tooth brushing??

[Bastianboy]

I have searched on this topic and seen a lot of responses saying feed raw. I'd love to, but poor Bastian can't have chicken or beef, which makes our options small and I don't think I can afford lamb. Anyone have any thoughts on how often to brush teeth, how hard, does it really work, other ideas he can actually have that would be a chewing relief for him as well?? Ideas on maybe how I can get lamb cheap??

Thanks!

[Brooke&Ryan]

We brush Julius' teeth a couple of times a week. We got him used to it when he was a puppy. It was a bit tricky getting him to let us do it. We finally found some beef toothpaste that he loves & so he doesn't mind it. But it did take a bit of conditioning to get him to submit to letting us brush the teeth.

He does eat raw though, so that, of course, plays a part. The vet always comments on how white his teeth are. I wish you luck!


Brooke

[rottsnroses]

I brush Max and Luna's teeth once or twice a week. I use a soft adult toothbrush and poultry flavored CET toothpaste I buy from the vet. They both love the taste of the toothpaste, and think that brushing their teeth is a game (they like to bite and hold onto the toothbrush). As a result, I use two brushes, one for them to bite on, and one to actually do the brushing with.

[BostonRott]

I give bones. If he can't have beef bones, you might be ablet to find some lamb bones for him to gnaw on. Never brushed teeth and never had a problem with tartar build up. They eat a mixture of kibble and raw (not in one meal).

[spidey]

I give Greenies and bones. I don't brush on a regular basis.

[SonnyRott]

I used to do it every day when my pup was little for two reasons. First to get him used to having his mouth handled/opened and second to clean his teeth.

I use a finger brush (it's a toothbrush that fits over your finger) with chicken toothpaste. Human toothpaste is too strong and foams too much. Others simply use a warm washcloth and rub it over their dogs teeth. Don't be afraid to give the teeth a nice firm rub. As long as you don't poke the gums you should be fine.

Any type of chew bone will also clean their teeth. If he can't chew beef or chicken bones how about deer? I have a friend who gave me her deer bones this morning.

[Ilovemypuppy]

Originally Posted by rottsnroses

I brush Max and Luna's teeth once or twice a week. I use a soft adult toothbrush and poultry flavored CET toothpaste I buy from the vet. They both love the taste of the toothpaste, and think that brushing their teeth is a game (they like to bite and hold onto the toothbrush). As a result, I use two brushes, one for them to bite on, and one to actually do the brushing with.

I use the same toothpaste for Bailey, same flavour too and a dog toothbrush by Wahl..it's a little bigger than a human brush and has an angled handle. She gets her teeth brushed EVERY night before bed and she looks forward to it and really seemes to enjoy it so much. Been doing it since she was 8 weeks old . Our vets always comments on how white and clean her teeth are. I think it might be hard for a dog to keep those back molars cleaned by chewing, and it's the area up next to the gums that needs special attention.

[Bastianboy]

I just gave him a bath and brushed his teeth. I've done it off and on since he was a pup, but I've never been able to get the inside of his mouth, just the outside. Any tips??

[SonnyRott]

Originally Posted by Bastianboy

I just gave him a bath and brushed his teeth. I've done it off and on since he was a pup, but I've never been able to get the inside of his mouth, just the outside. Any tips??

Is he clenching his teeth and refusing to open his mouth?

[Bastianboy]

Kind of, he doesn't like having his head held, so mostly just jerking his head away from me and when I do the front he grabs the toothbrush between his teeth.

[SonnyRott]

Then you may be better off (until he's more used to it) using a warm washcloth wrapped around your finger.

If you are right handed, stand with him on your left side, cradle his head and neck, quietly tell him "open", then proceed to push your finger in his mouth. Only rub quickly and then treat. A small piece of cheese (and a "good boy") each time you do this will quickly get him wanting to open his mouth.

Small steps though. Only do it maybe 3 times at first but do it every day. Shouldn't last more than a couple of seconds each time. Say, "open", go in, rub, out, then treat. Don't worry about getting all his teeth done at once. At this point your just desensitizing him. And don't make it into a power struggle. Over time, you will be able to introduce the toothbrush. They usually try to bite it though and then it gets really fun!

One of the biggest complaints I've heard judges say during the evaluation in the German ring, is that of a dog that refuses to open its mouth and show its teeth during the evaluation. If started from day one, there should never be a problem.

Hope this helps.

[Bastianboy]

Great! I'll try that. THank you!

[spidey]

Given that the VAST majority of tartar buildup happens on the outside surfaces of the teeth, I don't know that I'd really worry about brushing the inside surfaces.

[Judi W]

I use one of those little electric toothbrushes from the drug store (about $4). The bristle part is much smaller than a hand toothbrush and fits in the mouth and covers the tooth surfaces better. That way you don't have to keep jamming the whole brush back and forth in the mouth.