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Care for an animal's mouth

Care for an animal's mouth
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Practice cleaning a pet's mouth safely: learn gentle brushing techniques on a stuffed animal, then help an adult brush a real pet's teeth.

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Step-by-step guide to care for an animal's mouth

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Caring for Animals | Science | Matatag | Teacher Beth Class TV

What you need
Adult supervision required, pet-safe toothpaste, small pet treat, soft cloth or gauze, soft small toothbrush for pet or child, stuffed animal, towel

Step 1

Gather all the materials listed and set them on a clean table.

Step 2

Ask an adult to help you with every step from now on.

Step 3

With the adult, bring your pet to a quiet comfortable spot where you can sit together.

Step 4

Place a towel under your pet to keep them cozy and to catch drool.

Step 5

Hold the toothbrush like a pencil so you can brush gently and carefully.

Step 6

Practice gentle small circular strokes on the stuffed animal’s outer “teeth” for about 15 seconds.

Step 7

Have the adult put a pea-sized amount of pet-safe toothpaste on the toothbrush.

Step 8

Let the pet sniff and lick the toothpaste so they know it is tasty and safe.

Step 9

Check that the pet looks calm and relaxed and tell the adult to stop if the pet seems scared.

Step 10

With the adult holding the pet steady, gently lift one lip and use small circular strokes to brush the outer surfaces of the teeth for about 5 seconds per area.

Step 11

Give your pet a small treat and lots of praise to reward them for being brave.

Step 12

Rinse the toothbrush and soft cloth and put them away neatly.

Step 13

Share a photo or story of how you helped care for your pet’s mouth on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can I use if I can't find pet-safe toothpaste or a small pet toothbrush?

If pet-safe toothpaste or a small pet toothbrush is hard to find, have the adult wet a soft toothbrush with plain water, still follow the pea-sized toothpaste step by letting the pet sniff and lick the brush, and practice the same small circular strokes.

What should I do if my pet gets scared or pulls away when I try to lift their lip?

If the pet gets scared or pulls away when you lift a lip, stop and give a small treat and lots of praise, spend more time practicing gentle 15-second circular strokes on the stuffed animal, and only try again with the adult holding the pet steady.

How can I change this activity for younger kids or older kids?

For younger children, focus on setting out the towel and practicing the pencil grip and 15-second circular strokes on the stuffed animal while the adult brushes the pet, and for older kids let them gently lift one lip and brush about 5 seconds per area under supervision before rinsing and putting away the toothbrush and soft cloth.

How can we make the activity more fun or keep doing it regularly?

To extend and personalize the activity, decorate the toothbrush handle, create a sticker chart to reward each brushing with a small treat and praise, try different pet-safe toothpaste flavors the pet likes, then rinse the toothbrush and soft cloth and share your photo or story on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to care for an animal's mouth

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Facts about pet dental care for kids

🪥 Brushing a pet's teeth 2–3 times a week helps prevent plaque (daily is even better!).

😺 Cats usually have 30 adult teeth and can hide dental pain well.

🦷 Dogs usually have 42 adult teeth — more than most people!

🚫 Never use human toothpaste for pets — pet toothpaste is safe to swallow and comes in fun flavors.

🧸 Practicing gentle brushing on a stuffed animal helps kids learn safe motions and keeps real pets calm.

How do I teach a child to practice cleaning a pet's mouth safely?

Start by explaining why mouth care matters and demonstrate on a stuffed animal. Show gentle circular brushing motions and how to lift lips calmly. Let the child practice on the toy until comfortable. When moving to a real pet, have an adult handle the teeth brushing while the child helps hold a treat or soothes the pet. Keep sessions short, calm, and always supervised to protect both child and animal.

What materials do I need to practice cleaning a pet's mouth with my child?

You’ll need a soft stuffed animal for practice, a child-sized toothbrush or finger brush, and a pet toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste for the real pet. Bring small treats, a towel, wet wipes, and a cup of water. Optionally use gloves and a pet muzzle if recommended by your vet for safety. Always have an adult present and a quiet area to reduce the pet’s stress.

What ages is this pet mouth-care activity suitable for?

Practicing gently on a stuffed animal is appropriate for children as young as 3–4, helping build comfort and motor skills. Assisting an adult with a real pet’s teeth is better for children 6 and up, always with close supervision. Older children (8+) can learn more responsibility but should still have an adult handle most of the brushing until they show consistent calm, careful behavior around the pet.

What safety tips should parents follow when teaching kids to help clean a pet's mouth?

Always supervise closely and watch the pet’s body language for stress. Use pet-formulated toothpaste—never human toothpaste—and soft brushes designed for animals. Keep sessions short and gentle, reward the pet with treats, and avoid forcing the mouth open. If the pet shows discomfort or aggression, stop and consult your vet. Make sure children wash hands after handling and learn to be calm and predictable around the animal.
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