Did you know that if your dog or cat doesn’t brush their teeth they can get heart disease?  They can get kidney and liver damage from lack of brushing. As well as tooth decay, gingivitis and really bad breath.  It can lead to a shortened life that can be prevented.  

One of the first things people will mention is that their pet does not like their teeth being brushed.  To be fair nobody would like someone else grabbing their head, yanking their mouth open, then having a brush shoved in their mouth.  Most times people are nervous so they are rough and they unintentionally hurt their pets.  How do  you remedy this while still keeping your best friend your best friend? Start slow.

One of the first things you will need to do no matter how old your pet is, is to gently touch their mouth.  Let your pet get used to you touching their mouth. Pet around their mouth and every time they let you touch their mouth reward them with a treat.  Some pets you can move quickly and others you need to take your time.  Such as you may be only able to touch their check for weeks.  Once you can touch their mouth without them reacting, very gently try to put your finger on between their lips to touch their teeth.  If they show any signs of discomfort stop immediately!  You have to move at their pace.  You will get there and if you let your pet get used to you touching their mouth it will be so much easier for both you and your pet.  Tip to keep in mind, treats, every time they let you touch their check or any part of their face they don’t normally let anyone touch.  Every time they let you touch their mouth, give them a treat. 

As I said, move slowly is not a hundred yard dash, it is a marathon.  When you get to the point you can put your fingers in their mouth, rub your finger on their teeth.  You just have to get them used to the outside of their teeth.  You don’t have to do inside, unless advised by a veterinarian.  Give them a treat when they let you touch their teeth.  When you sense they are comfortable with your finger you can grab some gaze and rub it on their teeth.  Of course, give your pet time to get used to each step, do not rush or push any of these steps.  You can stick with the gaze and a little toothpaste and it should do the job.  You can also get a toothbrush that goes over your index finger, if you would prefer that. If you want to move to a toothbrush it will just take a little more work.

Now that you have your pet use to gaze and toothpaste let them get use to a toothbrush.  You can bring out the toothbrush and put some Cheezwiz  for dogs and Churo for cats so they can lick off the yummy goodness.  Do this a few times so they get used to the toothbrush.  After a few times put toothpaste on the brush and rub it very gently on their teeth.  If they show signs of discomfort stop and go back to treats on the brush.  

You are  trying to desensitize your pet to brushing.  At every step go slow, let your pet tell you how fast to go.  Let them tell you when they are uncomfortable.  If you push it you can hurt your pet and lose their trust.  You are their whole world so take it slow and they will love you for it.

Do not use toothpaste intended for people!  That will give your pet an upset stomach which may undo all the work you have done.  Also, talk with your veterinarian about brushing your pet’s teeth on your next appointment.  They will recommend a brush and toothpaste for your pet.  They may also give you tips on how to get started.  

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*Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians and can not give medical advice.  This blog is for the purpose of pet parents to get tips on the subject of dentistry.  Please speak with your veterinarians if you have any concerns for your pet.