How To Clean Your Dog's Teeth

  • December 4, 2007
  • 12,032 Views
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“Doggy breath” isn’t just an expression—regular oral hygiene is just as important for dogs as it is for people. Which is why it’s never too early—or too late—to start polishing your puppy’s pearly whites.

You Will Need

  • A toothbrush for humans or canines
  • Canine toothpaste
  • A bowl of water
  • And some dog treats
  • A counter or table (optional)
  • A towel (optional)
  • Some baking soda (optional)
  • And a veterinarian (optional)
How To Clean Your Dog's Teeth: Check teeth & gums

Step 1: Check teeth & gums

At least once a week, sit your dog down to check his teeth and gums.

If you have a small dog, you may prefer placing him on a counter or table with a towel under him.

How To Clean Your Dog's Teeth: Feel gums

Step 2: Feel gums

Gently run your fingers along your pooch’s gums, checking for swelling, tenderness, and tartar buildup. They should feel firm and have a healthy color.

If your dog’s gum area seems especially sensitive, or if you notice swelling or bleeding, take the dog to a vet.

How To Clean Your Dog's Teeth: Let pet sniff toothpaste

Step 3: Let pet sniff toothpaste

Put a small dab of canine toothpaste on your finger and let your pet sniff it and lick it off.

You can substitute baking soda and water, but never use human toothpaste.

How To Clean Your Dog's Teeth: Let dog sniff again

Step 4: Let dog sniff again

Now put some of the toothpaste on the brush and let him sniff it again. Now he should be familiar with the paste and brush and more willing to let you brush his teeth.

How To Clean Your Dog's Teeth: Brush teeth

Step 5: Brush teeth

Gently brush the dog’s teeth, front and back, for as long as he’ll let you.

How To Clean Your Dog's Teeth: Give drink of water

Step 6: Give drink of water

Give the dog a drink of water.

How To Clean Your Dog's Teeth: Wash hands

Step 7: Wash hands

Wash your hands when you’re all done.

If your vet recommends it, have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned. Since this procedure is done under anesthesia, it is more thorough than a home cleaning.

How To Clean Your Dog's Teeth: Reward with a treat

Step 8: Reward with a treat

Reward him with a treat. It may sound weird, but giving your dog a treat after his teeth-cleaning will make him remember the process more fondly next time!

One of the best ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy is to feed him kibbled dry food instead of canned.

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Comments (7)

ilovejoker12

i think this video was pretty helpful... i think i could've cleaned my dog's teeth WITHOUT help though. JK... PRETTY NICE INFO!

over 2 years ago by ilovejoker12

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Sanmin09

good info

over 2 years ago by Sanmin09

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Concardne

&;lt;.&;lt; I do not trust animals enough to put my fingers in their mouths. They could be waiting for such an opportunity.

over 2 years ago by Concardne

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Magaroonie

So we can just use baking soda in her water? She's way too big and jiggly to brush her teeth

over 2 years ago by Magaroonie

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23_SHAKiKi_23

this video helped alot.!! gracias =]

about 1 year ago by 23_SHAKiKi_23

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Video is in Doggie Day Care (4 videos)