Most pet owners know they should brush their pet's teeth. Far fewer actually do it, usually because the first attempt turned into a wrestling match. The secret is to go slowly and make it pleasant. Here's a gentle plan that works for most dogs and plenty of cats.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your vet can check your pet's mouth and recommend the right dental routine for them.
Why brushing matters
Dental problems are among the most common issues vets see in adult dogs and cats. Food and bacteria build up along the gumline as plaque, which can harden into tartar over time. Regular at-home brushing, alongside the check-ups and professional cleanings your vet recommends, is one of the most useful habits you can build.
What you'll need
- Pet toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste: it can contain ingredients such as xylitol and fluoride that aren't safe for pets to swallow. Pet toothpastes come in flavours like chicken or malt that make brushing feel like a treat.
- A brush your pet will accept. Many beginners find a silicone finger toothbrush easiest, because it feels like a gentle scratch from your fingertip rather than a stick in the mouth. Pet toothbrushes with long handles work well for larger dogs once they're used to the routine.
- Treats or praise for afterwards.
The two-week plan
Days 1–3: just a taste
Let your pet lick a little pet toothpaste off your finger. That's it. You're teaching them the toothpaste is a treat.
Days 4–6: touch the lips and gums
With a little toothpaste on your fingertip, gently lift their lip and rub along the outside of the front teeth and gums for a few seconds. Praise, then stop.
Days 7–10: introduce the brush
Slip on the finger brush, add toothpaste, and gently rub the outer surfaces of a few teeth in small circles at the gumline. Keep sessions to 15–30 seconds.
Days 11–14: build up
Gradually work further back to the large teeth at the sides and back of the mouth, where tartar tends to build up. Aim for about a minute, then two, covering both sides.
If your pet gets uncomfortable at any stage, go back a step and try again tomorrow. A calm 20-second session beats a stressful two-minute one.
Technique tips
- Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth. Most pets won't let you brush the inside, and that's OK.
- Angle toward the gumline with small, gentle circles.
- Pick a calm moment, such as after a walk or during an evening cuddle, not when they're wound up.
- Keep it short and positive, and finish with praise or a favourite game.
Tips for cats
Cats usually need an even slower introduction. Spend extra days on the "taste" and "touch" stages, and brush when your cat is relaxed and sleepy. A fingertip brush is often the only kind a cat will tolerate. Even brushing the canines and side teeth for a few seconds is a good start.
How often should you brush?
Daily brushing is ideal, because plaque builds up continuously. If daily isn't realistic, brushing several times a week is still far better than not brushing at all. Consistency matters more than perfection.
When to see your vet
Book a check-up if you notice:
- Persistent bad breath, or a sudden change in breath
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Brown or yellow build-up that brushing doesn't shift
- Broken or loose teeth
- Drooling, pawing at the mouth, chewing on one side or dropping food
If your pet's gums are sore, brushing can hurt. Get them checked first, then start the routine once your vet gives the all-clear.
Make it part of the routine
Pair brushing with something you already do every day, like the evening walk or bedtime, and it quickly becomes a two-minute habit. Our Silicone Finger Toothbrush has soft 360° bristles that reach every side of the tooth, and it's sized for medium and large dogs and adult cats.
Grooming day? Pair brushing with a quick coat session using a self-cleaning slicker brush, then reward everyone with a frozen lick mat.