DogChannel Web Editor Mission Viejo, CA 2/21/2012 7:44:58 AM Just as is the case with people, it is important to brush every day but brushing alone is not enough. To keep teeth and gums healthy please also get a dental checkup and cleaning at least yearly at your veterinary office.
colleen berwyn, IL 7/12/2011 1:11:58 PM I have brushed my 4 yr old aussie's teeth every day without fail for most of her life. She won't let me near the small front teeth, but the rest get a good scrub. Regardless of this, her back teeth are much browner than other dogs her age who don't brush. This is very frustrating for me. Without resorting to chemicals, is there a way to whiten?
Julie Trumbull, CT 5/24/2011 6:07:12 PM I would start by calling your dog over and just touching her head.Reward and repeat.Next touch her head longer.Reward and repeat. Next hold gently.R&R. Hold harder and longer every time until you can hold her muzzle and she's fine. Warning: May take awhile.
Kris Oconomowoc, WI 4/19/2011 6:08:54 PM I've been working on this within the last couple weeks. My dog will lick toothpaste off my finger and let me put my finger in her mouth. She will not let me hold her muzzle, and if I try, she will step away and not come near me. Any suggestions?
Sharon Fort Collins, CO 4/12/2011 6:31:36 AM My Yorkie mix doesn't like his back teeth brushed either. Since I'm of the notion that some is better than none, I put a little extra paste on the brush and just let him chew on it with the bristels up then down. Hopefully, getting the enzyme on the teeth Keep brushing!
Jan Weston, FL 2/17/2011 9:39:42 AM For dogs and cats that will not allow twice daily brushing, there are approved plaque and tartar control products on www.vohc.org A twice a year veterinary oral exam with advice will help you help your dog and cat too.
ADA FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 2/6/2011 11:23:27 AM I BRUSH MY DOGS TEETH BUT I HAVE TROUBLE TO BRUSH THEIR BACK TEETH. I TRAINED MY LAB MIX SINCE SHE WAS A BABY AND MY ROTTWIELER MIX FOLLOW THE OLDER ONE AND BOTH RUN AWAY WHEN I'M ALMOST DONE. SO I WOULD TRY THE STEPS SHOWING IN THIS ARTICLE TO BE ABLE TO BRUSH THIER TEETH BETTER.
Carol Olivie Levittown, NY 2/5/2011 10:18:17 AM When I have tried to brush my dogs teeth she gags like I'm killing her and she is a big Rottweiler not a little dog
Amanda Chandler, AZ 2/4/2011 8:35:13 PM This article doesn't address the common problem of aggression. Some dogs find a hand on the muzzle to be scary (alphas bite the muzzle to express annoyance in the pack). Others just may have a sore mouth. To address this issue, special steps should be taken, including talking to a vet and asking about possibly injured teeth or gums.
Debbie Tacoma, WA 2/4/2011 5:49:02 PM Will give it a try.....hope I can do it. She has never liked her mouth touched when trying to look at her teeth.
S L, CO 2/4/2011 3:17:24 PM Towards John, Just brush the inside of your dogs teeth like you would your own teeth. Simple as that.
Lynda Citrus Heights, CA 2/4/2011 10:54:07 AM I have 2 tiny chihuahuas...rather than trying to brush those tiny teeth I give them baby carrots 4x's/day to keep their teeth clean. They have beautiful teeth.
paul germantown, WI 2/4/2011 8:56:17 AM THIS IS EASY. HOW ABOUT TIPS ON NAIL CUTTING ON A 4 YEAR OLD PIT BULL THAT HATES HAVING HER NAILS DONE. WE SHALL INDURE.
June Bradenton, FL 2/4/2011 7:54:02 AM Our previous baby, a Silky Terrier did not like her teeth brushed, but I was persistant and she never had a problem or "bad" breath. Our 6 month old Silky puppy is being trained from an early age and he's adjusted to brushing his teeth just fine. Brushing teeth prevents odors, losing teeth and many other diseases, so why wouldn't you do it? If your children didn't want to brush their teeth, wouldn't you insist they did?
Ronnie Furlong, PA 2/4/2011 6:34:24 AM I've been brushing my dogs teeth every day for 8 weeks now and I can't believe the difference in his breath. My family noticed a difference immediately and I know I'm doing something good for his health and well being.
Jennifer Winston Salem, NC 2/4/2011 6:19:20 AM Some people have a difficult time brushing or even putting stuff on their dogs teeth. It would be nice if you discussed the idea of dental chews and how you know if it's working. I know brushing is the best but there are alternatives.
Carol Kissimmee, FL 2/4/2011 6:11:25 AM I do not agree with Teresa from Toronto! My little Maltese gets the best diet possible for a little dog, his breed often lose their teeth. I have a tiny brush & plan to try the steps given in your how to. His mouth is so small and he hates my fingers in his mouth, but we will see how it goes. (My vet would have a fit if I gave him bones!) That simply is not recommended anymore!