Tooth brushing - yes or no?

by DebiSue on 05 July 2009 - 23:07

Ok, how many of you actually brush your dog's teeth and what do you use and how often do you do it? I have purchased a 3 headed toothbrush and doggy toothpaste that is supposed to give her fresh breath. I just started brushing her teeth this weekend and after the initial wrestling match, she seems to be ok with it. She really likes the flavor of the toothpaste. Do I continue to do this everyday, every other day, once a week?

Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Deb

by BubbaJ on 06 July 2009 - 00:07

Once a week should suffice. I use Virbac Petrodex enzymatic toothpaste and have been for years. I find it really helps with plaque buildup, never had to give my dogs professional cleaning.

by sueincc on 06 July 2009 - 00:07

I don't brush my dogs teeth, but I do feed whole bones (not weight bearing) as part of his RAW diet and I have heard these will keep the tartar down.

by CrysBuck25 on 06 July 2009 - 00:07

Of the dogs I've had or my family has had...we've only had one that needed teeth brushed, and that was an old, abused Collie we rescued. His teeth were in bad shape, and we brushed them about once a day, just to get the plaque and buildups off, then about once a week after that. I just used a human toothpaste (non flouride, of course), and he was okay with it.

All the others have had chew toys to work on, and the teeth have been fine all their lives.

Crys

by 1doggie2 on 06 July 2009 - 00:07

Years ago I had a Dalmation that use to watch me brush my teeth with such interest, one time when I was done, I brushed his. Was so funny whne I was done, he took his tounge and ran them accross his teeth like a commerical. So from then on we all get our teeth brushed.

by DebiSue on 06 July 2009 - 01:07

We're using CET toothpaste and I think I'll do it everyday until she gets the hang of it then probably drop it to once a week. Our old girl had really bad build up on her teeth and we never brushed hers or had them cleaned. They didn't really get bad until she was older but I want to avoid that or professional cleaning with this one if at all possible.
Thanks for the replies!
Deb

by SitasMom on 06 July 2009 - 01:07

cow hooves work as a natural tooth brush its amazing on buildup

Vet told me that my old Aussi needed her teeth cleaned or she would loose some teeth. I bought a bunch of cow hooves

He said, I see you've had her teeth cleaned, may I ask who did it?

When I explained the cow hoove trick, he smiled and said he would recommend it to his other paitents.......

by Mum of Zoe on 06 July 2009 - 01:07

Years ago I had a Dalmation that use to watch me brush my teeth with such interest, one time when I was done, I brushed his. Was so funny whne I was done, he took his tounge and ran them accross his teeth like a commerical. So from then on we all get our teeth brushed.

I hope you two didn't use the same brush! LOL

That's a cute story though.

by VonIsengard on 06 July 2009 - 03:07

Nope. I don't feed raw, but everyone gets a raw bone once a week. Cleans up their teeth and breath quite well.

by Mindhunt on 06 July 2009 - 03:07

I use Shaklee Organic Dentifrice and brush once a week even with bones and such. I have a Shepherd that just has teeth issues, he is one of those that builds plaque up easily so he has to get his teeth cleaned occasionally even with the brushing. I do go through toothbrushes, my dogs will be ok the all of a sudden decide to bite the brush. It is a bit of a wrestling match but worth it. Besides, they get used to me handling their mouth and fooling with their teeth. I believe in getting my dogs used to touching and handling all over and give plenty of rewards for good behavior. They do look funny with toothpaste LOL

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