(407) 644-2676

1601 Lee Road,
Winter Park, FL 32789

Shop Online

Book Appointment

Emergency / Urgent Care

Scroll to WPVH top

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

canine-pet-care-guide

Download this Pet Care Guide – PDF

Brushing Your Dogs’s TeethStep 1
Get your dog used to you handling the mouth by gently putting your finger under the gum. Do this briefly at first, then work up to several seconds of handling. Give praise and a special treat as a reward for holding still. Get your dog used to each step before proceeding to the next step.
Brushing Your Dogs’s TeethStep 2
Place toothpaste on your finger and rub your finger against your dog’s gum line. Use flavored canine toothpaste.  Human toothpaste is toxic because of the fluoride content. You can also apply CET gel onto the gums in this manner.  Apply in one spot over both sides of the gums.
Brushing Your Dogs’s TeethStep 3
Place toothpaste on a canine (angled) toothbrush and apply the brush under the lip along the teeth.  You can also start with a finger brush or a gauze square then move up to a toothbrush. Use a gentle circular motion while brushing. Only brush the upper teeth on the outside aspect of the teeth. Don’t forget to brush the back teeth.
Brushing Your Dogs’s TeethStep 4
You may need to do the back teeth by feel rather than trying to see the teeth.  You can do this by placing one hand over the muzzle as shown to hold the teeth together.  Then insert the toothbrush under the lip to scrub the back teeth. Holding the muzzle as shown can prevent the dog from eating the toothpaste faster than you can apply it. Some dogs will not tolerate this so do this carefully. If your dog does not like the gauze or brush, apply the gel or toothpaste with your finger.
  • Brush the teeth in the same room at the same time every day just before feeding.
  • 5 SECONDS PER DAY is all that is needed.
  • CET Chews and Greenies are chewable treats that help remove plaque.
  • Every dog is different:  Try gauze, a finger brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, and/or antibacterial gel to find out what your dog likes the best.  We can supply you with these different dental products.
  • Start at a young age for maximum cooperation.
  • If your dog growls or resists during handling the mouth, please seek our help before brushing the teeth.