How to Brush a Toy Dog's Teeth

Your dog needs a healthy smile, just like you do.

It is very important that your dog have good dental hygiene. Just like you, your pet has teeth that have to last him a lifetime. In some ways, it is even more important for your dog to brush regularly than it is for you, since you can always get your teeth fixed (or replaced). Toy breeds--small breeds that tend to remain around 10 lbs. or less--are particularly prone to tooth decay, at least in part because their tendency toward hypoglycemia requires that they consume a fairly sugary diet as young dogs. Since it is unlikely that you will be able to teach your dog to brush on her own, you will need to make sure her teeth are brushed for her. A groomer can do this, but it is also fairly easy to do yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Dog toothpaste
• Rubber finger brush

Instructions

1. 

   Let your dog get used to the toothbrush. Place it near your dog and let him smell it, lick it or even pick it up and chew it a little. The more comfortable your dog is with having the toothbrush in in his mouth, the better. This will make it easier to brush all of his teeth at once.

2. Run your finger along the inside of your dog's mouth. You will need to use either your little finger or your pointer finger. A toy dog's mouth is very small, so you should not try to force your finger farther back than it will go. You can put a little toothpaste on your finger if you want. Make sure you do not have long nails if your are going to brush your dog's teeth, or you may scrape her gums. This step is also to help your dog get used to having your finger in her mouth.

3. 

   Put a little toothpaste on the top of your dog's nose. Use canine toothpaste. Human toothpaste can kill your dog! Put just a small smear on top of your dog's nose so that he will smell it and lick it off. This makes toothbrushing time seem a little more like treat time.

4. Put a thin layer of toothpaste on the finger brush. You do not need to use a lot. At first, you will probably only be able to brush one or two of your dog's teeth at a time before she starts struggling to escape. You should not force the issue, or as she grows, she will dread this part of the grooming process.

5. Brush a few teeth at a time each day. This will help your dog get used to the toothbrushing routine. Especially at first, the entire process will be quite drawn-out. However, once your dog gets used to the process, it will get easier.

6. Brush your dog's teeth at least once a week. Toy dogs tend to get more treats, proportional to their size, than larger dogs, and they frequently dislike dental chew toys and hard food, both of which can help keep teeth clean. Furthermore, as puppies, toy dogs often get extra sugar in their water or karo syrup on their food to counteract hypoglycemia, so they are used to high-sugar diets. Their teeth need to be brushed regularly to stay healthy (and for their breath to remain sweet).

Tips & Warnings

• Work with your veterinarian to determine when you should start brushing your toy dog's teeth.