Dental disease is a serious problem for dogs. It is painful and may result in tooth loss. The problems that originate in the dog’s mouth can spread to the blood stream and cause problems to vital organs like the heart, kidneys and so forth. Dental hygiene for the dog is a preventative measure that pays huge dividend, in the long run. The dog initially may not appreciate your approaching it with a ‘doggy’ toothbrush but there are ways to ease the dog into accepting dental care.

The approach to having the dog accept regular dental care from you should be based on two goals:

1. the dog does not have to accept this immediately. If the approach is to introduce this in a stepwise and planned manner, then there is better chance that this will not be a arduous chore (frequent battle) for you and the dog. There is a better chance that this dental care will become part of the daily routine.

2. the goal is to have the dog like the procedure and not to looking for a place to hide when the toothbrush appears.

In order to have the dog accept the toothbrush, an easy first step is to present the dog with some peanut butter on a toothpick. It may seem like a round-about way to do this, but some dogs just do not like to have things put in their mouths. Allow the dog to lick peanut butter off the end of a toothpick. Continue for a few days and praise the dog for doing this.

The next step is peanut butter on the end of a ice cream stick. Let the dog lick the peanut butter off the end of the stick. Over the next days, try to advance to placing the peanut butter from the stick onto the dog’s teeth. Remember to praise with each step and try to remain calm. The dog has ‘radar’ and will detect any concerns you may have. There is no rush … you are teaching and developing the dog’s trust in this procedure.

The next plateau is serving up some peanut butter on the smooth, non brush side of the toothbrush. Over the days, the dog should accept the toothbrush. When you actually try brushing for the first time, just do a small area. Praise. Give a treat. Offer some peanut butter. And tomorrow you will do more brushing.

Catherine Forsythe

Tags: dogs, dental care, toothbrush, peanut butter, praise