Ok...what's the deal about Brushing your Dog's teeth?

[Gayle Miller]

After laying to rest our 17 year old Westie last summer, brushing your dog's teeth was not a topic when I brought her home as a puppy!  And she did live to a ripe, old age.  Now, the vet constantly talk about brushing your dogs teeth.  If you provide good chewing bones on a constant basis, is it really necessary or is it a way for the vet to make more money!  I want to do what's best for my anticipated new pup, but there is a part of me that thinks this procedure is a bit over the top. Look forward to hearing all of your thoughts!  Thanks!

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

I don't brush my dogs teeth, but they are given marrow bones about 3x's per week.  I think some of it is genetic too.  If they seem to have "bad" teeth" that are building up plaque and tarter then I would brush. But so far the bones and other chewing has worked for us.  Bandit just got an A+ for his little chompers at the vet a couple of weeks ago. 

 

You can look in the Health and Med group to there have been a couple of discussions about this.

[Robyn, Greg and Snickers]

We turned teeth brushing into a reward. Snickers loves it that much! After the dreaded fur brushing which he hates we
do "teeth brush" and he gets so excited and forgets about the huge mat I just pulled from his coat:)

We started when he was a small puppy using a rubber finger brush and graduated to the real brush. I think if you can do it you should or at least try. Your new pup may just like it. We use a special mint toothpaste we got at Petco. The vet gave us a liver flavored one but I could not stomach the smell and Snicks doesn't really like liver anyway. 

[Jennifer and Jack]

This topic has become such a pain in my tush because I am dealing with this. Jack is a small goldendoodle, He is 11 pounds. He just turned two and I just noticed not that long ago he had what I would describe as a bunch of tarter in his mouth. Little dogs tend to need to have their teeth cleaned more. Not all of them, some.

 

It depends on your dogs saliva and genetics. Jack has his teeth brushed twice a day right now and we just had his teeth scraped without anesthia for the first time. I know for me,, for the rest of Jack's life I am going to have to guard his teeth. I plan on cutting back a bit now that they are clean but we are finishing a course of treatment of Petzlife

 

A puppy IMO should not need a professional cleaning, however, getting them used to a toothbrush in their mouth is not the worst idea ever. I think "they" recommend brushing your dogs teeth three times a week.

 

If your dog is a good chewer, chews on good hard bones and can keep it's teeth clean himself, I don't see the need, but I believe each case is individual. I am new here, these are the things that I have been taught by the Old Pros of the website.

 

 

[Gayle Miller]

Interesting.....I guess it does depend on the dog.  Gues I'm gonig to have to start as soon as I get the pup so he is used to it.  Maybe it's not quite the big deal I am imaging it to be!  Thanks for your comments!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Peri is 2 and chews on antlers to keep her teeth clean. It is hilarious how she gets the antler to the back molars and massages it around.  Her teeth look like they did when she was 10 weeks old.

 

I agree, smaller dogs have way worse teeth. My vet explained it that all dogs have the same number of teeth, so cramming them into a chihuahua's mouth is the reason they get so much tarter and terrible breath.  I wouldn't worry too much... :)

 

Sorry about your sweet Westie. I grew up with Cairns.  What a change to go to doodles!!!!

Photo of Mr. Jake, rip 1998-2009

 

[Gayle Miller]

Good to  hear that qualityi chews help.  My ALD will be medium size so hopefully that will help!  Your Peri is beautiful!  I see so many beautiful Doodle dogs on this site!  I grew up with a collie, had a Golden Retriever when my sons were small and my Westie a bit later.  We feel God broke the mold with our Nikki and still seeing a little white Westie can bring me to tears!  I wanted a larger dog this time around to keep up with my daily hour power walks in the park.  Also, after living with a Westie for 17 years, we did not want a shedding breed.  Your little Jake is just too cute as well!!  They are dear to our hearts...forever!

[GBK]

I use Petzlife spray and gel.  I spray or rub the gel on their teeth and they get a chew treat after a half hour.  They know when a half hour is up too!  Sometimes I forget, and Buddy is right there in front of me to remind me.  He looks at me, then at the place where I keep the bullys etc.  Kona on the other hand is always hoping I will forget her turn with the spritz :)

[Kate and Maci]

If I could start all over with Maci as a pup, teeth brushing is one thing I would incorporate into a daily routine.  Maci will be 5 at the end of May and we have just started about 2 months ago brushing her teeth.  I honestly think part of it is genetics like people- some people have good teeth, some don't.  Maci has 2 antlers laying around which she is constantly chewing one, she gets marrow bones (not as often as I should) but she does have some old ones laying around that she also chews on.  She gets raw chicken legs every night.

 

So I have been noticing for quite some time her canine eye teeth have tartar on them but dreaded the thought of her having to go under anesthesia.  Had a bad experience when we had Abbey (the cat) spayed and it kind of freaked me out.  She is fine now but just makes me nervous.  February being dental month, I decided okay time to put my big girl pants on and get her teeth cleaned.  We went to the vet yesterday so he could take blood to do a preliminary work up and the vet tech asks why we are there - I told her teeth cleaning after the results of the blood work comes in.  She looks at Maci's teeth and says they don't need to be clean (but yes they really do).  She starts picking at her eye tooth with her finger nail and gets the tartar/plaque off.  So when the vet comes in, we talk and he tried using a scaler.  She was an absolute angel and now has white teeth again with no anesthesia involved and about $400.00 ahead of the game. 

 

So my advise is - get your pup used to it from the beginning - you can start my just introducing the tooth brush or finger brush to him/her soaked in some beef broth or put some peanut butter on it (if he/she likes peanut butter).  Take the whole process in baby steps.  It probably took me about 2 weeks to get Maci used to it but she is also a very tolerant dog.  The vet tech couldn't believe how good she was while the vet scaled her teeth.  Sorry this is so long but I would rather have to you start out right from the very beginning as opposed to having to have him/her put under anesthesia in the future if it can be helped.  There is also some liquid that you can put in their water but if you also have a cat, just be sure it is safe for cats too. 

 

Maci will now be getting her teeth brushed every day and since I saved all that money, she got a bunch of different chew treats.  Good luck and can't wait to see pictures of your baby.  May I ask where he/she is coming from?

[Gayle Miller]

Hi Kate,

Thank you for taking the time to explain all your reasonings!  I really do appreciate.  I will do just as you say.  I like the idea of a finger brush as I had a hard time visualizing brushing all the teeth as I do my own!!!  Guess the secret is to start early with a yummy tasty brush!  I simply cannot wait to get my puppy!  I did a lot of research and one consideration was to be able to drive to pick it up.  I live in PA and many of the ALD breeders were out west or beyond! I found this wonderful breeder run by Stefini.  If interested, go to www.oceanstatelabradoodle.com

She's located in RI.  (Where do you live?).  If you click on the side bar of upcoming litters and scroll down, my parents are Nola and Levi - with puppies due May  14th.