in a short amount of time.

Being your pet’s best friend sometimes requires us to do difficult tasks, if training your pet in this area is proving to be too difficult, Ask Lisa how she can help you and your best friend work together.