Work Up to Brushing

By Dr. Marty Becker

  • Start by touching your pet around the mouth while cuddling. Pull her lip up to look at her teeth. Touch a tooth. If you have a puppy or kitten, start getting them used to mouth touching immediately.
  • Wipe your pet’s teeth with a gauze pad or dental wipe from a pet store.
  • Introduce a toothbrush with pet toothpaste (never use a human toothpaste) and try to work up to several times a week.
  • If your pet gets spooked, go back to using gauze pads, & if need be, simple warm water. Even this is better than no tooth care at all.