Brush his teeth?

[StevePax]

Should I be brushing Leo's teeth regularly? How often do you brush your dogs' teeth? I know he wouldn't fight me to do it - since the day we got him, we've trained him to accept us touching his ears, feet, tail, and mouth (including looking at his teeth) without a problem, so we could always take care of that stuff. What do we use to brush them, and how often?

 

[Toller_08]

Some people like to brush their dogs teeth. I used to, but I don't anymore. When I did I just used a toddler's toothbrush about 4 times a week. Now they just get raw bones during the week (usually about 4 times weekly, except for Dance, who gets them everyday). I find it works just the same, if not even better, and the dogs enjoy them.

 

[Maxy24]

I brush my cat's teeth which is slightly successful, it's easier with most dogs though. They should be brushed *at least* every three days (after three days tartar hardens) and use an enzymatic dog toothpaste so even if you don't brush real good it will be able to break down some of the tartar. DO NOT use people toothpaste as it can make them ill. They sell dog tooth brushes that are slanted to help you brush easier but a SOFT child's tooth brush would work too.

 

[elgancho]

do dogs brush their teeth in the wild?

 

[Maxy24]

lol, no they chew raw bones which is just as good if not better than brushing. BUT some people do not feel comfortable allowing their dogs to chew and eat bones so brushing is a good option for them.

 

[Paige]

I brush my cat's teeth which is slightly successful, it's easier with most dogs though. They should be brushed *at least* every three days (after three days tartar hardens) and use an enzymatic dog toothpaste so even if you don't brush real good it will be able to break down some of the tartar. DO NOT use people toothpaste as it can make them ill. They sell dog tooth brushes that are slanted to help you brush easier but a SOFT child's tooth brush would work too.

Woopsie! Bandit got ahold of my toothbrush yesterday and took a liking to my yummy flavored toothpaste.

 

[elegy]

no. i do provide plenty of chewable bones for them, though, so that they can brush by themselves.

 

[WES]

Brushing teeth...

I try to brush Bella’s teeth once a week. I have one of those soft brushes that go on the end of your finger; I think it is easier to use than a regular tooth brush. I use the toothpaste made especially for dogs, beef flavor yum.

 

[Kathy29]

Does anyone know if toothpaste is necessary to brush their teeth? I know the point is to break the biofilm on the surface to prevent it from hardening and turning into plaque, but what if my dog tolerates having her teeth brushed without paste? Does that defeat the purpose?

 

[chanda]

i had a hard time brushing my dog's teeth so i decided to give them raw at least every other day...

 

[mrose_s]

I have never brushed Buster's teeth, but the vet always comments us on how healthy all our dogs teeth are, they get bones nearly everyday and his teeth amaze me that after 5 years they are still perfectly white.