Brush a Pet's Teeth

Get the appropriate toothpaste for your pet. Cats prefer tuna flavor, while dogs usually prefer beef or chicken flavor. These specially-formulated toothpastes make it easier to get your pet to open his mouth for the toothbrush! Plus, human toothpaste will irritate delicate digestive linings and your pet doesn't know not to swallow it.



Place your hand gently over your pet's muzzle from the top. Then, slide your finger in between his lips on one side between his back teeth, and tilt his head back gently to get his mouth to open. Repeat on the other side. Once he tastes the beef or tuna toothpaste, this shouldn't be too difficult.

Acclimate your pet to tooth brushing by using your finger first. Dip your finger in the paste and gently rub your finger along your pet's teeth and gums. Focus on the gum line, beginning at the front of the mouth and working your way to the back teeth and gums.

Cover your finger with gauze for a more abrasive treatment after your pet tolerates the finger treatment easily. Dip your gauze-covered finger in the paste and follow the same technique, starting at the front and working your way backward while focusing on the gum line. Rub with a circular motion to clean out debris.

Introduce your pet to the toothbrush using the pet toothpaste (beef or tuna flavored of course!) You can use a human toothbrush if it's ultra-soft for sensitive teeth. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and move it in a circular motion to sweep along the gum line.

Talk reassuringly as you brush your pet's teeth. Praise and reward your pet for good behavior with lots of treats, play and love when you're done with every tooth-brushing session. Repeat tooth brushing as often as possible during the week with your pet.