[in the hills]

Does anyone on here brush their dogs teeth?


Our vet was pretty insistent .... it's the way to go. Everyone will be doing it in a few years time. Just like we all scoop the poop these days and wouldn't have dreamed of doing it 20 years ago.


Mmmmm. Alf has his new brush. He has his new paste. He's not that impressed.
                Kate thinks it's okay. Well .... she is happy to try and eat the brush. Well it's poultry flavour paste                 and she is a very hungry lab.


Anyone else doing it or is it just me? 

[happygolucky]

We don't  but my daughter does, she has  2 dogs and she researches a lot, clean teeth can add years to a dogs life apparently, I suppose so as infections can enter our body via bad teeth and gums so, the same must go for dogs, heart issues for instance!!  Not sure if I should get some tooth brushes,....

[Mammyshaz]

  dogs that get regular toothbrushing prevent dental disease and risk of anaesthetics. Bacteria in tartar can cause heart disease too, so way to go ITH  get the brush motion going 
Educating owners of the problems caused by not brushing  the dogs and cats teeth  is never ending.
   Ours love it, as does the cat. They prefer the poultry toothpaste too. It's like treat time when they see the toothbrush and paste coming out .

[Alistair]

Every couple of days, 3 sided brush, I also do it as part of my dog grooming business

My dogs get minty dentasticks 4 tines a week

[happygolucky]

well I am sold, maybe they can have tooth brushes for Christmas.....now I have 4 dogs to get ready I will be ages in the bathroom...Oh I just remembered, my brother used to use my dads tooth brush to clean our dogs teeth.......that was years ago

[doganjo]

Always have done.

[in the hills]

Oh blow!!!!  Not just me then.  Will have to persist and master the art I suppose.


Vet said that it had to be every day Alistair. Research had shown that every other day had little or no effect. Allowed tartar to build up.


She said that our Flattie looked very good for 8 ..... very hard condition. That's because he is never still.  His teeth were also very good, with only very early signs of build up. Our previous vet told us to give him a raw bone weekly (when he was a young dog) as his teeth were not good for his age. Never mentioned brushing. The raw bones have obviously done their job but this vet wasn't keen on that approach.


Not effective yet as he is a wriggle bum. Not worried by it but it makes him gag, sneeze and generally fuss. Probably my technique.


Can you get the paste from pet stores? Paid £11 for brush and paste from the vets.

[happygolucky]

Or, can we make a paste ourself? People did used to make their own toothpaste? So what brand/ products do people suggest?  if you go int one of the big pet shops or Internet, there are too many confusing choices, I know some human toothpastes are not good on my teeth.........I do not want to buy an un necessarily expensive product as I don't for myself and my teeth are older than my dogs and I eat sugary food

[Alistair]

I've got 4 dogs and a business to run, not sure I can fit the time in, I try and do it properly when I do it and that's when they get their normal groom every couple of days, that's why they get the dentasticks, maintenance between brushing

You can definatley get the toothpaste from a pet shop

[happygolucky]

It was early and I could not think of the stuff humans use, but would baking soda do the trick?

[SallyintNorth]

When I fed raw meat and biscuits, with a beef bone at least once a week, my dogs and cats had perfect teeth.

But modern pet foods don't do the same job.

I can't imagine trying to brush Dot's teeth ...    There's be paste all over me, my hair, the floor, probably the ceiling, but likely none at all on her teeth...  What d'you think, Mammyshaz? 

[in the hills]

Toothpaste would be okay .... it's doggie slobber with Alf.

[Garvie]

we give our dogs bones seems to do the job, although keep clear of giving dogs antler to chew on its known to shear their teeth,

[Mammyshaz]

Just like gnawing on a chop bone, dogs teeth won't be clean from tartar and bacteria by chewing on a bone. Large build ups may chip off but there is no substitute for a brush and paste.
The best paste and the only one I'd use has enzymes in which help break down the plaque and destroy the bacteria giving good protection over 24 hours.

SIN it is very easy to train as the toothpaste smells and tastes Putrid great to dogs 
Start with a pea sized bit on a finger and offer it as a treat for a few days. Then advance to giving it on the end of the brush ( no need for special brushes, cheap human ones will do ) . Once the dog is happy to take the paste from off the brush just lift the front bit of gum and wipe the paste on the front teeth every day. Advance each time the dog is comfortable with a stage. Go from wiping the front teeth to lifting the sides of the gums then start gradually building In the brushing motions. I always give a little bit for the dog to lick after brushing the teeth just to keep them keen and keep them thinking it is a treat.
Beforenu knowmit you should be able to lift open the mouth and brush all the teeth. Give dogs a little break in between doing a few teeth to start with. It's a slow build up but most dogs and cats get the hang of it quickly especially thinking they get away with eating a treat Thayer smells so disgusting.
Dogs that don't take to a brush can have the enzyme toothpaste wiped on the teeth. Trials have shown it still helps in breaking down the plaque and helps keep those pearlys white 

[happygolucky]

Mammyshaz, dose the tube look like human tooth paste? only I put some dog shampoo in an empty shower gel container and my husband  used it ..I did tell him but he liked that smell!!