How to Brush Your Dog’s or Cat’s Teeth: A Step-by-Step Guide
Quick answer: Brush your dog’s or cat’s teeth daily if you can, or at least 3 times a week. Use a pet toothbrush or finger brush and a toothpaste made for pets, never human toothpaste, which can contain ingredients like xylitol that are toxic to dogs. Start slowly, focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth along the gumline, and reward your pet every time.
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in pets, and many dogs and cats show signs of it by age 3. Plaque hardens into tartar, leading to gum inflammation, pain, bad breath and tooth loss. The good news: a few minutes of brushing can make a big difference. Here’s how to brush your dog’s teeth (and your cat’s) the easy way.
What You Need
| Item | What to choose |
|---|---|
| Toothpaste | A pet toothpaste in a flavor your pet likes, such as poultry or beef. Pet toothpaste is safe to swallow, so no rinsing is needed. |
| Toothbrush | A soft pet toothbrush sized to the mouth, or a finger brush for small dogs, cats and beginners |
| Treats or praise | Something your pet loves, to reward calm behavior |
Never use human toothpaste. Some contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, and fluoride and foaming agents aren’t meant to be swallowed.
How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth in 5 Steps
- Introduce the taste. Let your pet lick a little toothpaste off your finger for a few days so it becomes a treat.
- Get them used to touch. Gently lift the lip and rub your finger along the teeth and gums for a few seconds. Reward and stop before your pet gets fidgety.
- Add the brush. Put a small amount of toothpaste on the brush and hold it at a 45-degree angle to the gumline.
- Brush gently in small circles, focusing on the outer surfaces where plaque builds up most, especially the back teeth and canines. Most pets won’t need the inside surfaces brushed.
- Keep it short and positive. Start with a few teeth and work up to about 30 seconds per side. End with praise or a treat.
It can take a few weeks for your pet to accept brushing. Go at their pace; a calm 30 seconds beats a stressful 2 minutes.
How Often Should You Brush Your Pet’s Teeth?
Daily brushing is ideal because plaque starts to harden into tartar within a few days. If that isn’t realistic, aim for at least 3 times a week. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Tips for Cats
- Use a finger brush or a very small, soft brush.
- Choose a quiet moment when your cat is relaxed, such as after a meal or nap.
- Keep sessions very short at first, even just a few seconds.
For more on feline care, see our cat grooming tips.
Extra Ways to Support Dental Health
- Dental chews and toys can help reduce plaque. Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, and supervise chewing.
- Dental diets and water additives may help as part of a routine, but they don’t replace brushing.
- Avoid very hard chews such as bones and antlers, which can fracture teeth.
Signs of Dental Problems in Pets
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Chewing on one side, dropping food or reduced appetite
- Pawing at the mouth or drooling
- Loose or broken teeth
If you notice any of these, book a vet visit. Learn more in our guide to bad breath and dental disease in dogs.
Groomer Teeth Brushing vs. Vet Dental Cleaning
| Teeth brushing at a groom | Professional dental cleaning at the vet | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Removes surface plaque and freshens breath | Removes hardened tartar above and below the gumline, and checks for disease |
| Who does it | Your groomer | Your veterinarian, usually under anesthesia |
| Best for | Ongoing maintenance between vet visits | Treating existing tartar and dental disease |
If brushing at home is a struggle, ask your Groomit groomer to add teeth brushing to your pet’s regular groom. It’s a helpful extra between home brushing sessions, while your vet handles full dental cleanings and checkups.
Pet Teeth Brushing FAQs
How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
Daily is ideal; at least 3 times a week is a good minimum.
Can I use human toothpaste on my dog or cat?
No. Some human toothpastes contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, and they aren’t designed to be swallowed. Use a pet toothpaste.
Do dental chews replace brushing?
No. Chews can help reduce plaque, but brushing is still the most effective home care.
What if my pet won’t let me brush their teeth?
Go back a step: use a finger brush, keep sessions to a few seconds, and reward generously. Ask your vet about other options, and consider adding teeth brushing to professional grooms.
Does a groomer’s teeth brushing replace a vet dental cleaning?
No. Groomer brushing helps with surface plaque between visits, but only a vet can remove tartar below the gumline and treat dental disease.
