Brushing Teeth

[German Shep]

Hi All-

I was wondering how everyone handles teeth care. Do you guys brush or rely on those bones designed for teeth cleaning. If you brush what types of tooth paste do you use as well as what type of brush. How about using human tooth paste?

[bahnson]

I brush Paddington's teeth every few days. He loves it. I use a child's size toothbrush with soft bristles and poultry flavored toothpaste (you should be able to find it at a vet's office and I think it comes in other flavors as well). Don't use human toothpaste. If your dog does not like the toothbrush (although if you start him with one early enough I'd be surprised if he didn't) they also make little gloves the fit over your finger that you can use to brush the teeth with. Good luck.

[ozkittn]

I agree with bahnson, dont use human toothpaste on dogs as it can cause a tummy upset in your dog. Though i reccommend cleaning teeth once a day. Keep in mind though that training your dog to adapt to brushing may take several days or weeks.
You can get specially texturised food that clean your dogs teeth while its eating, but check for registered dental association approval on the bag. Some good ones to try are Hills T/D and Oral Care. Not only do these foods actually work, but they also are 100% nutritionally balanced, and are meant to be fed as a sole food.
Also try feeding RAW chicken wings & RAW marrow bones.These are like natures toothbrushes.
Unfortunately though marrow bones are very calorie condensed, so probably once a week is sufficient.
Hope some of my advice helps.
:angel1 Kristy & :dogbark Bonnie

[CanadianGolden423]

Careful with feeding marrow bones to any dog other than a puppy unless they've been eating them their whole lives--the sudden increase in rich food can cause pancreatitis, a dangerous and often fatal illness.

Samra

[KatieScarlettsMom]

I use one of the little flexible toothbrushes that fits over your finger, about once a month on Katie, with a chicken flavored dog toothpaste. I have read that human toothpaste includes an ingredient which is toxic to dogs. I brush only when I smell her breath noticeably, as opposed to the usual dog breath. :eek My vet said that to give a proper toothcleaning, like at a human dentist, they put the dog under an anaesthetic and I am hoping to avoid that.

I spent a little extra on the Nutro Dental Treats/Cookies - they are advertised as helping to reduce plaque buildup and it seems they do the job. I don't remember the exact name, but it is a light blue box. I have also heard that the Greenies bones, or other treats with chlorophyll are good for canine dental health as well, but most of my friends seem to give them maybe once a week due to their cost.

[mslida]

You can also get milkbones at Walmart! <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/wink.gif" />