How can I train my dog to accept teeth brushing for dental health?

I would try to find a dog finger brush or a small tooth brush and you will want to use dog tooth paste as it doesn't have fluoride, no foaming and not mint flavored so it makes it more favorable to the dog. You can slow start by just do a small section and work your way around the whole mouth over a matter of a few days. It is best to try and brush their teeth at least every other day to may a difference. Also remember that their large chewing teeth are further in the back past where their lips end. I would not try to open the mouth to get the inside of the teeth as most dogs don't appreciate that. If he doesn't like it or resists you, then it may be best just to give him dental chews like C.E.T chews and start using a water additive for dental health. Also, if the teeth already have a lot of tartar build up, he will likely need a dental cleaning from your vet. I hope this helps!

Home dental care is one of the best ways to help keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy. I would wet the toothbrush (you can get it at a pet store). You can also use a children's toothbrush. I would then use Pet approved toothpaste. There are wide varieties of flavors. Never use human toothpaste, baking soda or salt. While safe for you, these cleaning agents can be harmful to your dog if swallowed. Lift your dog's lip and brush with a gentle motion to clean his teeth. Just like you would your own teeth. Most pets will not allow you to brush the inside surface of their teeth, so typically you can just brush the outside portion of their teeth. Make sure you reward your dog after! Ideally, this process should be done daily. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Just keep working with him a little bit at a time. With patience and persistence, he will probably become more cooperative. Give him praise and treats after he lets your brush them. Using a finger toothbrush is easier for some dogs so you may want to try one of them, if you haven't already.

Silly girl, toothpaste isn't a treat! It can be very difficult to train a dog to allow their teeth to be brushed. I would venture to guess that the majority of vets don't brush their pet's teeth, either! The brown staining is plaque and tartar. Once the plaque sets in, there is no amount of brushing that will remove it. The only way to remove the plaque and thoroughly clean the teeth is to take Keltie in for a dental cleaning. This can be a scary idea since she will need to be under general anesthesia, but it can help her avoid many preventable diseases in the future, such as abscessed teeth, infection of the jaw bones, and shedding bacteria in the bloodstream that could cause infection of the heart valves. Here is a great article on dental care in pets. Once the plaque is removed after a dental cleaning, you can work on training Keltie to accept teeth brushing, or you can use products approved by the VOHC to delay additional plaque from forming. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=128

You can start brushing your dogs teeth at any time. I recommend purchasing dog toothpaste from a pet store and you can also get a regular toothbrush for your dog or one that fits over your finger. There is no need to rinse their mouth when using dog toothpaste and it is safe if they swallow it. The best thing to do is to brush Bruno's teeth every day or as often as you are able to. Dental hygiene is just as important in animals as it is in humans.

Erin should see a vet for her gingivitis. It likely isn't safe for you to try to brush her teeth if she hates it when anyone touches her mouth, so the cleaning should be done by a vet. The vet can sedate her to examined and clean her teeth. As you've seen with your other day, it's important to have gingivitis removed and the teeth cleaned or there is the risk of tooth loss.

That's quite a bit of tarter buildup, and it would be best to have Joshie examined by a vet to determine if she is a good candidate for a dental cleaning. Dental cleanings often involve having your pet go under anesthesia so that the teeth can be thoroughly cleaned and any damaged or infected teeth removed safely. February was pet dental health month (at least in the US), and many veterinary clinics extend dental discount packages into March, so now is the perfect time to schedule a visit and check it out. At home, brushing is always a good idea, and there are many pet toothpastes available that are palatable and can encourage your pet to get their teeth brushed (never use human toothpaste as it is toxic to pets). You can also spread some on a dental chew or other "scrubby" like chew toy to help clean the teeth. Chews like nylabones, Kongs, etc, that encourage your dog to use their teeth can help. There are also prescription diets available from your vet such as t/d which is designed specifically to improve dental health and clean the teeth while eating. It would be hard to predict lifespan, but if you're working to clean your dog's teeth and keep her healthier, then that is always going to help.