Brushing a Dog's Teeth?

Question

I know some people do it...I was just curious how you do it. I have a 1 year old Lab and I want to do my best by her. IF I brush her teeth, is there anything special I need? Do I use toothpaste?

Real answers please, this is a real question.

Best answer gets the points.

Answer 1

Hi!! Good question!!! It is very beneficial to brush your dog's teeth as often as you can (I brush my dogs teeth every night before bed). It DOES make a difference!!! Trust me! I do anywhere from 2-3 dentals a day at work :) You can always tell who brushes! A lot less tartar build-up and the gums are in much better shape.

It does not matter which type of toothpaste you choose, just remember.. no human toothpaste!!! Petco, petsmart, etc. all sell doggie toothpaste (chicken and peanut butter are favorites in my house!) along with tooth brushes appropriate for your dogs mouth (because of the size of your dog... try to find an arched brush.. easier to reach in the back!).

I did answer a question on how to start brushing and how to get your dog used to it... I will try to find it for you and paste it here for additional help: (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AoJkCpIjD1QOrtts9F8miTPty6IX?qid=20070603110353AAg5tpW&show=7#profile-info-cd190425d5a834a57df068f0ce6ac5e9aa) Let me know if the link does not work!

Even with routine brushing, it isn't a bad idea to have a dental done once yearly (or whatever you can afford! Our clinic charges anywhere from $120-180 depending on weight, your Lab would be closer to $180) once your baby turns 3 or 4.

Also, if you have trouble brushing every night, I also highly recommend Natural Bones! :) Stay away from raw hides, and "sticky" bones/treats, and wet dog food. All those are junk and will cause access tartar and plaque!

Give your lab a smooch from me!!!

Answer 2

You can get a kit at most pet stores. There are two ways you can do it, one with a dog tooth brush and the paste two there is a finger tube with that you put the pet paste on it and go into there month. I use both because I find I can really get the back teeth with the tube. I forgot there is a special gauze too you can put onto your finger. I also give my dogs bones.

I also use a product called Leba III it really keeps the tarter down. All you do is spray it in their mouth.

Good for you to want to do the best for your dog! Take care;^)

Answer 3

NEVER use human tooth paste on animals - go to a vet or pet stor & they have various flavors - chicken liver, beef etc ( don't try the yourself !! LOL)

I use the finger rubber mini brushas aquard as it is - & a special doggy tooth brush wiht longer handel for back teeth -

Every little bit helps - not brushing your pets teeth can lead to more complexed issues & costly vet bills.

I don't reccomend/ use the spray stuff that supposidly removes plaque - who knows whats in it & what chemicals etc woul do to dogs ?

Supposidly your suppose to brush your dogs teeth daily - but at least try twice a week
start first with only a second or two of brushing & slowly workup your dogs trust with your finger in its mouth -- slow & steady - some dogs freak out with thr brushing but usually the tooth paste brings them back for more !

Answer 4

Use doggie toothpaste. NEVER use human toothpaste, as your dog will swallow it, and it will harm her. Plus, doggie toothpaste is flavoured of chicken, beef...etc. You don't need a special toothbrush. A clean human toothbrush will do. It could be harder to get it in her mouth though. They sell brushes you can put on your finger like a finger puppet. You could always try that if she wont take the normal toothbrush. Good luck!

Answer 5

I brush my babies teeth often, not everyday, but maybe 2-3 times a week. I use a spray and a gel made especially for dogs. Go to: www.petzlife.com Its PetzLife Oral Care Gel and PetzLife Oral Care Spray. With the gel I use a doggie toothbrush, its very small and fits right into their mouth.

Answer 6

dont use human toothpaste.. you can get doggy toothpaste, but it really isnt worth it since it doesnt actually do anything.
just use a human toothbrush. you just open her mouth and brush - its not rocket science.

"massaging" her teeth and gums with a cloth will do almost nothing.

you wont have to brush your dogs teeth as often if you give it big raw bones (not chicken) to chew on once every week or two like you are supposed to.
.

Answer 7

You can get dog toothpaste at your vet, or you can just use a good washcloth moistened with warm water and "massage" the teeth and gums.

Hard stuff (rawhide bones, Milkbones, Nylabones, etc....) will also help remove plaque and other nasty stuff.

Good luck!