Just like us, dogs need to have healthy gums and teeth! Proper oral care includes brushing your dog’s teeth at home and taking them to get their teeth cleaned professionally once a year.
It is recommended from PetMD to brush your dog’s teeth 2-3 times per week. If you have never brushed your dog’s teeth, then it’s time to start.
Here’s how to start!
First, get proper supplies. You can find pet toothpaste and pet toothbrushes online and at most pet stores!
Secondly, you can do the TTouch on your pet’s lips, gums, and cheeks. Check out our TTouch Blog HERE if you are unfamiliar with this touch. These touches are also covered in many of the training videos, which you can get HERE!
The touches will help your dog get used to you touching their mouth in such an invasive way. Your pet may need a week or so to get comfortable with this type of touch and massage in their mouth.
Next, you can introduce the toothpaste. Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto your finger and let your dog taste it, then immediately reward your dog with a treat. Do this for several days.
Introduce the toothbrush next. Put a small amount of toothpaste onto the toothbrush and allow your dog to lick it off. Same as before, reward and praise your dog with a couple treats.
Once your dog is used to the TTouch mouth massage, toothpaste, and toothbrush you can move on to brushing.
Clean your dog’s teeth in small, circular motions. Gently lift their lip and clean the outside of their teeth and gumline. Talk to your pet throughout the brushing. Clean their teeth in short intervals. Stop every 5-10 seconds and give them positive reinforcement like conscious TTouches on their body and cheerful talking.
Remember to keep the cleaning quick and fun. 😊
