Toothbrushing?

[ZenGrrrl]

My vet recommended it, especially since Zoe seems prone to really bad tartar buildup. Do you brush your dogs' teeth? If so, how do you do it? ~ Lori ~

[tanza]

@ZenGrrrl:

My vet recommended it, especially since Zoe seems prone to really bad tartar buildup. Do you brush your dogs' teeth? If so, how do you do it? ~ Lori ~

I do and it is a good thing to do….. I use a battery toothbrush.... mine don't mind at all. But they also sell "wipes" that you can use on their teeth... sometimes those are easier especially if your dogs are not used to you playing in their mouths. I think that Pet Edge carries Pro Dental Professional Dental wiper. And you can also get Dental Clens pads from Foster and Smith. I like the Pro Dental best for a wipe.

Also, note that I have a male that has horrible teeth and regardless how much I brushed his teeth, never made a difference... some are just that way

[etzbseder]

I don't brush mine's teeth. I do put a cheese flavored powder on his food that is supposed to help remove tarter. I don't remember the name of it, but I also use doggy breath mints to help his breath, but it doesn't seem to last for more than about 30 minutes.

[Duke]

Here is a thread about "teeth brushing"
http://www.basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?t=1485&highlight=brush+teeth
I have done this - unfortunately not as often as I should. Its a struggle - I'll try the wipes Tanza has suggested.

[red and white furever]

I got a wonderful tip from a friend about using vitamin c powder to brush the dog's teeth with. It works really well! I also use a soft bristled battery powered toothbrush. I treat liberally during the process, as my 2 pups aren't fond of the brush at all!

[tanza]

@red:

I got a wonderful tip from a friend about using vitamin c powder to brush the dog's teeth with. It works really well! I also use a soft bristled battery powered toothbrush. I treat liberally during the process, as my 2 pups aren't fond of the brush at all!

Interesting, Vit C power…. I think I will try that too....

[red and white furever]

Pat, Chris gave me the tip! It works super well!!!

[tanza]

@red:

Pat, Chris gave me the tip! It works super well!!!

figures it came from Chris… :D

[JazzysMom]

I just use cotton cosmetic pads,LOL. I use them, dampened with BioCare ear cleaner, to clean the ears and dampened with water to clean the teeth.
Neither dog minds the pads on their teeth and gums, and I use a good bit of pressure, but I wonder how clean they're getting….