tartar build up on teeth

[dfrancis]

I just came back from Sadie's check-up. She had tartar build-up on her teeth and she just had her teeth cleaned six months ago. That and she had to have a broken tooth pulled. The vet wants me to bring her in in six months so they can check her teeth again. This has me seriously thinking about brushing her teeth. Any ideas on how to start her??? She is 7 years old and very headstrong as most dachshunds are.

[Wienergal]

Well, I believe the "approved" method of getting a dog used to tooth brushing is to get yourself a tube of one of those meat-flavored toothpastes (we use "poultry...") and begin by just putting some on your finger and rubbing it along the edges of the lips. The dogs seem to like the taste <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm43.gif" border=0> and will eventually start licking it off your fingers.

The next step is supposed to be to put it on a doggie toothbrush (they have very long handles and are angled appropriately) and begin to brush the teeth gently with it. My dogs, however, are not stupid: They would grab the toothbrush head, suck off the toothpaste, then fight like mad to keep the brush out. Sigh.

The only thing I have found that works is the brushing pads you slide down your index finger, then use your finger to brush the teeth and massage the gums. Aim for the gumline, which is where the tartar builds up. My dogs will tolerate this, but just barely.

Good luck!

[Frzframe]

I'm on a mission just got Mitz a toothbrush and some chicken paste - wish me luck!!
~Shonda and stinky breath Mitzi Moo<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm28.gif" border=0>

[Dolly's Mom]

Shonda,

You might consider a marrow bone maybe once a week. They are really hard and my girls really love them! Get them reasonably priced in your grocer's meat dept. Remember as with any toy....supervised play.

Good luck with the toofers! http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif

Sandi

[Frzframe]

Mission completed!! This what I did and it worked like a charm. I put the poultry paste on my finger then rubbed it on Mitzi's gums and teeth which she loved. Since that worked so well I tried the toothbrush next. She wasn't sure about it at first but she warmed up to it in no time at all. She was such a good girl about it. <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm34.gif" border=0> Now her breath smells better and she has bright white http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif She didn't really need them brushed yet but I wanted to get her started on the right foot and get her used to it while she is young.
~Shonda & Mitzi with pearly whites

[dfrancis]

That was smart to get her used to it while she's young. My Sadie is 7 years old. So I just keep putting it off. I know it would be better for her. Excuses...Excuses...But I am going to do it.

[Frzframe]

Just remember the chant I THINK I CAN ... I THINK I CAN ... I THINK I CAN!! Your right about starting young. This is the 1st dog that I've ever had to brush her teeth. The others we've had didn't get build up because we always gave them good old steak bones to chew on. http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif
~Shonda

[Tucker's Mom]

I just received my monthly "Your Dog" magazine and in it they discuss canine dental care.

The article recommends something called C.E.T. Chews which are beefhide treats to which an enzyme has been added that helps stop plaque from forming.

I did a few internet searches but can't find any personal opinions on the product? Lots of vets seem to have good things to say in regards to using it......I wonder if anyone has tried these?

Traci

[dox_no3]

Hi Traci,

I have used those CET chews for Bugsy. I used to rip them in half and alternate one night brush teeth, one night give chew. They seemed to work well as I remember.

I stopped using them when the box was finished because I wasn't sure how safe it was to give them long term but someone here (I think) said that they were fine.

I should probably get some more as I'm a bit afraid to brush his teeth since he bit off part of the toothbrush's head last time and swallowed it. UGH! (He really likes his tooth brushings!)

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Julie & Bugsy
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