How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

by Nicholas Bradley

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

You bend down to give your dog some love, bringing his face up to yours for a wet-nose kiss. Instead, you get a blast of hot, foul dog breath.

It's time to brush your dog's teeth. But many dogs are resistant to dental hygiene -- something that is recommended by vets at least twice a week. Touch and exercise are the training tools you need to get your dog to comply.

Train Your Dog to Accept Your Touch

First, it's important to train dogs to get used to our touch all over, especially places where they might be more sensitive. We do this so that it won't be so alarming when it's time to brush their teeth or to get a look inside -- or even when a child's hand goes in your dog's mouth exploring. Some steps for getting your dog used to touch:

1. Massage his paws

2. Touch his tail

3. Rub his belly, legs and inner thighs

4. Put your hand in his mouth

Exercise, Exercise

Once your dog is used to your touch, the best way to get the upper hand in dental hygiene is to give your dog a good, exhausting run in the park before getting near his mouth. All dog maintenance goes smoother with a tired dog, rather than one that is raring to go.

Getting Down to Tooth-brushing

To brush your dog's teeth, use a veterinary soft-bristled toothbrush. To get your dog used to the brush, let him lick the flavored paste off of the brush. Brush in circular motions, getting at the gumline and making sure to get her back teeth as well. Reinforce with treats throughout the process. If your dog really won't let you get the brush in, smear some peanut butter on the fridge at dog-level and let him lick it off while you brush his teeth. You'll notice the difference right away in that doggie kiss!

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/sjlocke

Nicholas Bradley is a dog trainer and basic obedience instructor at The Doggie Clubhouse in Hewitt, N.J. He is certified by the Animal Behavior College. Bradley is also the owner of The Doggie Chalet, a pet-sitting and doggie day care service.

Available at Amazon.com:

Living with Kids and Dogs ... Without Losing Your Mind

Miss Fido Manners Complete Book Of Dog Etiquette

Visiting the Dog Park

The Healthy Way to Stretch Your Dog: A Physical Therapy Approach (Dogwise Manual)

Doggin' America: 100 Ideas For Great Outdoor Vacations To Take With Your Dog

PET STORIES and PET ARTICLES ...

Pets | Dogs: How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth