How to brush a dog's teeth

Why and how often

Plaque builds up on the teeth every day and hardens into tartar within days. It irritates the gums, and in time can lead to gum inflammation, pain and even lost teeth. Brushing is the most effective way to slow this down, and chews and toys do not replace it.

Brush every day if you can, or at least a few times a week. Use only toothpaste made for dogs: toothpaste for people may contain xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs, and fluoride, which a dog should not swallow.

What you need

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Step by step

Get it used to being touched For a few days, simply lift the lip and touch the teeth and gums with a finger, then praise your dog. Let it lick a little toothpaste off your finger to get to know the taste.
Start with the front teeth With toothpaste on the brush, gently brush a few front teeth. That is enough for the first time: short and pleasant is better than long and forced.
Brush the outer surface Hold the brush at a slight angle to the gum line and use small circular movements. The tongue cleans the inner side of the teeth, so the outer side matters most.
Work back to the rear teeth Brush a little more each time until you reach the back teeth, where plaque builds up the most.
Look inside the mouth While brushing, check that the gums are pink and not bleeding, and look for broken teeth, brown tartar or new growths.
Finish with a reward Praise your dog afterwards and give a treat or play. Once it links brushing with something nice, it will wait its turn more patiently.

When to stop and see a vet

Stop if it hurts, your dog pulls its head away or the gums bleed: brushing by force can hurt it and put it off for good. See a vet if the breath smells bad, there is brown tartar on the teeth, the gums are red or bleeding, your dog chews on one side or drools, or a tooth has fallen out or broken. Tartar is removed by a vet.