I try to brush my babies teeth every day. Sometimes I get plain lazy and miss a day or 2, but I've been really good about it ever since I saw a "how to" post on YT. I can't remember who posted it or I would definately give them credit because it changed my dogs dental life. They used to fight me and now they are much more tolerant. The poster got the directions from one of those traveling groomers who showed her/him what to do.
Using a small tooth brush-I bought a toothbrush for a baby, it is very small and even has shorter bristles-spray a solution of 50% mouthwash and 50% water. If your dogs can't tolerate it, you can dilute it even more. The spray bottle they recommended was one of those little hairspray testers, but what I do is use a little medicine cup and "dip" the toothbrush into the solution. Right now, I'm using mint Plax and they don't seem to have any problems.
Holding your dog securely, but not forcefully (I just put mine under my left arm and use my right hand for the brush) I put the brush along side of the teeth and under their "cheek" so to speak. Sometimes I have to kind of lift the "cheek" to get the brush in place. They let me brush those molars and don't fight me at all. I do both sides. Then (at this point I set the dog down on the counter), putting your index finger near their nose and you're thumb on their bottom "lip". Pull up the front "lip" exposing their front teeth (it kind of looks like they're smiling) and canines. I brush them. Quick and painless.
Before I started doing it this way, I had tried doggie toothbrushes, the finger brushes, q-tips and even a three-sided tooth brush. They fought me with everything in them. I think the real key was the better toothbrush and having a "system". I used to use the beef or chicken flavored toothpaste, but the mouthwash solution seems to be doing better and even freshens their breath.
Hope this helps someone as much as it helped me and my doggies. |