Home brushing is the single best thing you can do between professional cleanings. Here’s how to do it without the wrestling match.
What you’ll need
- A dog toothbrush (or a finger brush)
- Dog-safe toothpaste — never human toothpaste, which is toxic to dogs
- Treats and a calm, quiet spot
Step by step
- Let your dog taste the toothpaste. Put a little on your finger so they learn it’s a treat, not a threat.
- Get them used to touch. Gently lift the lip and touch the teeth and gums for a few seconds. Reward calmly.
- Introduce the brush. Let them lick paste off the brush first.
- Brush the outer surfaces. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and use small circles. The outsides of the teeth matter most.
- Focus on the back teeth. The upper molars and canines collect the most tartar.
- Keep it short. 30–60 seconds is plenty at first. End on a treat.
Building the habit
Consistency beats perfection. Daily is ideal; three times a week is the minimum to meaningfully slow tartar. Same time, same place, same reward — dogs love routine.
What brushing can’t do
Brushing prevents new buildup, but it can’t remove tartar that’s already hardened. That takes a professional cleaning. Think of it like your own routine: brushing at home, plus a cleaning to reset.
If tartar has already set in, an anesthesia-free cleaning gives your dog a fresh start — then home brushing keeps it that way. Book a visit anywhere in the Bay Area.