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Bailey

Brushing Dogs Teeth?

My Dad really admires Bailey's GIANT new pearly whites, and would love for them to stay at least somewhat clean all her life.

He said we can get them professionally done once a year (if that's too often or too little let me know) and we can brush them ourselves when necessary.

My question is: How often should I brush my puppies teeth? I am not going to start yet, since she's only 7 months old, and still has a few growing in, but when SHOULD I start, and how often do I give her a teeth brushing?

Thanks, greatly appreciate it!


Asked by Bailey on Apr 5th 2011 Tagged brushing, teeth in Home Grooming
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Wiley

I have never brushed any of my dogs' teeth. They get raw meaty bones that do the trick. I have never seen a feral dog with a toothbrush, lol. Pick large bones with a good amount of meat on them. Do not use weight bearing bones. Look for big "knuckle" types. Supervise & when he has cleaned all the meat off & sucked/licked the marrow out take it away.


Wiley answered on 4/5/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Angel

It's probably best to start now while she's young. They really need their teeth brushed, and most don't like it. I found out the expensive way when my dog got an infected tooth and needed surgery from the vet. There is dog tooth paste and tooth brushes. Don't use human. Be gentle and good luck.


Angel answered on 4/5/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Hush

Some pups are more prone to tartar and bacteria build up on their teeth and gums and mine is one of them! It is best to get your dog used to having you prodding around his/her mouth early, even without toothpaste. Give lots of treats to make it an enjoyable!! Start to introduce the idea slowly with just a couple times a week. When approaching your dog, it is best to do it from behind so they don't become anxious or scared when you come at her with scary utensils. When you are brushing her teeth (with the proper puppy toothpaste), it isn't going to be super thorough, like when we brush our teeth, but it will be better with time. Just make sure you keep it as calm as possible and that you reward good behavior! Just chewing bones isn't enough for most dogs and having oral surgery is expensive and painful! Prevention is the beat way to go! Good luck :-)


Hush answered on 4/5/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Gray Dawn Treader

I agree with the RMB suggestion. I use them. Some good RMBs include pork feet, pork tail, and turkey necks. There are more that don't come to mind. Be careful when feeding smaller RMBs to a big dog, and always supervise when feeding them.

That said, RMBs I've noticed do not seem to clean the part of the canines (the two biggest teeth in front) near the root, so brushing that particular area may be necessary.


Gray Dawn Treader answered on 4/6/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Ty

I do brush my dogs teeth at least two times a week because they are show dogs and need to be white as possible. I also use greenies as treats because I have a couple that do not care for bones.


Ty answered on 4/7/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Wyatt

I know some people brush their dogs teeth weekly, others just sporadically. I've personally never brushed my dogs teeth, but I do use PETfection Breath Freshener Spray on a cotton ball and wipe them off. It is 100% Organic and Non Toxic, and is great for helping with bacteria, plaque, & bad breath. Check it out at www.mypetfection.com if you are interested. You can always use this in between dental cleanings or dip the toothbrush into this spray and then brush his teeth. Hope this helps!


Wyatt answered on 4/8/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Libby

We use poultry flavored Enzadent, an enzymatic paste with a brush that fits over your finger. I would start as soon as possible so that Bailey gets used to this process. If she's resistant, put a little on your finger and let her lick it off, then put the finger brush to work. Libs loves the flavor and doesn't mind having her teeth brushed at all because she's busy trying to eat the paste the whole time.

I brush Libby's teeth maybe once a week or so, not so much for whiteness, but because it really takes care of the bacteria that cause funky dog breath and because good dental hygiene is just as good for dogs as it is humans. My vet would like me to do this daily, but lately that hasn't been happening.


Libby answered on 4/8/11. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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