Step-By-Step Guide To Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth At Home
Dental care is just as important for pets as it is for us humans. If the thought of wrangling a toothbrush into your dog or cat’s mouth makes you nervous – you’re not alone! But don’t worry, brushing your pet’s teeth at home doesn’t need to be a drama. With a little practice and the right tools, you can make it part of your regular routine. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to keep your pet’s teeth clean, breath fresh, and grin sparkly using our expert-approved tips — because at Petdirect, We Get Pet.
Why Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth Matters
Dental disease is one of the most common conditions seen in New Zealand pets. Left unchecked, tartar build-up and gum disease can lead to discomfort, tooth loss, and even complications with vital organs like the heart and kidneys. Brushing is one of the most effective ways to maintain your dog’s dental health or your cat’s oral care, especially when combined with regular vet checks and specialist dental treats.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you dive into dental duty, make sure you’re stocked up on the essentials. Here's your pet toothbrushing toolkit:
- A pet-specific toothbrush or finger brush (size matters here!)
- Enzymatic toothpaste made for pets – never use human toothpaste
- A calm space with good lighting and minimal distractions
- Healthy treats or chews for rewarding cooperative behaviour
You can also explore products that support oral health between brushes, like Oxyfresh water additives or Prozym dental chews. These are great reinforcements for keeping up the good work.
Step-By-Step: How To Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
Brushing doesn’t need to be done daily – even a few times a week can make a difference. The key is making it positive and stress-free for you both. Follow these steps:
- Get your pet comfy. Choose a quiet space and let your pet settle. If it helps, start by placing them on a soft surface like their dog bed or cat perch.
- Let them taste the toothpaste. Pet toothpastes come in tasty flavours like chicken or seafood. Pop a little on your finger and let them lick it. This helps associate it with something yummy.
- Start slow. Using your finger, gently lift your pet's lip and massage their gums. Once they’re used to this, introduce the toothbrush.
- Brush gently. Using your toothbrush and toothpaste combo, brush in small circles along the gum line. Focus on the outer surfaces – most plaque builds up there, and it’s usually the easiest place to reach.
- Keep it short and sweet. Your first few sessions might only last 10–20 seconds. That’s okay! Build up the time slowly.
Tip: Make it a positive end to the experience by giving your pet a tasty reward, like a dental dog treat or dental treat for cats.
Troubleshooting Common Toothbrushing Challenges
Some pets take to brushing quickly. Others... not so much. If yours is in the ‘not so much’ category, don’t worry – here are a few common issues and how to handle them:
- They won’t sit still: Try brushing after exercise or play when your pet is a little more chilled out.
- They resist the brush: Start with finger brushing and work up slowly.
- They hate the taste: Switch to another pet-safe flavour they like better.
For nervous pets, calming supplements may help reduce stress and make hygiene habits easier to manage.
Extra Dental Care Tips For Kiwi Pet Parents
A good home dental routine pairs nicely with other supportive habits, like:
- Including dental-supporting supplements in their diet
- Offering dental toys that help reduce plaque as they chew
- Feeding high-quality kibble designed to support teeth, like Royal Canin Vet or Hill’s Prescription Diet
- Booking annual dental checks with your vet
Looking to make dental care even easier? Try Autodeliver to stay stocked up on toothpaste, chews, and treats without lifting a paw.
Brushing For Better Health
Just like walkies or playtime, tooth brushing can become something your pet gets used to – and even enjoys! With your gentle care and a few tasty rewards, your fur baby will be flashing fresher breath and healthier teeth in no time. Small steps lead to big smiles!
And remember, if you’re ever in doubt, your vet is your best dental partner. We’re here to support you every wag and whisker of the way. Explore our full range of pet health essentials and give your pet the best dental care, right from the comfort of home.
We Get Pet. And we’re here to get you brushing with confidence!