Grooming and Care Guide

Oral Hygiene

Description:

Dental disease is one of the most common concerns that veterinarians see in their patients. The best way to prevent dental disease is to routinely brush the dog’s teeth. 

Frequency: 

• Once a week 

Supplies:

• Dog-specific toothbrush or child’s toothbrush with a compact head and extra soft bristles
• Dog-only enzymatic toothpaste
• Treats

Guidelines:

1. Add about a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto the head of the toothbrush.
2. Get the dog into a calm and comfortable position and reward with a treat with one of your hands, take your thumb and push up on the upper lip to expose the canine teeth and first few molars.
3. Lightly press the toothbrush on the upper canine near the gum line.
   1. The dog may slightly naw on the toothbrush - this is normal.
4. Use smooth, circular, and broad strokes as you brush towards the back of their mouth.
5. Focus on brushing the outside of the teeth near the gum line to facilitate the breakdown of debris and tartar. 
6. Once you complete the top half section, reward the dog with a treat and then move on to the same side lower section using the same technique of starting at the canine and moving backward.
7. When complete with that section, reward the dog with a treat and move to the other half of the mouth and use the same technique.

Helpful Tips and Tricks:

1. Use a positive happy voice to give the dog encouragement. “Good dog!” 
2. You may need to utilize an additional person to keep the dog still.
3. Practice makes perfect. Practice getting the dog used to the toothbrush and the motions.
4. For troubleshooting, please contact your Client Services Coordinator.

View dental cleaning video here.