How to Brush Your Pet's Teeth
by Dr. Julie Brooks
We all take time as pet owners to brush our pet’s coat. It’s a normal part of the routine keeping your pet’s coat glossy and helps the bonding relationship between human and animal.
And so it should be with tooth brushing as well. Except that if anything, it’s more important to brush teeth than the coat.
Why? Because if teeth aren’t cleaned regularly then they rot - causing pain and distress to the animal. A truly shocking number of our pets have this problem, that’s the bad news. The good news is that just two minutes a day spent brushing your pet’s teeth can help prevent it.
So how do you go about brushing a dog or cat’s teeth?
Tip 1 – Do it everyday! Tooth brushing must be a daily habit to be effective. Once a week brushing just doesn’t help as plaque and tartar form within 24 hrs.
Tip 2 - Choose a time when you’re not in a rush. Before meal times is a good idea because your pet knows that it will be getting a hearty reward afterwards. Last thing at night when everyone’s nice and relaxed works too.
Tip 3 – Start with a piece of soft gauze and some chicken flavoured pet toothpaste (we sell it at the clinic). Smear the toothpaste around your pet’s teeth and rub gently. Slide your finger under the cheeks along the outside of the upper teeth and rub in a circular motion making sure you cover the gum line as well as the tooth.
Although your pet may shake it’s head a little at first, they will quickly come to enjoy the taste and attention, especially if you give them a reward afterwards. Do this for as long as it takes for your pet to get used to it.
Tip 4 – Next step is to use a small, soft bristled toothbrush (again available at the practice). Lift up the cheek and slide the toothbrush (loaded with toothpaste) into the area between the teeth and the cheek. With bristles facing the tooth begin to brush your pet’s teeth rotating the brush in a circular fashion Start at the back of the mouth moving forward to the front. Repeat on the other side.
You don't usually have to do the inner aspect of the teeth as the tongue does a good job of keeping this area clean. Finally don’t forget to brush the small incisor teeth at the front.
Tip 5 – Make sure the toothpaste is pushed into the bristles of the toothbrush before you begin, this stops the toothpaste simply falling off the brush before you’ve got going!
What not to do…
Do not put your finger between the jaws or try to brush the inside of your pet’s teeth. This is a great way to get bitten.
Human toothpastes aren’t suitable for dogs & cats; they taste minty and shouldn’t be swallowed.
Do not try to use an electric toothbrush! The noise invariably scares pets who will run a mile.
Section Links
Dental Disease - The Slient Killer - An overview of this common and debilitiating condition.
How to Brush Your Pet's Teeth - A quick video tutorial.
Dentistry @ Double Bay Vet Clinic - Why we're a great choice for your pet.