Do you brush your pet's teeth? Do you use a dental rinse?

[milestogo]

If you brush their teeth, how did you get them to allow it?

[chomper]

1. Too hard to brush their teeth.

I use this instead.

[link:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B8DXGA8/|

They work pretty good.

[phylny]

2. I *just* started brushing their teeth and using a dental scraper.

I started the process by saying, "teeth" and briefly exposing their canines, touching them, then praising them. I think I did that for about a month.

Then I let them lick the toothpaste (liver flavored, which they do love).

Then I progressed to touching the dental scraper (got two on Amazon) briefly.

Finally, this week I started using the scraper gently to remove plaque and tarter and brushing their teeth.

They do NOT like it, but they allow it. The difference in my little guy's breath is great - he doesn't stink.

I also use a powder with their food that helps with tartar - at least it's helped make it removable.

https://smile.amazon.com/VetriScience-Laboratories-Support-Dental-Health/dp/B000IZPY3K/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-rsf1_0?cv_ct_cx=dog+dental+powder&dchild=1&keywords=dog+dental+powder&pd_rd_i=B000IZPY3K&pd_rd_r=3be64d1a-2bd7-410a-9f13-03d55e067be5&pd_rd_w=6Smkp&pd_rd_wg=lLCVj&pf_rd_p=5168df84-062d-4bdf-8a6e-2680813bd42f&pf_rd_r=V4JQ2RVZF5B4K2B1DWM2&psc=1&qid=1613749284&sr=1-1-7bf78e84-8ef2-4f13-9926-bee5153e81cb

I wish I could use a water additive, but my dogs drink very little water because I make their dog food and it's plenty moist.

[milestogo]

6. Thank you, that helps.

[Grumpy Old Guy]

3. Dentastix

We give our dogs 1/2 of a Dentastix twice a day. The vet told us a few weeks ago that our Lab had the cleanest teeth he's ever seen.

[raging moderate]

4. I use a rubber baby "toothbrush," and a flavor they like.

I have one of those little soft rubber things that go over your finger. I buy toothpaste for cats that has a tuna smell. Years ago, one of my vets was selling a toothpaste with a catnip smell. They really loved that! I had several cats. Now all but one have died of old age, etc. (ages 16 - 20). The one remaining cat has always been more cooperative, and now he is too weak to offer much resistance, so this is not a real problem for me anymore. It was always difficult to get my cats to allow toothbrushing, but I would first hold and pet them and then gently put it in front of them to sniff and then lick before doing the brushing and wiping with the oral wipe cloth. You can buy oral wipes soaked in the dental rinse, and they seem to do some good. My good old boy, almost 16, has not needed dental work for a few years.

[Mike 03]

5. Yes, but because it's difficult only about twice a week

In my case it is a dog. Initially I used a dilute hydrogen peroxide and water mix, but a few months ago I began using a chicken flavored enzymatic toothpaste for dogs put out by Virbac (CET). I was noticing his gums were showing just the very early stages of an issue.

He also gets one Dentastix (sp?) a day.

As for the brushing, I just do my best. Some days I can get the brush in there where it needs to go and work on the areas of concern. Other days it's not so easy and he turns his head or tries to chew the toothbrush.

The main thing for me is to part his lips and mouth and keep it open and in a relatively stable position long enough to get the brush between his teeth and his cheek so I can spend a few seconds or longer really brushing. He likes the taste of the toothpaste and that usually distracts him long enough that I can brush. It seems harder to brush his very front teeth, but they don't need as much brushing as his back teeth and gums.

He really needs a good cleaning but I've been reluctant to take him in since the pandemic began.