How do you get your pet to cooperate with brushing teeth?

[LuvOrlando]

My little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not cooperative at all with mouth care. She has a small mouth and it is super tough to use a regular dog brush, I know people whose dogs do cooperate but lil' drama mama is not one of those dogs. In desperation, I started looking around and bought some soft silicone bottle brushes that seemed like they could hold some toothpaste as she safely chomped on the soft bristles while I held the brush. It worked really well but didn't last all that long so ordered a replacement but also ordered some U shaped soft silicone training toothbrushes too, I used these when my kids were babires and I thought she might like them. I flip these in refrigerated ground beef bits and fat (from the bottom of the pan after cooking), then I layer her Virbac CET Poultry toothpaste and offer it about 15 min before dinner. So far this is getting way more chewing action than I could ever get from a any pet toothbrushes, which are firm and probably gag her so she runs away. I'm grateful this is working but curious if there are any other ideas people could share, I don't wanna do battle but her little teeth need cleaning.

 

[slo]

If it makes you feel better, my little guy will not let us brush his teeth too. My mom would brush her dogs teeth every other day without a battle, but her dog was a pain with other things. I finally gave up, I give give him a Greenies every night and will probably have our vet clean his teeth when they tell me it’s needed.

I hope you get some advice on here, because I’ll be interested to try what others recommend.

 

[soccerdad72]

We don't - we suck at it.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I’ve had the same problem.

Have you tried the finger brushes? Maybe a little easier than getting a regular brush in there.

These are from Petco.

 

[PoppyJ]

My dog tolerates me brushing her teeth. I've been dog it since she was a puppy. But I recently saw a video of someone showing how to "brush" your dogs teeth by putting enzymatic toothpaste on a microfiber towel and rubbing it on the dog's teeth. I believe the enzymatic toothpastes don't really require brushing so if you can quickly rub the toothpaste on the outside of the teeth it may help?

 

[LoveDaisy]

I started with the finger toothbrush when she was an puppy and tried several dog toothpastes until I found one my dog liked. She was 145 pounds and stubborn so there was no talking her into anything. I’m glad I started when she was young and tried options. She liked the way the toothpaste tasted do she’d let me do it. Now cleaning her ears that was a whole different issue.

 

[LuvOrlando]

My dog tolerates me brushing her teeth. I've been dog it since she was a puppy. But I recently saw a video of someone showing how to "brush" your dogs teeth by putting enzymatic toothpaste on a microfiber towel and rubbing it on the dog's teeth. I believe the enzymatic toothpastes don't really require brushing so if you can quickly rub the toothpaste on the outside of the teeth it may help?

Really? Then what I am doing should do the trick because she does quite a bit of chomping on this to get the little bits of beef that get caught up behind the nubs. Also, it is super cute when she gets the whole thing in her mouth to grab the little bits all the way in the front. This one is super small and fits her fine. I was thinking she needs the full on scrub like we do but that does not seem like it is happening ever.

I started trying when she was 8 weeks old and she has been super dramatic ever since then

 

[LuvOrlando]

I’ve had the same problem.

Have you tried the finger brushes? Maybe a little easier than getting a regular brush in there.

These are from Petco.

View attachment 1058179

I have these and they are a bit too big for her little mouth. I can sweep a finger in to get out rabbit poo or acorns well enough but that is a moment and done, plus she knows full well she is wrong. The whole toothpaste thing is a whole other story and an event

 

[easyas123]

We don't - we suck at it.

Same here!

 

[firefly_ris]

I use the finger tooth brush and the dental wipes.

 

[Rogue1677x]

Our vet gave us the little finger brush and some peanut butter flavored toothpaste in a swag bag at our puppies first visit. She's used to that from the start.

When we adopted our other dog, who was a bit older, she didn't seem used to having her teeth brushed and didn't like it. She'll resist, so we try try quickly.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Really? Then what I am doing should do the trick because she does quite a bit of chomping on this to get the little bits of beef that get caught up behind the nubs. Also, it is super cute when she gets the whole thing in her mouth to grab the little bits all the way in the front. This one is super small and fits her fine. I was thinking she needs the full on scrub like we do but that does not seem like it is happening ever.

I started trying when she was 8 weeks old and she has been super dramatic ever since then
View attachment 1058250

Luv, I think I’d run if I saw that coming at my mouth!

 

[NannyBeBe]

Have you asked your vet about the oral gels that you just rub on their teeth?

 

[goofyernmost]

First off, I'd just look him/her straight in the eye and sternly, but kindly tell him/her to get out of the bathroom and then when you have finished brushing just go out and pat their head and say... good boy/girl.

But seriously folks, why do we insist on making another species be a human. They sell dental treats that are designed to clean a dogs teeth without them knowing they are cleaning their teeth. A tough chew toy will also do that job. Let nature be what was intended and stop trying to alter their natural behavior. Both you and Rover or Rovetta will be much happier.

 

[LoveSpringsteen]

My husband does it every week, but we should do it more often. He kind of (gently) holds him under his arm and brushes. We do use an enzyme toothpaste which our vet recommended.

It’s not perfect by any means. Our dog had to have some minor surgery in January and I told the vet to do a dental cleaning while he was under and they ended up removing 3 of his bottom teeth as they were loose. It was not cheap to get the dental cleaning and extractions done, so we’ll keep brushing.

 

[Kae]

Greenies, Antlers, next dog we will try to start as a puppy, maybe

 

[BrianL]

With this thing?



Yeah, not unless I feel like dying today!

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Granted it's for a cat but our current vet just doesn't recommend brushing at home for a cat unless you could do it daily and they tolerate it well. Our cat won't tolerate it but we have had him do teeth cleaning at the vet now technically 3 times. He has to be sedated to be seen at the vet due to his temperament so it's pretty easy for them to do it there.