There is no getting around it; getting your pup used to tooth brushing can be an arduous and time-consuming process. But it is one which is necessary for looking after your pooch's oral hygiene. First, you need to make sure that you have all the right equipment. As well as selecting the right dog toothpaste, you also need a specially designed dog toothbrush. This type of brush has softer bristles than a human one. There are also finger brushes, which give you a higher degree of control, but you need to feel comfortable putting your hands inside your dog’s mouth without getting bitten.
Ideally, you should start when your dog is a puppy – as early as two months old. You should look for a special puppy toothpaste. However, they will not have their fully formed adult teeth until they are six or seven months, so this is just to get them used to the procedure. You should pick a time when they are feeling especially calm and relaxed. Generally, after they are worn out from a long exercise or playing session is a good time to start. When you are first starting out, you need to get them comfortable with the feeling of your hand in and around their mouth. You could try giving them some toothpaste to lick off your finger. When you feel more confident, you can start rubbing it along their teeth and gum area.
Before you put the toothbrush in their mouth, you should give your dog the opportunity to give it a thorough inspection. You can try letting them lick some toothpaste off the brush. Make sure that you give them plenty of love and praise to help them associate the brush with positive feelings. When it comes to brushing, start off with a few of the outside surfaces of the teeth which are easiest to reach. Proceed with caution. You don’t want to risk alarming your dog, so you should take your cues from your pup. If they resist and become aggressive, it is best to discontinue the action and try again on another occasion.
Each time you brush your pooch’s teeth, you can increase the number which you brush. You can try brushing along their gumline as this will get them used to the action without having to open their mouth. You can gradually lengthen your sessions until you reach a point when you can brush all of their teeth. During the process, you should continue praising your dog to help them feel calm. Once you have gotten them used to brushing the outer surfaces of their teeth, you can try moving onto the inner surfaces. You don’t have to worry about being as thorough; your dog’s tongue will naturally deal with tartar build-up along these surfaces.
The more you brush your pet's teeth, the easier the whole process should get. If your dog has loose teeth, sensitivities around their mouth, or oral bleeding, you should consult with your vet before continuing.