You know you should brush your dog's teeth, but in many pet homes it's one of those items on the pet care to-do list that never seems to get done. As the old saying goes, "Well begun is half done," so here are some helpful tips to helps get you started on the worthy goal of brushing your dog's pearly whites on a regular basis.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

If your dog isn't accustomed to having his mouth looked at, let alone having a toothbrush bouncing around in there, he or she may object strongly to the entire process. Time and patience are key here, and slow, easy steps over a period of time will bring better results in the long run.

• If your dog is touchy about his mouth, begin by giving small rewards when he lets you touch his mouth and teeth.
• Keep your dog's toothbrush close at hand the next time you sit down for a flick on your favorite chair. Use it for gentle mouth-play and maybe try brushing a tooth or two. After a few tries, your dog won't mind a full brushing.
• Set a reminder on your phone for daily cleanings so your dog begins to expect brushing as a part of its normal routine.

Try Fingers Instead!

If your dog just won't accept the toothbrush, your fingers can do the job nicely. Wear gloves if you like, or just use a soft cloth and toothpaste to wipe tartar from your dog's teeth.

Schedule a Professional Cleaning

If your dog is older, and you're starting from scratch, schedule a visit with your vet for a professional cleaning to remove tartar and plaque build up. Your vet can also help you set up a schedule and give you some tips for successful brushing and basic oral pet care.

Try Dental Chews

You can improve your dog's oral health with dental chews. Not a replacement for regular brushing, these can still be a fun and effective way to remove some build-up.

Contact us at Intermountain Pet Hospital for an oral check-up for your dog today!