How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

Most pet owners know that brushing their pet’s teeth is a good idea. Most also have no idea how to actually do it — or how to get a dog or cat to cooperate. The good news is that with the right approach, most pets can learn to tolerate brushing, and some actually come to expect it. Dr. Miller’s dog waits at the bathroom counter each evening for his turn. Here’s how to get there.

Before getting into technique, it helps to understand why brushing matters. Plaque forms on your pet’s teeth within hours of eating. Left undisturbed for about 72 hours, it hardens into tartar — and once tartar forms, no amount of brushing will remove it. At that point, professional scaling under anesthesia is the only way to clear it. The goal of daily brushing isn’t to replace professional dental cleanings — it’s to slow the buildup so your pet arrives at each cleaning in better shape.

Getting Started: Building Acceptance First

The most common mistake is going straight for the toothbrush on day one. That’s a fast way to make your pet resistant to the whole process. Instead, spend a few days building comfort before any brushing happens. Start by letting your pet taste the toothpaste off your finger — pet-specific enzymatic toothpastes come in poultry or beef flavors and most dogs are immediately interested. Once they’re licking it off your finger enthusiastically, progress to gently touching their teeth and gums, then introduce the toothbrush. The whole process can take one to two weeks before you’re doing a full session.

Eight Tips for Brushing That Actually Works

1. Make It Fun

Treats are completely fine during or after brushing. Pets are far less prone to cavities than humans, so eating immediately after brushing doesn’t undo the benefit. If a treat makes your pet look forward to the process, use it.

2. Build a Consistent Habit

Remember that 72-hour tartar window. Brushing once a day is ideal; every other day is acceptable. Consistency is what makes it work. Dr. Miller keeps her dog’s toothbrush and toothpaste on the bathroom counter and brushes his teeth every night after brushing her own. Pick a time and location that fits naturally into your day and stick to it.

3. Keep Sessions Short

It doesn’t have to be perfect, especially at first. Keep early sessions to 30 seconds and build from there. A short consistent session every day beats an occasional thorough session your pet dreads. You don’t need to brush every surface of every tooth every time.

4. Focus on the Right Teeth

Brushing the tongue side of the teeth is difficult and most pets don’t accumulate much tartar there anyway. Focus on the cheek sides — especially the upper molars, the large canine teeth (the fangs), and the front incisors. These are the areas where tartar accumulates most heavily in most dogs and cats.

5. Be Gentle

Your pet’s gums are sensitive. Scrubbing too hard causes discomfort and makes pets resistant over time. Gentle pressure applied consistently is all that’s needed — think of it as a light sweep along the gum line rather than a scrub.

6. Use a Pet-Specific Enzymatic Toothpaste

Never use human toothpaste on pets — the fluoride and xylitol in many human toothpastes are toxic to dogs and cats. Dr. Miller recommends C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste by Virbac. It’s safe to swallow, doesn’t need to be rinsed, and the enzymatic formula continues breaking down plaque between brushing sessions. It’s available through our online pharmacy.

7. Handle the Chewing Problem

If your pet tries to chew the toothbrush, try gently holding their mouth in the closed position while you brush the outside surfaces. Keeping sessions very short at first — just one or two seconds per area — also helps them learn what’s expected before frustration sets in.

8. Know When to Ask for Alternatives

If your pet is growling, snapping, or you feel genuinely at risk of being bitten, stop. Brushing isn’t the right fit for every pet. Dental chews with the VOHC seal, water additives, enzymatic gels, and prescription dental diets can all contribute to oral health. Our team can help you build a home care plan that works for your specific pet’s temperament.

Brushing Doesn’t Replace Professional Cleanings

Even diligent daily brushing won’t prevent all tartar accumulation. Professional dental cleanings performed under anesthesia allow our veterinarians to clean below the gum line — where most dental disease actually originates and where no toothbrush can reach. Full-mouth dental X-rays during a cleaning also reveal bone loss and root problems that aren’t visible on the surface. You can read more about our dog dental care and cat dental care services. For the full picture, see our pet dental health guide.

What brushing does is slow the rate of buildup and help your pet arrive at each cleaning in better condition — which often means a shorter, simpler procedure with fewer surprises. Most pets who are brushed consistently need less frequent cleanings than those who aren’t.

If your pet is due for a dental evaluation or you’d like help building a home care routine, request an appointment and our team will put together a plan that works for your household.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth