[Best*In*Show]

I have an older puppy that I recently adopted. We're stil figuring stuff out -- on the list is toothbrushing.

Is flouride harmful to dogs?

Has anyone used children's pre-threaded flossers on dogs -- if so, what was your experience using them?

My father in law's older toy dog has the WORST breath and they do not take care of her mouth. I'd really like to get my dog off on the right foot.

Does anyone use a powered toothbrush?

Just wondering what works the best. I don't know if I like the regular dog brushes, they seem too big for Ruby. I'm thinking about using a baby brush or toddler size (human).

Also, dog toothpaste seems a little expensive -- what about Tom's of Maine -- does anyone recommend that?

Thanks for any input, suggestions -- also, how often do you brush your doggies teeth?

 

[rosemaryninja]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/04/18/HODN1066NS.DTL

Have you tried feeding her some raw bones? A raw bone once a week can work wonders on a bad dental situation. Parsley is also supposed to improve bad breath.

I feed my dogs raw bones. Honey gets them twice a week and Spunky gets them daily. I have to admit I no longer brush their teeth, but the vet constantly comments on their great teeth.

 

[bambee]

I give raw ones to my pet. She absolutely does not like toothbrushing.

 

[Sophie's Mum]

I use a human toothbrush on Sophie
NEVER use human toothpaste for dogs, instead get a dog toothpaste. We have beef flavoured toothpaste and she thinks it's a treat everytime it's time to brush her teeth.

It's not easy to brush her teeth because she's always trying to lick and bite the toothbrush but we manage to do it.

Fluoride isn't good for dogs, but then what can we do about some of our drinking water other than give them bottled? ugh!

I've never flossed Sophie's teeth, and never heard of flossing for dogs.

Some say that raw bones will clean teeth and I do agree, but, naturally a but, since I do brush , bones don't reach all spaces that need brushing.

Finally, sometimes dogs don't have the best teeth and other dogs have awesome dental health even without any care. Genetics seems to help those guys.

 

[Best*In*Show]

I had heard about flouride, but never really that much info -- amazing.

The bone ideas sounds like something we could definitely do, I think we'll do one of those a week and once-a-week brushing.

Thanks for the info.

 

[poodleholic]

Best*In*Show;509103]I have an older puppy that I recently adopted. We're stil figuring stuff out -- on the list is toothbrushing.

Is flouride harmful to dogs?

I wouldn't use any product(s) with this ingredient.

Has anyone used children's pre-threaded flossers on dogs -- if so, what was your experience using them?

Not necessary to floss your dog's teeth. Give the dog a bone.

Does anyone use a powered toothbrush?

Just wondering what works the best. I don't know if I like the regular dog brushes, they seem too big for Ruby. I'm thinking about using a baby brush or toddler size (human).

I use my electric toothbrush occasionally on my Poodles; they each have their own head. I use a gel called PetzLife. It's an all natural product that will clean stains and remove plaque and tartar buildup. You can apply it with a brush, or, simply use your finger. There are different sized toothbrushes for dogs, but, you can use one for humans.

Also, dog toothpaste seems a little expensive -- what about Tom's of Maine -- does anyone recommend that?

Do NOT use human toothpaste. We can spit it out; dogs will swallow it, and that's not healthy.

Thanks for any input, suggestions -- also, how often do you brush your doggies teeth?

2-3 x/week. Raw bones pretty much take care of keeping their teeth pearly white. I have two dogs who will soon be 8 yrs. old, and neither has ever had to have their teeth cleaned by the vet. My vet's amazed; I'm thankful. I'm sure the dogs would be, too, if they only knew! LOL

 

[Best*In*Show]

What kinds of raw bones is everyone feeding? Beef, chicken?

Thanks for the info, Poodleholic, do you have a list of products that you use with your dogs?

 

[flipgirl]

I give my dog beef back ribs or chicken wings. I break the wings so that it doesn't obstruct her throat. I brush her teeth with C.E.T. toothpaste poultry flavour. I use a baby toothbrush and hold the brush at a 45 degree angle so it gets right to the base of the gumline. I usually brush her teeth for 3 minutes. I don't time it but I spend a good amount of time in each 'quadrant'. I'm sure just by feeding raw bones, her teeth will befine, but I'm a bit neurotic when it comes to oral health, including my own.

 

[AkiraleShiba]

My vet told me to pour a little Apple Cider Vinegar in his drinking water and it works great !

 

[Best*In*Show]

Tonight we bought some "Pet Fresh" -- I liked the toothbrush and it came with a starter finger brush. Petsmart has the enzyme toothpaste on sale, too -- so we might get that if she doesn't like this one.

I've been thinking wings would be a good size for her -- how are you breaking them? I was thinking of just getting the wing "drumsticks". There is also a place in town that sells raw chicken feet for dogs.

I do have apple cider vinegar, I'll try that!!

I'm also really into oral health, and esp after being around my father in law's small dog who really has problems. The 45 degree angle is the same one my pediatrition suggested with my toddler, lol -- so that's a good reminder.

I'll let everyone know how it goes. I think I'll wait till tomorrow afternoon when she's calm and not too tired.

When does everyone brush their dogs teeth?

 

[BigBlackDogGal]

I try to brush my dog's teeth once a week. I use the beef flavored toothpaste (I believe they also sell chicken flavor) and a large toothbrush for dogs (although I'm sure a regular one would work just as well). It can be hard to do with them trying to lick the paste off the brush, but slide it in their mouth between their teeth and lips to brush the side teeth without them getting at the brush. The dog toothpaste is foaming and continues to work for a half hour after you brush their teeth, so even if you don't get every tooth it will be effective. My dog doesn't really mind it because the paste tastes so yummy!

 

[Best*In*Show]

I think Ruby might be the Pickiest Dog Of All Time!! I'm on the second toothpaste (beef) and she doesn't like it either! She won't eat milkbone dog treats that the coffee shop gives her, or liver treats, etc, etc, etc...

We brought her some chicken wing "drumsticks" and she covered them up with a plastic bag!! (So much for raw?!?).

She did ok with the finger toothbrush -- we made it a game.

I'm having fun figuring out what she does like, she has so much personality, but it does get a little expensive!!

 

[CorgiKarma]

Try 1800petmeds.com for toothpaste. CET poultry or beef flavor is only $5.99

 

[Best*In*Show]

Oh, thanks for the tip. I hadn't even thought of petmeds for toothpaste.

I've been brushing her teeth every other day -- I just put her on the bathroom counter and it's actually pretty easy!! I haven't been worrying about whether she likes the toothpaste -- and we haven't had any problems.

She wouldn't eat the chicken bones, but I'm going to try a beef bone with most of the meat cut off this week, hopefully she will like that.