Brushing teeth

blade · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 4:55 pm Post subject: Brushing teeth

I was just wondering if I should start brushing Bella's teeth.
I don't know if alot of you do it or if it's important to brush their teeth but
she's 4 months and in the horrible stage of teething and got a few of her new front teeth. Also what kind of toothpate do I use and how regular do I brush them?
Blade Smile

_Mary_ · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 4:58 pm Post subject:

Not to sure on this one Blade as Cj`s don`t need brushing cos he`s raw fed and the bones keep his teeth clean.

I know its a good idea though to do the teeth of meal/meat fed dogs, you can get "doggie" tooth pastes from the vets or prob cheaper in a pet store like PAH.

I`m sure that others who do clean their dogs teeth will be along to advise/tell you how/what they do Very Happy

, good idea to start now, as it is with kiddies and their milk teeth, not to mention getting Bella used to it Very Happy

bradleysmum · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 5:16 pm Post subject:

Hi Blade,

You might find the following link useful:

http://www.labradorforums.co.uk/dental.html

HTH

Goldentouch · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 5:36 pm Post subject:

I learnt a little on how to brush Leo's teeth at puppy classes.
After that i NEVER tried doing it again. Most dogs really dislike it, plus, with all the "teeth cleaning" and dental products on the market for dogs these days i really see no need in brushing a dogs teeth.
Think about it... if a dog was in the wild would they be brushing their teeth?? Wink

colette · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 5:46 pm Post subject:

Yeah I tried to do it two weekends ago. It wasn't a pleasant experience for either me or Milo and I won't be doing it again. Instead I went and bought some chicken wings.......

newparents · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 5:55 pm Post subject:

colette · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 5:58 pm Post subject:

No - they are ok raw - you must not give them cooked.

Everyone thinks that at the start - there was a MASSIVE thread on it recently - and we've all discovered that the nation will soon be short of chicken wings due to all the LF members rushing out to buy! Laughing

blade · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 6:48 pm Post subject:

We might try brushing her teeth but what treats and food could I give her to keep her teeth and gums healthy? Confused

Goldentouch · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 2:48 pm Post subject:

There is lots of choice. Have a look in your local Pets at home.
Pedigree do a good range of dental cleaning bones, and Pets at Home also do their own range.
Regular bones keep teeth clean also.

_Jules_ · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 3:19 pm Post subject:

I clean my girls teeth when there's a lack of bones about. I use dog toothpaste from PAH. They love it. As soon as I get the toothbrushes out they start jostling for who's going to be first . I've done it since they were little, so I suppose they just think it's the normal part of the grooming routine.

You should try to keep your dogs teeth clean (with bones or brushing etc) , as bacterial gum infections such as gingivitus can develop into something really nasty. My friends greyhound died from blood poisoning which was the result of bad teeth and gums .

I know dogs in the wild don't clean their teeth, but they don't live on kibble or soft meat , do they Wink

.

Jules.