How to brush your dog’s teeth: A step-by-step guide

Summary

What you need to brush your dog’s teeth

Before you begin, gather everything you need so the session is calm and organised.

You will need:

• A dog toothbrush, finger brush or soft toothbrush suitable for your dog’s size
• Pet-safe toothpaste
• A quiet space with minimal distractions
• Treats or praise as a reward
• Patience and time

Never use human toothpaste for dogs. Dogs swallow toothpaste rather than spitting it out, and human toothpaste may contain ingredients that are not suitable for pets. Some human dental products may also contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Pet toothpastes are made to be swallowed and often come in dog-friendly flavours such as chicken, beef, malt or mint. Finding a flavour your dog likes can make the process much easier.

Dog toothpaste tip:
If your dog does not like one toothpaste flavour, try another. They may prefer meaty flavours over minty ones!

Choosing the right toothbrush for your dog

The best toothbrush depends on your dog’s size, mouth shape and tolerance.

Options include:

• A dog toothbrush with a long handle
• A small, soft toothbrush designed for pets
• A finger brush that fits over your finger
• A soft children’s toothbrush for some dogs
• A soft cloth or gauze as an introductory step

Finger brushes can be useful when your dog is first learning, but they still place your finger close to your dog’s teeth. If your dog is nervous, reactive, likely to bite or uncomfortable with mouth handling, ask your vet for advice before continuing.

For small dogs, choose a small brush head that can fit comfortably in the mouth. For larger dogs, a longer-handled toothbrush may give you better control.

Toothbrush tip: Electric toothbrushes are usually not recommended for dogs unless your vet advises otherwise. Some dogs may be frightened by the noise or movement, and sudden movement during brushing could increase the risk of injury.

Before you start: create a calm environment

Choose a quiet, comfortable place where your dog feels relaxed. Avoid starting when your dog is excited, tired, hungry, stressed or distracted.

Sit or kneel beside your dog or slightly in front of them, rather than standing over them. Avoid holding them down or forcing their mouth open, as this can make toothbrushing feel threatening and may cause your dog to resist future sessions.

It can help to:

• Choose the same time each day
• Keep sessions short
• Sit beside your dog rather than standing over them
• Use a calm voice
• Avoid restraining your dog tightly
• Stop before your dog becomes stressed
• Reward calm behaviour

Toothbrushing should feel like a gentle care routine, not a battle. If your dog resists, pulls away, growls, snaps or becomes distressed, stop and try again another day. Forcing the process can make future brushing harder.

Quick tip: Keep your dog’s water bowl nearby after brushing. Some dogs may want a drink once the session is finished.

Step-by-step: how to brush your dog’s teeth

Step 1: Get your dog used to mouth handling

Start by gently touching your dog’s muzzle and lifting the upper lip for a few seconds. Praise your dog and offer a reward.

Repeat this over several sessions until your dog is comfortable with you touching around the mouth.

Step 2: Touch the teeth and gums gently

Once your dog is relaxed with lip lifting, gently run your finger along the outside of the teeth and gums for a few seconds.

Focus only on the outer surfaces at first. Do not try to open the whole mouth or reach every tooth straight away.

Step 3: Introduce dog toothpaste

Place a small amount of pet-safe toothpaste on your finger and let your dog lick it. This helps them get used to the taste and texture.

If your dog refuses the toothpaste after a few attempts, try a different pet toothpaste flavour.

Step 4: Use your finger, gauze or a finger brush

When your dog is comfortable with the toothpaste, place a small amount on your finger, gauze or a finger brush. Gently lift the lip and rub along the outside of the teeth for 10 to 30 seconds.

Keep the movement slow and gentle. Reward your dog afterwards.

Step 5: Introduce the toothbrush

Once your dog accepts the finger brush or gauze, introduce a toothbrush with a small amount of dog toothpaste.

Lift the lip and gently brush a few teeth at a time. Start with the canine teeth and larger cheek teeth, as these are common areas for plaque and tartar build-up.

Step 6: Angle the brush toward the gumline

Hold the toothbrush at around a 45-degree angle so the bristles reach the gumline. Use small circular motions or gentle back-and-forth strokes.

Do not scrub hard. Gentle brushing is enough, and too much pressure may irritate the gums.

Step 7: Build up slowly

Gradually increase the time as your dog becomes more comfortable. Aim to work up to around 30 seconds per side, or longer if your dog tolerates it well.

You do not need to clean every tooth perfectly at the beginning. A few calm seconds each day can build into a more complete routine over time.

Which teeth should you focus on?

If your dog does not tolerate a full-mouth brush, focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth, especially the canine teeth and back teeth. These areas are often where plaque and tartar collect most quickly.

Do not worry too much if you cannot brush the inside surfaces of the teeth. Many dogs do not tolerate this well, and the tongue helps reduce some build-up on the inner surfaces.

The most important areas to target are:

• The outside surfaces of the upper teeth
• The outside surfaces of the lower teeth
• The gumline
• The canine teeth
• The large back teeth

How long should you brush your dog’s teeth?

The long-term goal is to brush for about 30 seconds on each side of the mouth, or around one to two minutes in total if your dog is comfortable.

For beginners, even 5 to 10 seconds can be a good start. Keep the session positive and gradually increase the time. Over time, you may be able to build up to around one to two minutes in total, or about one minute on each side. For many dogs, shorter sessions are more realistic, especially when they are learning.

What if your dog hates having their teeth brushed?

Some dogs take longer than others to accept toothbrushing. Older dogs, rescue dogs, anxious dogs and dogs with mouth pain may need a much slower approach.

If your dog hates brushing, try:

• Starting with mouth handling only
• Using a soft cloth instead of a toothbrush
• Trying a different toothpaste flavour
• Brushing only one or two teeth at a time
• Keeping sessions very short
• Rewarding calm behaviour immediately
• Brushing after exercise, when your dog is more relaxed
• Asking your vet or a qualified trainer for help

Do not force your dog’s mouth open or continue if they are frightened or aggressive. If toothbrushing causes a strong reaction, your dog may be anxious, uncomfortable or experiencing dental pain.

Other oral care products your dog may tolerate better include dental wipes, oral rinses, sprays, water additives, dental chew treats and breath fresheners. These may help support oral hygiene, but ideally they should be used alongside brushing and vet checks, not as a replacement.

Is bleeding normal when brushing your dog’s teeth?

A small amount of occasional bleeding may happen, especially if the gums are inflamed or your dog is not used to brushing. However, ongoing bleeding, heavy bleeding or bleeding that happens every time should be checked by a vet.

Bleeding gums can be a sign of:

• Gingivitis
• Periodontal disease
• Brushing too hard
• Gum injury
• Infection
• Other oral health problems

If you notice bleeding, pain, bad breath, loose teeth or reluctance to eat, book a vet appointment.

When not to brush your dog’s teeth

Do not brush your dog’s teeth if they appear to be in pain or if you can see a serious mouth problem. Brushing over painful, infected or damaged areas may make your dog more uncomfortable.

Speak to your vet first if your dog has:

• Facial swelling
• A broken tooth
• Loose teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Pus or discharge from the mouth
• Severe bad breath
• Difficulty eating
• Pawing at the mouth
• Sudden aggression when touched around the face
• A lump or sore in the mouth

These signs may indicate dental disease or another condition that needs veterinary attention.

Can puppies have their teeth brushed?

Yes. Puppyhood is a great time to introduce gentle mouth handling and toothbrushing. Starting early can help your dog become more comfortable with dental care as they grow.

Keep sessions very short and positive. At first, the goal is simply to help your puppy accept having their lips lifted and teeth touched. You can gradually introduce pet toothpaste and a soft brush as they mature.

If your puppy has retained baby teeth, broken teeth, painful gums or difficulty eating, ask your vet for advice.

Can older dogs learn to accept toothbrushing?

Yes, many older dogs can learn to accept toothbrushing, but they may need more time and patience. Senior dogs are also more likely to have existing dental disease, so it is a good idea to have their mouth checked by a vet before starting a new brushing routine.

If an older dog has sore gums, loose teeth or dental pain, brushing may be uncomfortable. Your vet can advise whether professional dental treatment is needed first.

Toothbrushing tips for success

To make brushing easier:

• Keep sessions short and calm.
• Use pet-safe toothpaste in a flavour your dog likes.
• Start with your finger, gauze or a finger brush before using a toothbrush.
• Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth.
• Brush gently along the gumline.
• Reward your dog after each session.
• Stop before your dog becomes stressed.
• Try to brush at the same time each day.
• Replace your dog’s toothbrush regularly.
• Use a separate toothbrush for each dog in the household.

Consistency matters more than perfection. A calm routine that your dog accepts is more effective than occasional stressful brushing sessions.

Positive routine: With patience and rewards, toothbrushing can become a calm one-on-one routine rather than a stressful task. Keep sessions short, praise your dog often and finish on a positive note.

Do dental chews replace brushing?

Dental chews, dental diets, water additives and oral care products may help support your dog’s oral hygiene, but they should not be seen as a complete replacement for brushing.

Brushing is still considered one of the most effective ways to remove plaque at home. Dental chews and other products can be useful additions, especially for dogs who do not tolerate brushing well, but they work best as part of a broader dental care plan.

Ask your vet which products are suitable for your dog, particularly if your dog has food sensitivities, weight issues, pancreatitis, kidney disease, allergies or a history of dental problems.

Dog toothbrushing checklist

• Choose a calm time and quiet place.
• Use only pet-safe toothpaste.
• Select a soft toothbrush, dog toothbrush or finger brush.
• Let your dog taste the toothpaste first.
• Start with short sessions.
• Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth.
• Brush gently along the gumline.
• Reward your dog afterwards.
• Stop if your dog becomes stressed or reactive.
• Ask your vet if your dog shows signs of dental pain.

Timing tip: If time is limited, aim to brush the areas that matter most: the outside surfaces of the canine teeth and back teeth, where plaque commonly collects. A short, regular brush is usually better than waiting for the perfect time to do a full clean.

Watch the following video for veterinary advice on brushing your dog’s teeth:

In conclusion

Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the most useful things you can do at home to support their dental health. Start slowly, use dog-safe toothpaste, focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth and keep the experience positive.

If your dog shows signs of dental disease or does not tolerate brushing, ask your vet for advice. Regular home care, routine dental checks and early treatment can all help keep your dog’s mouth healthier and more comfortable throughout their life.

Because dental problems can be difficult to detect and treatment costs can add up, it is worth being proactive. Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance can help protect you from a portion of eligible unexpected vet bills, depending on your policy and level of cover, so you can focus on getting your dog the care they need.

Learn more:

• Pet insurance that covers dental in Australia
• Dog dental care: How to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy
• Maintaining your pets’ dental hygiene

Sources:

“Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth”, VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brushing-teeth-in-dogs. Accessed 16 Jun 2026.

“Pet Dental Care”, American Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care. Accessed 16 Jun 2026.

“Brushing your dog’s teeth”, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/brushing-your-dogs-teeth. Accessed 16 Jun 2026.

“Veterinary Oral Health Council”, Veterinary Oral Health Council, https://vohc.org/. Accessed 16 Jun 2026.

“VOHC Accepted Products”, Veterinary Oral Health Council, https://vohc.org/accepted-products/. Accessed 16 Jun 2026.

“Importance of dental health”, RSPCA Australia, https://www.rspca.org.au/latest-news/blog/importance-dental-health/. Accessed 16 Jun 2026.