All Things Dog Blog

Ask the Dog Trainer, with Terry Lynn Cuyler: Managing Teeth Brushing Painlessly

Posted: 01 May 2011 09:01 PM PDT

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Premier's Bristle Bone
Helps Keep Dog's Teeth Clean

Dear Trainer:

My dog's veterinarian says I need to brush her teeth more often to help her long term health. She is not liking it much; can you give me some tips on getting this done without losing a finger (she doesn't really bite me on purpose, but closes her mouth while my fingers are in her back teeth and that hurts a lot). I guess I should have started her when she was a puppy and it would be easier now. Please help.

Candy

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Dear Candy,

Well, I'm glad you are brushing your dog's teeth and hope you won't give up. I've found I can put doggie toothpaste on the brushes and the dog brushes his own teeth! This is a great interim step while you condition the dog to tolerate having you brush his teeth.

Put something yummy like peanut butter on the doggie toothbrush and just hold it in his mouth and let him lick it off. Next day try putting it a little farther into his mouth.

Gradually brush one side of him mouth with dog toothpaste at a time until in 4-5 days you can brush his whole mouth. If he is more upset about this you may have to go slower and give him a Bristle Bone to help fill in. It won't replace your brushing, but it will complement.

Be sure to wait until your dog is quiet and calm before beginning. Playing some quiet music like "Through a Dog's Ear" might help. Finish with a doggie dental chew and you've got your bases covered.

Terry

PawsProf

Our ASK THE DOG TRAINER Column can be reached at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. For more information on Terry Lynn Cuyler and her training, you may find her at Paws Prof. A personal appointment with a trainer will likely provide more specific information on your dog's issues and your questions.

You can read more of Terry Lynn Cuyler's training questions at her Archives page.