My dog resists teeth brushing. How do I get him to cooperate better?

I would try to find a dog finger brush or a small tooth brush and you will want to use dog tooth paste as it doesn't have fluoride, no foaming and not mint flavored so it makes it more favorable to the dog. You can slow start by just do a small section and work your way around the whole mouth over a matter of a few days. It is best to try and brush their teeth at least every other day to may a difference. Also remember that their large chewing teeth are further in the back past where their lips end. I would not try to open the mouth to get the inside of the teeth as most dogs don't appreciate that. If he doesn't like it or resists you, then it may be best just to give him dental chews like C.E.T chews and start using a water additive for dental health. Also, if the teeth already have a lot of tartar build up, he will likely need a dental cleaning from your vet. I hope this helps!

I wouldn't recommend restraining her head in any way to brush her teeth - this is more likely to make her try to get away. The best thing to do is to slowly get her used to having her lips lifted/pulled back to expose the teeth. Pull her lips back for just a second, then give her a treat to make it a positive experience. Once she's used to this you can rub her teeth with your finger, then the toothbrush. It could take weeks or longer before you build up to the toothbrush. If you think she already has dental disease you should talk to your veterinarian- brushing is very helpful for preventing periodontal disease but will not reverse calculus (mineralized plaque) or address disease below the gum.

Try an enzymatic toothpaste such as Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste. Make sure whichever toothpaste/toothbrush you decide on has the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of approval on it. If the fingerbrush is not working as well as you'd like, try a brush with stiffer bristles or use a gauze pad.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Since Jasper is still a puppy this is very normal. As he grows up he will likely stop trying to eat the tooth brush. No dog likes having their teeth brushed so it won't get much easier. I recommend keep practicing, as his adult teeth are likely not even in yet. Keep sessions short and brush at least 3 times per week. Also review this website for other dental health products: http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products_dogs.html I hope this helps and I wish you and Jasper the best!

Home dental care is one of the best ways to help keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy. I would wet the toothbrush (you can get it at a pet store). You can also use a children's toothbrush. I would then use Pet approved toothpaste. There are wide varieties of flavors. Never use human toothpaste, baking soda or salt. While safe for you, these cleaning agents can be harmful to your dog if swallowed. Lift your dog's lip and brush with a gentle motion to clean his teeth. Just like you would your own teeth. Most pets will not allow you to brush the inside surface of their teeth, so typically you can just brush the outside portion of their teeth. Make sure you reward your dog after! Ideally, this process should be done daily. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, actually, putting your finger in their mouth or brushing is better when started as a puppy to get them conditioned to the kind of sensation. It will make your life and his a lot easier for when he has a full set of adult teeth that need to be brushed daily to keep clean and prevent infections. Therefore, the more you can brush his teeth now the better. Obviously, start slowly with very quick procedures, an increase the procedure time as the weeks go on until you're able to brush all if his teeth, including the very back ones. Best of luck

You can start brushing your dogs teeth at any time. I recommend purchasing dog toothpaste from a pet store and you can also get a regular toothbrush for your dog or one that fits over your finger. There is no need to rinse their mouth when using dog toothpaste and it is safe if they swallow it. The best thing to do is to brush Bruno's teeth every day or as often as you are able to. Dental hygiene is just as important in animals as it is in humans.