I think most people who try brushing their pets' teeth start after a large dental bill and approach it as chore with a goal of a 2 minute fight to brush all the surfaces in the mouth. The truth is much simpler.
The goal is really to only brush the outside of the teeth. No need to open the mouth and get those inside surfaces unless your vet says this area is an issue for your pet. Most dogs have tartar only on the outside of the teeth, so that's where we focus (plus, it's easier!).
The next thing to remember is that if brushing is a fight you'll never keep it up and the pet will likely not just surrender to it. So, how brushing is introduced is key. This is what I recommend:
Step 1: Prepare
Purchase an enzymatic pet toothpaste, preferably in a tasty flavor like chicken or beef. Stay away from mint or mint scented -the toothpastes have no odor, so your dog won't have chicken breath after brushing. If you have an extra soft toothbrush laying around your house (I use the ones my dentist gives me since I use an electric toothbrush) then no need to buy a pet specific toothbrush, but the pet brushes are fine -just stay away from the finger brushes, they are for training only and we won't be using it at all.
Step 2: Establish A Routine
Decide when and where you'll brush your dog's teeth. Dogs are great at recognizing routines, so we'll start this one from the start. I like brushing my pet's teeth in the bathroom since I keep their supplies there and now they just sit and wait for me to brush my teeth because they are excited for their turn. So many nights I decide to skip brushing their teeth, but they guilt me into it because they know that after I'm done brushing they get their "treat". As an added benefit, by setting this routine I'm much more successful in my brushing!
Step 3: Toothpaste = Treat!!!
At "brushing time", call your pet to the place you'll brush their teeth or lure them there with treats -whatever works and is positive. Once in place let your pet sniff the toothpaste tube and act excited like it's the best treat ever. Open it, squeeze a little on your finger, and offer it for your dog to lick it off. If they loved it, give a little bit more! If they wouldn't take it try on a treat or on a favorite toy. Repeat in the same space and at the same time until they are coming to the space themselves or are just excited to see the tube.
Step 4: Intro To Bristles
Okay, your pet now loves toothpaste! Now to introduce the potentially scary or at least weird toothbrush. At brushing time, instead of offering the toothpaste on your finger let your dog lick it off the brush. Move on to the next step when there's no hesitation licking all the toothpaste off of the toothbrush.
Step 5: Bristles Meet Teeth
Instead of letting your dog lick the toothbrush, you're going to lift his lip and wipe it on one of this canine teeth with the brush. Just one quick motion and done. Continue until they accept the lip lift and toothbrush on the one tooth.
Step 6: Brushing One Tooth
Instead of just wiping the toothpaste on the one canine tooth, brush that one tooth in short back and forth strokes. 1-3 strokes is fine -don't try to do too much! It's better to work your way up than set the dog back because you push it too far.
Step 7: Brushing A Few Teeth
Brush the one canine and the front teeth.
Step 8: Brushing More
Brush both canines and the front teeth.
Step 9: Brushing A Whole Side
Brush one full side.
Step 10: Fully Brushed!
Brush one side, reapply toothpaste and then brush the other side. Once the dog accepts this you're done!
Troubleshooting:
Step 1: Buy What?
Can't find toothpaste? Your vet may have some, or I like the poultry flavor of the C.E.T. brand which is available on Amazon.
Step 2: Routine?
It's better to tie the tooth brushing to your routine than to a time. Just find what works and stick with it.
Step 3: Not Into The Toothpaste!
Is your pet picky or not into treats? Is the consistency too weird? Try a different flavor of toothpaste, try at a time when they are begging or hungry, try a thin layer on something and gradually increase the amount each time. If nothing works consider an alternative like dental treats, dental water additives, or ask your vet about a dental diet. The dental diet is pretty cool -the kibbles are very large and crunchy on the outside, but fairly hollow on the inside. It's coated in the same enzymes as the toothpaste and as the dog crunches through the kibble it scrapes up the tooth and deposits the enzyme -so it replicates brushing with food!
Step 4: Bristling At The Bristles
If the toothbrush is too weird move back a step. They should be so excited for the toothpaste that they get over the weird bristles. Try a different flavor or, if the dog is typically full when you've chosen to do the brushing, consider moving the toothbrushing to a time when they are more hungry for a little extra motivation.
Step 5: Don't Touch Me
Lifting the lip can be challenging for some dogs. You'll have to do more training to get your dog to accept you touching his face, lips, and teeth. Of course if the dog growls or you feel that you may be bit then you should seek alternatives such as dental treats, water additives, or a dental diet.
Step 6: Brushing Bad
If the act of brushing sets your pet back, don't be discouraged -go back to wiping the toothpaste on a tooth with the toothbrush, then try 2 teeth in 2 separate actions -like wipe the left canine, then reapply toothpaste and wipe the right canine. Then try wiping more teeth with one stroke before moving on to the first back and forth motion. Slow progression is key in fearful or less tolerant pets.
Step 7 and on: Both Sides!?!
Just take it slow, use lots of yummy toothpaste, and if there is an issue back up one step until the pet is excited again. If you must, just start over. If you're getting frustrated, take some time off and use treats, water additives, or diet to bridge the gap. It should be fun for the pet and less frustrating for you than brushing your own teeth!
Good luck and please give me feedback if you try this -whether you're successful or not!
