Pet Dental Care: How to Brush Your Dog & Cat’s Teeth

Did you know that most dogs and cats will develop some form of dental disease during their lifetime²? Pet dental care is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role in your pet’s overall health. Just like in humans, plaque and tartar build-up can lead to painful gum disease, infection and tooth loss. More seriously, untreated dental disease can affect the heart, liver and kidneys.

The good news is that dental disease is largely preventable. With a consistent routine at home and regular veterinary dental checks as recommended by the SPCA¹, you can dramatically reduce your pet’s risk.

Why Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth Is Important

Dental disease usually begins with plaque which is a soft film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Within 24–48 hours, plaque can harden into tartar. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed with brushing alone and often requires professional dental treatments for pets.

Without proper dental care for pets, problems may include:

• Bad breath
• Red, inflamed or bleeding gums
• Pain when eating
• Loose or missing teeth
• Infections around the tooth root
• Bacteria entering the bloodstream and affecting major organs

In cats, up to 70% may develop periodontal disease by the age of two if their teeth are not properly maintained². Dogs are equally at risk, particularly small breeds³. Daily brushing is considered the gold standard for both dog teeth cleaning and cat teeth cleaning because it removes plaque before it hardens.

How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

1. Choose the Right Products

• Using the correct tools makes dog teeth cleaning safer, easier and more effective.
• Always use products designed specifically for pets as part of your dental care for pets' routine.
• Choose a dog-specific toothbrush, available in long-handled, dual-head or finger brush styles to help reach back molars where plaque builds up most.
• Never use human toothpaste. Many formulas contain fluoride or xylitol, which are toxic to dogs.
• Select a dog paste for teeth that is formulated for pets and safe to swallow. Flavoured options such as poultry or malt can make brushing more appealing. Popular choices include Virbac C.E.T. Toothpaste, available in poultry and malt flavours.

Even if your dog resists toothpaste initially, the mechanical action of brushing alone still plays an important role in removing plaque.

2. Get Your Dog Comfortable

Start slowly:

• Gently lift your dog’s lips and touch their gums with your finger.
• Reward with praise or treats.
• Gradually introduce a finger brush or pet dental wipes.
• If your dog seems overwhelmed, go back a step. This process can take days or even weeks.

3. Introduce the Toothbrush

• Let your dog sniff the brush.
• Reward calm behaviour.
• Gently touch the brush to their teeth before attempting brushing.
• Never force the process — the goal is cooperation, not restraint.

4. Start Brushing

When your dog is ready:

• Apply a small amount of pet-safe toothpaste.
• Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline.
• Use gentle circular and back-and-forth motions.
• Focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth, especially the back molars, where plaque accumulates most.
• Avoid pressing too hard. If the bristles bend significantly, you’re applying too much pressure.
• Aim for daily brushing1. Every second day can still help, but brushing less frequently provides limited benefit.

How to Brush a Cat’s Teeth

Cat teeth cleaning requires the same gradual approach, but often more patience.

1. Start Slow

• Sit with your cat comfortably in your lap.
• Gently lift their lip and touch their teeth.
• Reward immediately with treats and praise.
• Increase the duration gradually, aiming for 30 seconds.

2. Introduce Toothpaste and Brush

• Let your cat taste a small amount of cat-safe toothpaste from your finger.
• Allow them to investigate the toothbrush.
• Begin by touching the brush to their teeth without brushing.
• Once comfortable, begin gentle brushing.

3. Begin Brushing

• Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth.
• Pay special attention to the gumline.
• Gradually work toward brushing the back teeth.
• Daily brushing is ideal. Missing the occasional day is fine, but brushing less than every other day significantly reduces effectiveness.

If you are starting with an older cat that already has visible tartar, consult your veterinarian first. A professional cleaning may be required before home care can be effective.

Alternatives to Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

While brushing remains the gold standard for pet dental care, it isn’t always achievable for every household. Fortunately, there are several effective dental treatments for pets that can help support oral health between professional cleanings.

Dental Chews and Treats

Pet snacks dental chews help reduce plaque and tartar through mechanical chewing action. Products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) are independently assessed for effectiveness.

Recommended options include:

• VeggieDent Chews
• Greenies Dental Treats

Dental chews are a helpful addition to your routine, but they should complement regular brushing and not replace it.

Dental Wipes

Pet dental wipes are a practical alternative for pets that won’t tolerate a toothbrush. They help remove soft plaque from the tooth surface and can be easier to introduce gradually. While not as effective as full brushing, they are a valuable step in maintaining dental care for pets.

Dental Diets

Some prescription and dental-specific kibble is specially formulated to help reduce plaque accumulation through texture and kibble design. These diets can support both dog teeth cleaning and cat teeth cleaning as part of a comprehensive plan.

Royal Canin Dental Diets are available in both dog and cat variants and are designed to assist with tartar control when fed as directed.

Water Additives and Rinses

Dental water additives can help reduce oral bacteria and freshen breath with minimal effort. Simply added to your pet’s water bowl, they provide ongoing support for pet dental care.

Popular options include:

• Oxyfresh Water Additive
• Prozym Dental Solution

These products work best when combined with other preventative measures.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Even with excellent home care, most pets will require professional dental treatments for pets at some stage.

A veterinary dental cleaning removes hardened tartar above and below the gumline — something home brushing cannot achieve once tartar has formed. Regular dental exams allow early detection of gum disease, infections and damaged teeth before they become more serious.

If you are concerned about dog teeth cleaning cost, speak with your veterinary clinic about what is included in the procedure and how preventative dental care at home may reduce the likelihood of more extensive treatment later.

Building a Long-Term Dental Routine for your pet

The best approach to pet dental care combines:

• Daily brushing
• Dental chews or approved treats
• Water additives where appropriate
• Regular veterinary dental checks
• Professional cleaning when required

Remember: Prevention is always easier (and more affordable) than treatment.

Dental disease is extremely common, but it is also highly preventable. Whether you are learning how to clean dogs’ teeth for the first time or wondering how to clean cat teeth safely, starting slowly and staying consistent makes all the difference.

If you’re unsure where to begin, our team at My Vet can help you choose the right products until you are able to visit your vet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Dental Care

How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?

Daily brushing is ideal for effective dog teeth cleaning. Plaque can begin to harden into tartar within 24–48 hours, so brushing every day provides the best protection. If daily brushing isn’t possible, aim for at least every second day.

How often should I brush my cat’s teeth?

For proper cat teeth cleaning, daily brushing is recommended. Even 30 seconds a day can help prevent periodontal disease. Missing the occasional day is fine, but brushing less than every other day reduces effectiveness.

Can I use human toothpaste on my pet?

No. Human toothpaste contains ingredients such as fluoride and xylitol that can be toxic to dogs and cats. Always use a pet-safe dog paste for teeth or toothpaste specifically formulated for cats.

What if my dog won’t let me brush their teeth?

If your dog resists brushing, start slowly with lip handling and pet dental wipes. Dental chews, water additives and dental-specific diets can also support dental care for pets. If brushing remains too stressful, speak with your veterinarian about alternative dental treatments for pets.

Do dental chews really work?

Pet snacks dental chews can help reduce plaque and tartar through chewing action, particularly when approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). However, they work best as part of a broader routine and do not fully replace brushing.

How do I know if my pet has dental disease?

Common signs include:

• Bad breath
• Red or bleeding gums
• Yellow or brown tartar build-up
• Dropping food while eating
• Pawing at the mouth
• Loose teeth

If you notice any of these signs, book a veterinary dental check as soon as possible.

Is professional teeth cleaning necessary?

Yes. Even with excellent home care, most pets will require professional dental treatments at some stage. A veterinary dental cleaning removes hardened tartar above and below the gumline.

How much does dog teeth cleaning cost?

Dog teeth cleaning cost varies depending on your pet’s size, the severity of dental disease, and whether extractions or further treatment are required. Preventative care at home can significantly reduce the likelihood of more complex and costly procedures later.

When should I start brushing my pet’s teeth?

The best time to start is when your pet is young, ideally as a puppy or kitten, so they grow up accepting brushing as part of their routine. However, adult pets can still learn with patience and positive reinforcement. If your pet already has visible tartar, consult your veterinarian before starting.

References

1. SPCA New Zealand. Companion Animal Dentistry. © 2026 SPCA New Zealand. Available at: https://www.spca.nz/advocacy/position-statements/article/companion-animal-dentistry

2. Coates, J. (DVM). How To Brush Cats’ Teeth. PetMD. Reviewed by Hannah Hart, DVM. Updated June 25, 2025. Available at: https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/how-to-brush-cats-teeth

3. Vogelsang, J. (DVM). How to Clean a Dog’s Teeth: Tools and Tips. PetMD. Reviewed by Monica Tarantino, DVM. Updated November 25, 2019. Available at: https://www.petmd.com/dog/grooming/what-best-way-clean-my-dogs-teeth