How to Brush a Small Dog's Teeth

Brushing your small dog's teeth is not a hard task to do. It is very important for their general health to have clean teeth. It will also save you from getting breathed on by stinky breath. Follow these steps to keep your little friend's mouth clean.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small dog
• Canine Toothpaste
• Children's toothbrush or other small dog toothbrush
• Patience

1. It is easier to start off with a clean mouth. Take your dog to the vet to get their teeth cleaned. This should be done at least once a year, but some dogs need to have these cleanings done more often than that.

2. Go to your local pet store and purchase canine tooth paste. It is formulated specially for canines.

3. Purchase a toothbrush. You could buy one from the pet store, but a cheap child's toothbrush will work just fine, make sure it is medium to soft bristled.

4. Preparation. Run the tooth brush under hot water moving the bristles back and forth with your thumb; this will soften the bristles. Apply a small amount of canine toothpaste to the brush.

5. Grab your dog and then put them onto their back, making the position comfortable for them. Use your non dominant hand to cover their eyes.

6. While keeping your non dominant hand over your small dogs eyes, use your pointer finger and thumb of the same hand to expose your dog's teeth.

7. Start brushing their teeth lightly using small circular strokes using your dominant hand. Their gums will bleed a little bit, so use caution on how hard you are pressing. Develop your own brushing pattern. On one of my dogs, I start right away with her front teeth, and on the other one, I start with her molars. Use what pattern is easiest for you and your dog.

8. Praise. Praise, Praise, and Praise your dog for being good. Because your dog is small, you should easily be able to control them; however, this doesn't mean that they like getting their teeth brushed. Praise them on how good they are doing.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog keeps biting down, you can lightly press their jowls into the back of their mouth, this will keep them from biting.
• Most tartar buildup is on the outer side of your dog's teeth; therefore, you should spend the most time brushing the outside of their teeth verses the inside of their teeth.
• Reward your dog when you are done. Don't give a treat though, you don't want to undo what you just did. Let them play fetch or use their favorite toy.
• Don't jab the tooth brush into the back of your dog's throat.
• Stop if excess bleeding occurs.