It is best to start with a puppy, if possible, but any age will do. Purchase toothpaste and a toothbrush made especially for dogs. Put a dab of toothpaste on toothbrush, and attempt to softly brush (circular motion) along the sides of their mouth along the gum line, pulling the cheek out. If they resist, let them lick the toothpaste and even lightly chew on the brush (if a puppy), and then try along the side again. Keep trying before bedtime each night, and they will get used to it.
When you can actually brush the teeth, use more toothpaste for each side. You should be able to even hold the mouth open and brush the insides of their upper teeth. It makes such a difference in their health and well-being, and you avoid the expense of teeth cleaning later on. It is important to be gentle at all times and don't lose patience. I always let them lick the toothbrush when we are done which feels like a treat to them.
Source: After needing to have our German Shepherd's teeth cleaned twice by the vet, we started with our first Westie. We have now had 4 Westies that we've brushed their teeth since they were puppies. We have had great success with good health and no need for teeth cleaning. They have made it to ages 14, 16, 14, and 14.
By Connie Eiceman from Naples, FL
I have an older rescue dog with bad teeth. The vet said to keep his teeth brushed, but he fought me every time I tried. In desperation I bought a child's battery operated toothbrush at a dollar store & he likes it!
I have a "recipe" for doggie toothpaste that I'd like to share with you guys! Mix together baking soda and water to make a paste. Gently scrub the teeth with a soft brush or with gauze wrapped around your finger.
You don't need to be a professional to help your pet keep their teeth in good shape! With a little patience, brushing your dog or cat's teeth can be a breeze!
Our 5 year old Rat Terrier needs to have her teeth cleaned. The Vet wants $250.00 for this. Has anyone cleaned their dog's teeth with the toothbrush and paste that the pet stores sell? I would be willing to try it. If so, how do you do it and how is the dog's mouth rinsed of the paste?
Depending on your dog's attitude, a rough wash rag works well to scrub teeth in sections so he (and you can have a break). Use something with grit like baking soda.
I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY WANT TO CHARGE THAT MUCH..WE HAD OUR DOG'S TEETH CLEANED AT THE VET'S AND IT ONLY COST$40 BUT WOULD HAVE BEEN $50 IF THEY HAD TO SEDATE HER.
Your dog doesn't need to rinse. Make sure you use "dog" toothpaste from a pet supply place. It tastes like chicken!
Our dentist told us to skip the paste entirely unless we needed our teeth whitened. I can't see why it wouldn't work for the doggie, and then you wouldn't have to rinse.
I agree with Judy, use the finger toothbrushes...if you should be able to find one at the pet store, or if not, the baby section of another store should have them with the infant teeth cleaning supplies. You can buy dog toothpaste at the pet store also. I began brushing my English Mastiffs teeth right off the bat when he was a puppy. I brush them every other day, just running this finger brush or his doggy brush over his teeth. I don't rinse, it doesn't foam like human toothpaste does.
Are you sure the $250 was only for cleaning your pet's teeth? I have a cat with a disease who gets gingivitis, and have to get his teeth cleaned, but it's not just a regular cleaning.
The vet in our city wants $310 to clean teeth and more if extractions are required. I am taking my sheltie out of town to a nearby one where it is only $100. $25. extra if extractions are required. Yes that is with sedation
Oh my gosh coreenhart!! Is you dentist planning a huge trip or building a mansion?? I have never heard of a dentist telling his patients not to use toothpaste! My dentist would cringe if he heard this!
I want to move to the town where they charge $40 ! I live in Baltimore and we're in the $250-300 range.
The doggie toothpaste is formulated so it doesn't need to be rinsed out. If you can't find the finger toothbrushes, buy an infant toothbrush- it is soft and has a small head, perfect for small to midsized dogs.
Target has the "hartz" brand electric toothbrush and tooth paste and my dogs love it. Cost for both were less than $10
It only costs 65 where I live in Alabama and that includes sedation and the blood test beforehand. If you have not ever had your dog's teeth cleaned professionally, you need to spend the money and do so. Call a rural vet, it should be cheaper. Just like our teeth if we don't clean them for 5 years, the plaque and tartar extends into the gumline and a regular toothbrush or rag or whatever you would use yourself will never get under the gums to clean. It's important to keep their gums as healthful as possible. After the vet does it, clean your dog's teeth yourself every day or every other day and this should keep the plaque and tartar at bay until the next professional cleaning.
We are the happy owners of a lovely female Fox Terrier Dog which we got from a dear friend who passed away suddenly. Penny is 3 yrs. old. I was checking her teeth and noticed that they could use a cleaning. Has anyone ever done this themselves, or do you have to have a Vet do it by putting the dog to sleep?
How can I get plaque off of my dog's teeth without going to a vet?
By Janet from Portsmouth, OH
How can I remove tartar from my dog's teeth? I would like a home remedy.
Has anyone ever heard of using a section of pantyhose wrapped around your finger to gently clean your dogs teeth?
By VeroYorkie
I would love to hear from any of you who brush your dog's teeth and what kind of doggie toothpaste you use and how you got started and how the dog likes it, etc.
By Robyn from TN
What can I do? Bandit will not let me brush his teeth either with the tooth brush or the finger brush. He bites hard on the brush locking it out of his mouth and if I don't move my finger I'm afraid it will suffer the same. Any suggestions out there?
He is just over 3 and his teeth are in good shape; he doesn't like Greenies or rawhide. I have to buy him pigs ears and Bully Sticks (bull's penises) which are not cheap 3.00 a stick only 4" long and curly; he loves them. He won't eat Milk Bones either. I'm at my wits end. Help please, I cant afford to get his teeth cleaned. Who can?
By Debbie T.
We have never brushed our pooch's teeth before, nor have we had the vet do a tarter removal or cleaning on her. She is now 12 1/2 years old and in good health, but I noticed that some of her teeth have the orange-yellow build up starting on them. Also, bad breath is now showing up. She doesn't chew on her hard bones as much as she use too. We don't have the $350 for a teeth cleaning. Any suggestions?
By CC
