Is it really necessary to brush a dog's teeth? There seems to be a lot of people trying to make a big deal about it. I've never brushed any of my dog's teeth and never had an issue. I'm sure they had some plaque but it never affected them from having a long happy life. Should we be wiping their butts too?
I brush Dexter's teeth, mainly as one of the ways to have him use to his mouth being checked. He seems to enjoy it too.
Hello there Well, you know, the times move on and we learn more....brushing dogs' teeth is definitely a good thing. I don't think people are trying to make a big deal out of it but rather it is a big deal. Domestic dogs have surprisingly fragile teeth, and looking after them is sensible. Feeding raw, meaty bones is thought by some to be a substitute, but I feed kibble and brush my dog's teeth. After all, humans have only been brushing their own teeth for just over a decade and before that they had awful teeth! Dreadful trouble with tooth decay. Seems to me we are just catching up with dogs....
If my dog's bum is dirty he gets a doggie wet wipe too - and definitely before he goes on the sofa or bed.... I see it as just basic hygiene.
I'm a tooth brushing fan as I'm a big scaredy cat about raw bones .....it does make a massive difference.I know dogs are all different but Dexter has a dog pal who is the same age as him and fed the same diet and Dexter's teeth are a lot whiter and cleaner ....
Dogs are living longer and just image what your mouth/teeth would be like if you didn't brush them for 10 years. I don't do my dogs regularly (everyday) but i do do them and have reaped the benefits of dogs with no dental problems into their old age. I don't always use a brush you can do it with your finger and you can get stuff to put in their food. Its a good way to get them used to having their mouth handled too. I've learn't having dog its a lot of future planning so I do stuff today which they may benefit from in 5 years time.
Mine are fed bones and I brush their teeth. For my dogs, bones are not a substitute and they can get a bit of discolouration from time to time if I'm not militant about brushing. I'm actually just going back to basics with teeth brushing at the moment, because, although they've never minded it, I'm not as effective as I could be because they tend to lick/chew the brush, so I'm training them to be a bit more chilled out about it. I think it's as important a part of a routine as brushing your own teeth.
I brush Hattie & Charlie's teeth too I clicker trained my rescue dog Charlie to allow me to do it and now I say "teeth time" and no matter what they are doing they run to the utility room sit and wait for me to get the brush out It's so important not only from a hygiene point of view but for vet checks as it makes life so much easier if you have a cooperative dog. x
I brush Mabel's teeth, she's happy to have it done as soon as she sees me reach for her toothpaste she does a perfect sit. I've actually had people comment on how white her teeth are.
When do you start brushing their teeth? Do you wait until the puppy razors are gone and their permanent teeth are in? We have always touched Bailey's mouth, gently raising his lips to check his gums since day one to get him used to having his mouth handled and checked at the vet. I am keen to start with the brushing as I think it is an important part of keeping your dog healthy.
You can start teeth brushing right away - get them used to it early. Obviously, while a puppy is teething, you might want to give it a miss as gums can be a bit sore, but don't wait until they are 6 months old to start, a routine established right away would be best.
