Do you brush your dog's teeth? If so, can you recommend some products for me to use please? I heard a story on the radio about how important it is to take care of your dogs teeth. I wasn't able to hear the whole story because I had to bring my Grandson into school. I wish I would have been able to listen because they were explaining the best way to do it. I'm wondering how hard it would be to train a dog to let you brush it's teeth if it's almost 2 years old and has never had it done? When he was at the groomer a few weeks ago getting his nails clipped, she looked at his teeth. She said they are in excellent condition right now, but if we notice them looking icky, she does teeth cleaning. She never recommended I brush his teeth. But, I'm sure if I don't do it, it's better business for her. If anyone has experience with brushing your dogs teeth, I'd love to hear from you.
You are right about more business for her if you listen to her.
It is most likely the reason she told you not to brush your dog's teeth yourself. How much does she charge for the service?
It is much cheaper to brush your dog's teeth yourself. Many people actually do that.
You will need dog toothpaste and dog toothbrush.
This one has good customer reviews. Can't go wrong with it.
C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste
This one also have pretty good reviews.
Advanced Toothpaste
Or you can have dog toothpaste and dog toothbrush in one package.
Advanced Oral Care Dental Kit
If your dog can stay put during grooming and nail chipping, then he should have no problem when you brush his teeth.
I did have a problem with clipping nails and brushing teeth. My dog does not like it to be done.. She squirms and tries to run away when we attempt to do this at home.
I have been paying the vet quite a bit of money for this..(Yes, you are right about the groomer getting more business) He suggested that I get the right clippers and brush ... I did, but we still could not get her to stay still.
I learned to do this step by step... now she is okay with me brushing her teeth, but not totally comfortable.
This video helped me .. Hope it helps you...
Thor and Maddie, thanks for the links. I'll check those out after I bring my Grandson to school today and I can concentrate. I didn't even ask how much she charged for teeth cleaning. I was guessing it was probably a pretty penny. Maddie, how much do you pay your vet to do it? Also, how much do you pay for nail clipping? I'm wondering if I get a decent deal or not. The groomer charges $6. I was taking him on daily walks when the weather was nice. That helped keep his nails filed down some. So, we've only had to trim them twice since we got him in May. But, Wisconsin winters are not the best for dog walking. I'm guessing we'll have to have them trimmed more often.
I try to do all my teeth cleaning myself. But if there is a reason your dog needs to be sedated at the vet's office anyways, I would go for a pro teeth cleaning at the same time if you vet thinks its safe. It helps to do a two-for-one with the teeth cleaning. Then you're not putting your dog under twice and you can get a discount on the service. Just something to consider.
At home, start by warming your dog up to the things you need to clean his or her teeth. Toothbrush, any sort of scaling equipment and the toothpaste. Depending on the personality of your dog, you may just be able to get in there and get some good cleaning done. Or you might have to slowly lure your dog to accept tooth cleaning.
We use a scaler (bought the the pharmacy) to do some extra work on the dog's teeth when he's tired and able to put up with a bit of extra teeth cleaning.
But you might also try natural ways for him to scale his own teeth. My dog chews on bones and has really clean, lovely teeth.
I have tried to brush my dog's teeth and she hates it with a passion. I don't do it often because I hate just hate to see my baby upset. The toothpaste that I use is pet dental toothpaste. It was a gift so I don't know where it can be purchased but you can look online to find out the different stores that carry it. Also, you may want to check
Petsmart --they carry everything.