Tips for teeth brushing

[Kaylee32]

So I feel like I have tried everything under the sun to make tooth brushing easier and better for both Ellie and Lilly Anne, but I have not had any luck. It is such a a huge hassle and they are both petrified of it. Ellie is worse than Lilly Anne. You would think I am killing them literally. I mean I try and brush their teeth every night and it is always such a struggle. It is awful! Any suggestions would be helpful!!! Please!!!!

[Doodlebug]

Originally Posted by Kaylee32

So I feel like I have tried everything under the sun to make tooth brushing easier and better for both Ellie and Lilly Anne, but I have not had any luck. It is such a a huge hassle and they are both petrified of it. Ellie is worse than Lilly Anne. You would think I am killing them literally. I mean I try and brush their teeth every night and it is always such a struggle. It is awful! Any suggestions would be helpful!!! Please!!!!

I can relate. First I found a toothpaste that they love and I love the smell as far as doggie toothpaste goes. It's C.E.T Vanilla Mint. Then I use one of those loofa-type gloves with the fingers cut off. Place one of the cut-off fingers on my finger (toothbrushes dont fit in their mouths), I grab the dog before they see the tooth paste and start talking really happy in a high squealy voice and say...are you ready to get your toofers brushed? I let them have a couple of tiny licks of the toothpaste which they love, and I'm talking and saying...oooh that tastes sooo good...you like that?...then brush one small area with light circular motions. Give another tiny lick, kiss doggy...good boy...brush...repeat. This is the only way I have found that they will actually let me brush their teeth. It kind of a bonding experience too. Teddy gives me lots of kisses when we're done and lays down beside me. When I used to use brushes he would squirm and try to get away and run for the hills as soon as I let him go.

[Zoey Zendaya]

Originally Posted by Doodlebug

I can relate. First I found a toothpaste that they love and I love the smell as far as doggie toothpaste goes. It's C.E.T Vanilla Mint. Then I use one of those loofa-type gloves with the fingers cut off. Place one of the cut-off fingers on my finger (toothbrushes dont fit in their mouths), I grab the dog before they see the tooth paste and start talking really happy in a high squealy voice and say...are you ready to get your toofers brushed? I let them have a couple of tiny licks of the toothpaste which they love, and I'm talking and saying...oooh that tastes sooo good...you like that?...then brush one small area with light circular motions. Give another tiny lick, kiss doggy...good boy...brush...repeat. This is the only way I have found that they will actually let me brush their teeth. It kind of a bonding experience too. Teddy gives me lots of kisses when we're done and lays down beside me. When I used to use brushes he would squirm and try to get away and run for the hills as soon as I let him go.

Lol! That's so funny! I'd like a vidio clip of that.

[Zoey Zendaya]

How old ?
Is it too late to just let them chew on a toothbrush?
I started Zoey young chewing on one then added chicken flavored toothpaste to it and she brushes her own teeth. Maw chawing away..... but just for a few minutes. She even bites it with front teeth, silly girl.

[mimimomo]

I had posted this link in the health & diet section for Pet Dental Month. Here's a very good video: Why and How to Care For Your Dog's Teeth

[ShowGirlLola]

Originally Posted by Doodlebug

Then I use one of those loofa-type gloves with the fingers cut off. Place one of the cut-off fingers on my finger (toothbrushes dont fit in their mouths),

That's a good idea, I have the same problem with the toothbrush not fitting.

Are you sure the glove isn't too rough?

I'm currently using my bare finger, not ideal but it's better than nothing.

[rubymoon2072]

I use tropiclean fresh breath gel. wash my hands and apply to their teeth directly with my finger. I tried every avenue with Lola and she wasn't having any thing to do with a toothbrush. Her teeth were a mess prior to me using this product and now she still has a little build up but nothing close to what it was before and her breath is so much better. Cedric and Keylo have pearly whites so it works.

[mimimomo]

I use the small end of the dual toothbrush, it's a perfect size for them (I also like the bristles). If they'll let you & they have big teeth (for a Yorkie) you can use the big end for the surface cleaning on the front teeth & the canines. I also use the C.E.T. small cat toothbrush for their front teeth, they are the smallest toothbrush I've run into. They're a little on the soft side, so I use them for the front teeth. Amazon.com: C.E.T. Pet Toothbrush: Pet Supplies

[Doodlebug]

Originally Posted by ShowGirlLola

That's a good idea, I have the same problem with the toothbrush not fitting.

Are you sure the glove isn't too rough?

I'm currently using my bare finger, not ideal but it's better than nothing.

I don't think it's too rough. I brush lightly and make sure I keep it on their teeth and not on their gums. A friend gave me this tip and it works better than anything else I have tried.

[Kaylee32]

Thanks for all the suggestions! They love the toothpaste we have and they will eat it off my finger but as far as actually getting in their mouth and brushing them, they go nuts! I am going to my pet boutique I go to a lot and getting them some of those finger toothbrushes to try and use to see if they like that any better!

And thanks Doodlebug for your suggestion! Ellie loves to be loved on so that may work really good for her!!!

[Zoey Zendaya]

Does anyone use dentastix?
I haven't yet but hear a lot do, but it's made by pedigree and I wasn't too sure of it.

[Kaylee32]

Originally Posted by Zoey Zandaya

Does anyone use dentastix?
I haven't yet but hear a lot do, but it's made by pedigree and I wasn't too sure of it.

I haven't heard a lot of great things about them. I don't give my dogs really and kind of chews.

[ShowGirlLola]

Originally Posted by Kaylee32

I am going to my pet boutique I go to a lot and getting them some of those finger toothbrushes to try and use to see if they like that any better!

I tried the nylabone finger toothbrush for Lola and it was way too big for her mouth and my finger. I couldn't get her back teeth with it and it kept twisting around.
I'd only buy one per dog to start.

Originally Posted by Zoey Zandaya

Does anyone use dentastix?
I haven't yet but hear a lot do, but it's made by pedigree and I wasn't too sure of it.

I give Lola whimzees large alligators, so far we haven't had a problem with pieces breaking off and I've been giving them to her since October.
Whimzees Alligator Dog Treats - Natural Dog Treats and Dental Dog Treats from petco.com

The sticks aren't any good though, big pieces broke off of them.
Whimzees Stix Dog Treats at PETCO

[mimimomo]

The whole point is to get them used to having something in their mouth...while brushing.
My vet recommends this:
1. put some pet toothpaste on your finger & rub it on their teeth
2. gauze wrapped around your finger w/some pet toothpaste on it
3. finger toothbrush w/pet toothpaste on it to clean the front teeth & pull the side lip back to expose the back teeth & rub it gently on the surface
4. by this time, they'll be used to having things of different textures in their mouth & will accept the toothbrush

You can also start off w/the loofa glove/ cut off fingers like Doodle bug suggested. Could you post a link to what it looks like? The loofa glove?

[Doodlebug]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

The whole point is to get them used to having something in their mouth...while brushing.
My vet recommends this:
1. put some pet toothpaste on your finger & rub it on their teeth
2. gauze wrapped around your finger w/some pet toothpaste on it
3. finger toothbrush w/pet toothpaste on it to clean the front teeth & pull the side lip back to expose the back teeth & rub it gently on the surface
4. by this time, they'll be used to having things of different textures in their mouth & will accept the toothbrush

You can also start off w/the loofa glove/ cut off fingers like Doodle bug suggested. Could you post a link to what it looks like? The loofa glove?

Look at the second glove. You can find them anywhere. Even Big Lots has them. Make sure you are using a light touch or you may make the gums bleed because they are a little rough.
loofa glove at Target