It takes time for them to get used to it. My vet commented how well Kananga does with people inspecting his mouth and face. Normally they are fussy about it, but I've made it a habit to check Kananga's teeth even when I'm not brushing them. It lets him know it's perfectly fine to allow someone to take a quick look.
When I brush I do have to put him on his back and keep him in between my legs, but he calms down.
I highly recommend using Petzlife Oral Gel for in between brushing maintenance. That's an easy thing to apply and will make brushing even more effective.
Man I hope it gets better. I just started brushing Gizmos teeth since he has started to get his adult teeth.
Boy is it a battle! He twists he head back, and squirms around wanting to escape. It eventually turns into me having to lock my legs around him and hold his head tight to he doesn't twist it away. And like some little kid that doesnt want to eat his greens, he shuts his mouth shut. So I have to get my fingers in there, but he will chomp down on them! Ouch!
I tried with the electric toothbrush, but that scarred the crap out of him. So I bought a dog brush that has 2 sides, that way it brushes the inside and outside at the same time.
But I'm not giving up. Gonna do this every night after his last meal. I also give him a "treat" after. Although not a normal treat. It's a chew stick with some added enzymes stuff in it for mouth hygiene and breath.
Be careful not to turn it into a forceful event as he'll hate it and then you're cooked. Go easy and just sit with him on the couch, dip the brush in water and let him mouth it without holding him. Move the tooth brush around gently as he nibbles it and he'll get used to the feel. Do this for maybe the first week. I have Buddy so I just swish the brush in a cup of water and comes running over to the couch. I never use force and he may get twisty so I just back off and let him settle down, re-dip the brush in water and let him lick and nibble it.
I agree with Dan, make it a fun time… and start with using your finger to rub the gums and teeth so that he gets used to someone playing with his mouth. Then I would go to the suggestion that Dan made. By the time mine are 6 or 8 months, I just put them up on the bathroon vanity and brush their teeth... While they don't love it, it is not a big deal. But we also have always played with their mouths as babies.... (since in the show ring it is important because the judges check their teeth so they need to be used to people looking at their mouths)
What types of toothpaste if any do you use?
Chicken flavored CET enzymatic
I have found positioning Arwen on her back, bracing my thumb to keep her mouth open, allows me to thoroughly brush her teeth including the back ones.
That said, I am 54, and she is the only dog in my life I have brushed the teeth of. Have fed raw for most of the last 18 yrs, my vets have accused me of having the dogs' teeth cleaned at another vets office. No. But Arwen… issues since she was 4. Even with brushing, twistix dental, wipes and raw, we still have to have them cleaned every 6 mos and she has still lost 5 teeth so far (she is 8). I now brush Cara's just to get her used to in.
But couldn't take poll as not enough options... you left out both brush and have vet do it.
I use Logic Gel but with some of mine can only swipe it round their teeth - however it still seems to do some good. Ialso give them Fragraria for 5 days at a time which does seem to loosen the plaque.
I've also bought some Petzlife but haven't tried it yet.
I use the Petzlife Gel and the spray and like both of them…. the Basenjis, not so much...ggg
I brush Maya's teeth but I have to admit to only doing it maybe once or twice a week, I really should do it more but she hates it…
Sprinkle Denta Treat on their food - it's made by Wysong (and they should pay me a commission)
Just a quick warning btw… I had used a product, Nolvadent which contains chlorhexidine, from my vet, then found it can CAUSE plaque. I contacted the company, they contacted my vet. After 4 mos without it, Arwens teeth and breathe are amazining better. Usually by the 2nd month after cleaning I started seeing plaque!
I just use water and a brush, nothing else. Teeth are white and breath is fresh. Brush a little and swish it in a cup of water, brush a little and swish in the cup. Basenjis like wet things in their mouth. Just keep doing that till you're done. Then wash the tooth brush out under full hot water and a little soap till it's squeaky clean.
I use the Petzlife Gel and the spray and like both of them…. the Basenjis, not so much...ggg
I just switched to the spray recently, found it's a bit easier to apply (lift each side of their mouth open and spray once, then once on the tongue).
The gel would sometimes slide off my finger when there was a struggle to get Kananga to sit still. :rolleyes:
I just switched to the spray recently, found it's a bit easier to apply (lift each side of their mouth open and spray once, then once on the tongue).
The gel would sometimes slide off my finger when there was a struggle to get Kananga to sit still. :rolleyes:
I use a brush with the gel….. they don't love it... but it gets done.gggg
I've always been wary of forcing those of mine that don't like their teeth brushed that it might spoil them for when judges open their mouths to look at teeth. It seems from what you say, Pat, that it doesn't do so - am I correct? Have you any tips on using the brush on the ones who dislike it?
I've always been wary of forcing those of mine that don't like their teeth brushed that it might spoil them for when judges open their mouths to look at teeth. It seems from what you say, Pat, that it doesn't do so - am I correct? Have you any tips on using the brush on the ones who dislike it?
I can only speak for my one dog, but Maya has always stood like a rock on the table and is perfectly happy having her teeth looked at by judges so i dont think it is a problem. I always make sure to give her a tasty treat (usually some primula cheese :o ) afterwards to take her mind off it.
I've always been wary of forcing those of mine that don't like their teeth brushed that it might spoil them for when judges open their mouths to look at teeth. It seems from what you say, Pat, that it doesn't do so - am I correct? Have you any tips on using the brush on the ones who dislike it?
Why use any of that gel?? I'm telling everybody Basenjis like wet things so stick a wet tooth brush out and they'll take it in their mouth. Try it. Don't start off trying to brush the teeth, let them chew just a little and lick it then move it around lightly brushing without holding their head. Just do that for the first few days or a week. Don't force it. They have to feel a little self determinism in this whole process. 
well, i brushed what few teeth suki has today (puppy teeth falling out). she didn't hate it nearly as much as she hates having her nails clipped, so that was a positive. she was ok with it for awhile, and then she was done. but she seemed to find the poultry flavored toothpaste yummy!
Thanks Dan, I'll try a wet brush as you advise. It's only some of mine that object to having their teeth brushed, the others are no problem.
Don't start off trying to brush the teeth, let them chew just a little and lick it then move it around lightly brushing without holding their head. Just do that for the first few days or a week. Don't force it. They have to feel a little self determinism in this whole process.
So no gel, just a wet toothbrush to get them used to it?
So far, Bowpi does two things… she either licks the gel right off the bristles, or tries to pull the bristles out of the stem, like I'm holding a raw drumstick for her (I've been holding her raw meaty bones as she tears off the meat and crunches the bones, otherwise she drags them all around the room, and she's sort of loathe to hold the bones down with her paws).
It's only been a few days, so I'll keep at it. Not sure how I should progress to actually brushing her teeth yet, but at least she seems to be enjoying the attention.
The shiba came in while we were doing this once. Bowpi was cradled in my lap, belly out and leaned up against my stomach. She's very easy to manipulate, and I thought this would be a good angle to eventually work my way to her back teeth. Anyway, Bowdu came over to sniff the toothbrush, then he gave her this utter look of disgust, huffed in her face and flounced out of the room.
