Features
Every Page in How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth
- A short guide: why home dental care matters, what you'll need, and where to brush
- A 5-stage training plan, one small step at a time
- Help for dogs who pull away, chew the brush, or won't open their mouth
- A box of options to ask your vet about if brushing is hard
- A quick steps card to keep by the toothbrush, so anyone who brushes does it the same gentle way
- A training tracker, with a filled-in example
- A brushing calendar, once brushing is part of the routine
- A page for notes on anything you notice, to share with your vet
- Questions to ask at dental checkups, with space for your vet's answers and a dental history
- Bonus: a one-page summary of your pet's key information for the fridge
Great for: Dogs who have never had their teeth brushed, owners starting over after brushing hasn't gone well, dogs who pull away, puppies, homes with more than one dog, and anyone who wants brushing to be part of the routine.
A Filled-In Example
See what a completed training tracker looks like before you start, so you know how to fill yours in. Write a word or two, or as much as you like.
A Short, Easy-to-Read Guide
A few clear pages that explain each training stage and what to keep in mind. Written in plain language and based on guidance from Colorado State University's veterinary health system, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
Instant Download, Print at Home
Download your PDF right after checkout and print on regular 8.5 x 11 inch printer paper. Print the pages you need, as many times as you need, for your pets. Nothing is shipped. 3% of your purchase price (excluding shipping and taxes) goes to help participating animal shelters and rescues.
Why Use a Dog Tooth Brushing Guide?
One small step at a time, at your dog's pace.
| Feature | Tooth Brushing Guide | Starting Without a Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Getting started | 5 small stages, one goal each | Straight to brushing |
| Toothpaste | Pet toothpaste only, and why | Easy to grab the wrong tube |
| When your dog pulls away | A troubleshooting page | "He just hates it" |
| Keeping it going | A brushing calendar | Busy days get in the way |
| Dental checkups | Questions ready, answers written down | Hard to recall on the drive home |
Anything about your dog's mouth worry you? Call your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this guide instead of going to the vet?
No, never. This guide helps you work on tooth brushing at home, and it never replaces dental exams or care from your veterinarian. If anything about your dog's mouth worries you, or brushing seems to hurt, call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital right away.
Does it show how to brush your dog's teeth for the first time?
Yes. It's made for dogs who have never had their teeth brushed, and for owners starting over after brushing hasn't gone well, with five small stages that start with letting your dog sniff the toothbrush and taste pet toothpaste from it, a "move on when" goal for each stage, and a quick steps card to keep by the toothbrush. Ask your vet first whether brushing is right for your dog right now.
Do I need to brush my dog's teeth?
Yes. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, up to 80% of dogs have some level of periodontal disease by age 2. The American Veterinary Dental College says periodontal disease is "almost entirely preventable," and daily brushing at home is a big part of that. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association says "it takes less than 2 minutes to brush your pet's teeth." It's never too late to start, whether you have a new puppy or a 5-year-old dog. Ask your vet about your dog's teeth and when they need a professional cleaning.
How do I brush my dog's teeth when they refuse?
The guide's troubleshooting page covers dogs who pull away, chew the brush, or won't open their mouth. If your dog growls, snaps, or seems frightened, stop, never force it, and talk with your vet.
What's the easiest way to brush a dog's teeth?
There's no single easiest way for every dog, so the guide breaks brushing into five small stages that go at your dog's pace. Every dog is different, and some take longer than others.
Can I use human toothpaste on my dog?
No. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says to "only use pet toothpaste for pets, never human toothpaste," and lists toothpaste among the products that may contain xylitol, which it warns is dangerous for dogs. If your dog swallows human toothpaste, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
How often should I brush my dog's teeth?
The Veterinary Oral Health Council says all teeth should be brushed daily. The brushing calendar helps you keep track once brushing is part of the routine, and the dental visit page has space for your vet's answers about your dog.
When can I start brushing my puppy's teeth?
You can start as soon as your puppy comes home. The guide's early stages help your puppy get used to the toothbrush and toothpaste a little at a time, at your puppy's pace.
Can I use a finger brush on my dog?
This guide uses a soft-bristled pet toothbrush sized for your dog. The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine advises holding the toothbrush "at a 45 degree angle so the bristles go under the gumline." Ask your veterinarian which brush fits your dog.
Is there a dog teeth brushing chart?
Yes. The training tracker logs each practice session while your dog learns, and the brushing calendar shows each day you brush once it's part of the routine.
How can I clean my dog's teeth without brushing?
Ask your veterinarian, especially if brushing is hard for your dog. The guide has a box of options to ask your vet about, including products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council's Seal of Acceptance, such as some dental diets, chews, and water additives.
What if my dog's gums bleed when I brush?
Stop and call your veterinarian. Only your vet can tell what is going on.
Does it work for more than one dog?
Yes. Print a training tracker and brushing calendar for each dog, and use a separate brush for each one.
Does it work for cats?
No, this guide is written for dogs. Cats need their own approach, so there's a separate guide: How to Brush Your Cat's Teeth.
Does it come with a toothbrush?
No. It's a printable guide and charts, and nothing is shipped, so you'll need your own pet toothpaste and a soft-bristled pet toothbrush sized for your dog. Give each pet their own toothbrush.
Is this a physical product?
No. It's a printable PDF you download right after checkout. Nothing is shipped, so there's no shipping fee.
Is there an app, or is this on paper?
It's on paper: a printable PDF, with no app to download and no login. Print the pages and keep them on the fridge or in a binder, where anyone who helps with your dog can see them. If you already use a pet app, you can use these pages too.
Can I print it more than once?
Yes. Print as many copies as you need for your pets.
How does my purchase help shelter and rescue pets?
3% of your purchase price (excluding shipping and taxes) goes to help participating animal shelters and rescues.