Tooth brushing?

purplelori · 10-19-2010, 10:00 AM

Hi All--Took Wally to the vet last night for his flu shot, and to have them check his mouth as he has had HORRID breath for about a month, and his gums looked rather red. The good news, he doesn't have any real problems, but our vet really recommended brushing his teeth. I had gone as far as to buy a brush, but didn't really know the best way to introduce this activity. He showed me and so far, Wally has been fairly cooperative. Do most people brush their dogs teeth? I'll have to report back after a few weeks to let you know if the breath has gotten any better--I sure hope so, puppy kisses are MUCH nicer with sweet breath!

Erin251 · 10-19-2010, 01:45 PM

i dont brush bos teeth yet but i do haddle his mouth alot so he is used to it when we do. we will brush his teeth at least once a week once all his teeth come back in

Doreen · 10-19-2010, 02:45 PM

I used to brush my other boxers. Tried Rex and Coco, but they hated the toothepaste I bought. I just bought a new one that was chicken or liver flavored, but haven't tried it yet. I had never seen Rex turn away and run from anything that could go in his mouth before, LOL LOL. This was the last tube they had left in the pet store that was flavored. I may have to go online to try another. The first one I had was an all natural one, but like I said Rex HATED it.

purplelori · 10-19-2010, 03:12 PM

the tube I had gotten was vanilla flavor--Wally is not too impressed. The one the vet had was CVR (or something like that) brand, and was 'poultry' flavor---that was a hit, so I think I will go get some since we really don't want to make this a 'thing'. (Although the vet did say other than this toothpaste having an enzyme cleaner that will help with the bacteria and bad breath, you don't really need the toothpaste, the big thing is the brushing itself to clean off the residue. He also said I didn't have to worry about the inside of the teeth, as dogs tongues move around so much, they keep the insides clean. Interesting!)

Doreen · 10-19-2010, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplelori

the tube I had gotten was vanilla flavor--Wally is not too impressed. The one the vet had was CVR (or something like that) brand, and was 'poultry' flavor---that was a hit, so I think I will go get some since we really don't want to make this a 'thing'. (Although the vet did say other than this toothpaste having an enzyme cleaner that will help with the bacteria and bad breath, you don't really need the toothpaste, the big thing is the brushing itself to clean off the residue. He also said I didn't have to worry about the inside of the teeth, as dogs tongues move around so much, they keep the insides clean. Interesting!)

Good to know! Thanks for the info.

Deuce · 10-20-2010, 08:34 AM

To introduce it to him you can put peanut butter on it and let him get used to the brushing and then add the toothpaste later. I have found this to work really well.

purplelori · 10-20-2010, 09:54 AM

ooh--great idea--thanks Deuce!

Doreen · 10-20-2010, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deuce

To introduce it to him you can put peanut butter on it and let him get used to the brushing and then add the toothpaste later. I have found this to work really well.

I like that one too, thanks!

Spyglass Sally · 10-21-2010, 08:49 AM

Buddy chews on bones (and sticks, and junk he finds laying around) and so far his teeth are very clean.

Doreen · 10-21-2010, 09:06 AM

My dogs are always chewing on all those nubby toys too, but I think once they get older, when they don't want to be chewing, they might need more help in keeping their teeth clean, so it is probably a good idea to get them in the habit or getting them used brushing, so they won't fear it later.