You do all the right things to make your pup’s life as pleasant as possible: feeding them the right food, taking them to the vet, and making sure they get plenty of fresh air. But there’s one aspect of pet health that often gets overlooked: oral care.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental conditions in dogs, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Ideally, your vet checks your dog’s teeth and gums at their annual check-up. But oral care in between vet visits is essential—and that starts with brushing your dog’s teeth.

Brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t complicated, but it requires a bit more nuance than brushing your own pearly whites. In this guide, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions and vet-approved tips to keep your pup’s teeth in tip-top shape. Let’s get into it.

Choose the Best Dog Toothbrush

Picking the right toothbrush for your dog isn't just about grabbing the first thing you see on the shelf. You want something that's both effective and stress-free for your furry friend. Enter the Petsie: the revolutionary dog toothbrush developed with veterinarians.

Rather than simply scrubbing your dog’s teeth, Petsie uses a small electric current to remove plaque and tartar with no sounds, no vibrations, and no toothpaste. And since dogs come in all shapes and sizes, Petsie has different size brush heads for different breeds. It even comes with a built-in timer to ensure you brush for the vet-recommended amount of time (more on that later).

Introduce the Toothbrush to Your Dog

Before you dive into brushing, it’s all about the intro. Don’t just shove the toothbrush in your dog’s face and hope for the best. Let them get familiar with it. Show them the brush, let them sniff it out, and maybe even give it a little taste.

With Petsie, the sleek design and subtle white light will make it feel more like a new toy than a dental tool. They’ll be curious instead of cautious, which is half the battle won.

Some vets recommend giving your dog a treat as you bring the toothbrush near their mouth. This can help them learn to associate the toothbrush as a positive thing. After about a week, you can start brushing your dog’s teeth as part of their daily routine.

Brush in a Circular Motion

Now that your dog’s cool with the brush, it’s time to get down to business.

Start by gently holding your pup’s lips up so you can see the teeth. Then, gently brush their teeth back and forth in circular motions. You’re not scrubbing a bathroom floor here—take it easy.

Petsie’s electrolytic technology is the star of the show, using a safe and effective method to clean those chompers without needing extra products. And the best part? The built-in timer ensures you’re brushing for the exact amount of time recommended by vets. No need to guess if you’re overdoing it or cutting corners.

Feel free to take short breaks as needed until all the teeth are cleaned.

Reward Them with a Treat

You’ve just asked your dog to sit through something that’s not exactly their idea of fun, so they deserve a little something for their patience. Once the brushing is done, reward them with their favorite treat. This not only makes the experience more positive but also gets them excited for next time.

Keep a Consistent Routine

The more regularly you brush your dog’s teeth, the easier it’ll get for both of you. Aim for a few times a week at first, and then work your way up to a daily brushing routine. Staying consistent with dental care can save you from costly vet bills down the road. Your dog’s smile will stay fresh, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about.

When To Leave It to the Vets

Brushing your dog’s teeth daily is one of the best things you can do to prolong their life. Eventually, however, your furry friend will need a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar you can’t reach on your own. So, how often should you doggo get a dental check-up?

“Our benchmark is around 3 years of age,” Dr. Kurt Venator, a veterinarian with Purina, told The New York Times. “At that point, during your annual visit, start discussing when it’s the best time to get a dental cleaning. Each pet is different, and you might skip a year or two.”

In the meantime, get your pup a Petsie toothbrush and join the thousands of pet parents taking charge of their dog’s oral health.