Dog Tooth Brushing: Calm, Conditioning & Consent

Max enjoys having his teeth cleaned. However, it didn’t happen by force or rushing the process. When he was a puppy, we started very gradually:

• Conditioning the presence of the toothbrush and toothpaste

• Making sure he felt comfortable just having them nearby

• Asking for touching the brush

• Progressing to chin rest on my lap

• Encouraging full relaxation before anything else

I use the cue “nice and gentle”,which Max associates with calmness, safety. Only when he is truly relaxed, we gently introduce brushing.

Because of this:
✔️ Brushing is part of our normal routine
✔️ Max stays relaxed and cooperative
✔️ There is no stress, restraint or conflict

We brush Max’s teeth around twice a week, and the toothbrush always travels with us.

The brush we use is the Emmi-Pet ultrasonic toothbrush
• No vibration
• No sound
• Extremely pet-friendly
• Dissolves plaque when used regularly
• Helps remove bad odour and keeps teeth clean and healthy

Why brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is essential:

Just like in humans, plaque and bacteria build up on dogs’ teeth every day.
If not removed, this can lead to tartar, gum disease and infections.

Over time, untreated dental disease can cause:
• Pain and inflammation in the mouth
• Tooth loss
• Bad breath, sign of bacterial overgrowth, not just an inconvenience

But it doesn’t stop there. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and place extra strain on vital organs, including:
• The heart (increasing the risk of heart disease)
• The kidneys (contributing to kidney damage)
• The liver

This is why poor dental health is often linked to:
❌ Reduced energy
❌ Changes in behaviour or irritability
❌ Lower quality of life, especially as dogs age

Key takeaway:
Dental care isn’t just about clean teeth, it’s about preventing pain, protecting internal organs and supporting your dog’s long-term health.

Just like any skill, success comes from conditioning, consent and emotional safety. When dogs feel safe, relaxed and understood, cooperation follows naturally.

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