[craven.44]

How many of you guys brush your dog's teeth regularly? Mia went to the vet last week and, along with being a few pounds overweight (thanks dad...), the vet suggested that we brush her teeth more. We pretty much never brush her teeth, this dog never stops bouncing off the walls. Do you all brush your dogs' teeth? Does it really make a difference? Are there any effective alternatives? Thanks!!

 

[Inga]

Yes I brush my dogs teeth. They seem to enjoy the attention. We make grooming part of the weekly chores/enjoyment. They get their nails dremeled, a quick brush of the teeth and a little massage. They really enjoy the grooming sessions and all told it only takes about 15 minutes per dog. I usually do it on Saturday mornings while I am also working on laundry. You can also give your dog bones and those dental ropes help with teeth. brushing is pretty easy though. Just get your dog used to handling her mouth and then you can start with a very soft brush and doggy toothpaste. Usually the dogs are so excited about the yummy beef tasting toothpaste they just worry about trying to lick it off the brush or chew it off. It definitely pays to keep your dogs teeth healthy. A dental can cost a LOT in a vets office and you have to put them under for it. I try to avoid that at all cost.

 

[Binkalette]

Here's a link to a thread I made a while back with a poll on it: http://www.dogforums.com/2-general-dog-forum/47468-how-often-do-you.html

 

[BobSD]

Did the vet say why your dog should have its teeth brushed. Some dogs do not need to have there teeth brushed unless there is a gingiva(gum) problem, or heavy build up of debris around the gun and teeth. Diet also can make a big difference and too many of the wrong treats can cause oral problems. I brush my dogs teeth because she had gingiva swelling, inflamation, now with a three or four a week brushing no problems. Use two tooth brushes one with the dogy paste added and one to dip in warm water to brush over the area you just used the paste on, like rinsing for humans. Its not that hard, but would be nice if some one can help hold the head if needed.

 

[Smithcat]

Roanna gets her teeth brushed every day. That is one of the things taught at Guide Dogs for the Blind for the proper care of the graduates Guide.
And every checkup, she gets a gold star for dental health.

 

[Beki659]

Where can you purchase doggy toothpaste?

 

[Keechak]

my dogs don't get their teeth brushed.

Jack Has a very bad case a gingivitus(spelling?) his gums are very swollon but his teeth arn't too bad for 14 years old he's never had one pulled due to natural decay.
Kecharas teeth are also very nice looking for a 7.5 year old.
and Hawk has only had his adult teeth for about 4 months so naturaly they are very pritty and white.

All of my dogs chew on natural bones and also nylabones.

Jacks canine teeth are actually flat now after so many years of chewing on bones.

 

[123fraggle]

I have tried to brush my dog's teeth but he puts up quite a fight as in clamping his mouth shut so I can't get in there. Any suggestions as the vet feels he should have his done frequently.

 

[jbray01]

i dont brush her teeth often, but i should.

not just because its good for her...she LOVES it!

i think its the fact that she gets to chew on the brush a little, and she loves the flavor of the toothpaste. (we give her peanut butter). if she sees me get the totthbrushing supplies out she comes right over next to me and sits and waits patiently for me to brush..haha

 

[Smithcat]

Where can you purchase doggy toothpaste?

Just about any good pet store or farm supply outfit will have some.

 

[midnight mojo]

I don't. Mojo gets a rmb every couple of days and so far, that's working out fine for us. I'm not sure how he'd take to me trying to brush his teeth. He doesn't enjoy grooming at all and we've been working on that for months so I can only imagine what teeth brushing might be like...