Brushing your dog's teeth?

I just got a new puppy and people are telling me it's important to brush their teeth. Is this necessary? Don't they stay clean naturally unless given human food?

Brushing your dog's teeth?
Basically you have a choice, either have a dental on your dogs mouth every 4-6 years depending upon what you feed them or brush the teeth.


I like brushing the teeth and there are two methods. One is of course with a brush, but I have found that can cause too many problems. The method I like is to take a piece of gauze wrap it around your finger, apply the special dog tooth paste to that and wipe the teeth down.


The reason that only a special dog tooth paste can be used is that a dog doesn't spit it out...they swallow.


Dogs are always getting gingivitis, a disease of the gums...the treatment is to pull the tooth, not only does that get expensive but is hard on the dog


If you choose brushing it is best to start them out young.
Reply:Honestly you dont really have to brush their teeth. Beleive it or not a dogs mouth is cleaner than our body after a shower. Most people brush the dogs teeth because of the smell
Reply:Food can lodge and cause gum problems, plus the tartar buildup
Reply:Animals clean their teeth by eating and chewing on things...it shouldn't be necessary for you to brush its teeth unless you see that they are looking dirty....even then, puppies loose the first set of teeth and grow adult ones...so it doesn't really matter for puppy teeth.
Reply:Dog and cat teeth are very dirty. Yes, brushing the teeth is important. It can save you money in the long run. A pet's teeth can carry many bacteria into the bloodstream, and most dog's need to have a dental cleaning done at around 3 years of age. No, dogs teeth don't clean themselves. It is important to start a brushing program when your dog is a puppy so that he gets used to it. You can buy doggie toothpaste and a toothbrush at your vet or local pet store.
Reply:it is a good idea for nice breath its not manditory. make sure the tooth paste can be swallowed! [ps] dont use the same toothbrush!
Reply:Are you serious? Brushing the dogs teeth? Oh my aching back!
Reply:No, they wouldn't stay clean naturally since teeth are teeth no matter what animal has them. I wouldn't say you have to brush the dog's teeth though, that could be hard work if your dog doesn't want it done. If I were you I would just suggest using the dog treats that say that they clean the dog's teeth if you are concerned about it.
Reply:..are you crazy?..
Reply:It doesnt hurt to brush their teeth and will save you money in the long run ...Dentists do cleanings on Dogs teeth now and it can get pricey..They make little dog brushes that fit on your finger, you can use guaze and baking soda as well(they make Dog tooth paste as well) Its not something you do daily, But it will keep you dogs teeth looking good.Starting at a puppy age is great too...They will get use to it...I have retired Greyhounds(exracers)Who are known for bad teeth because of the raw meath they are fed...I brush their teeth weekly.Gums and all!!!!
Reply:Ya know, honestly, I think brushing a dogs teeth, is the stupidist thing I have ever heard in my life!!


If you notice, their teeth are naturally clean, especially if you give them bones to chew on, and the greenies, are sopposed to help keep the teeth clean, and freshen their breath too.


I would not dare brush my dogs teeth, and if I ever see anyone do this trust me, I will be the FIRST TO LAUGH!
Reply:Yes, you should brush your dog's teeth. Start brushing gently after his adult teeth start to come in. If you don't start early, he will resist you when you do start brushing.
Reply:Beauty, yes it is necessary to brush your dog's teeth. No dogs teeth are not cleaner than humans. Dogs can get bacteria and periodontitis and this will be worse. I brush my dogs teeth every 4 days because she doesn't like it but if you start training your puppy now it will get used to it.I use a small toothbrush and some human toothpaste. They sell animal toothpaste at the pet stores but I didn't use it because I didn't like the smell but I would use a toothbrush that they sell. Your dog will develop a funky odor and you won't like that.... those dog biscuits that supposedly clean their teeth is a scam and whatever you do don't feed it those greenies, they are hard and lodge in the dogs intestine and some dogs have died...honestly,,,good luck
Reply:Some people don't realize that dental care is as important for dogs as it is for human beings. Just like in people, dogs' teeth can gather plaque after eating. When plaque builds up and hardens it becomes a coarse brown substance called tartar. As tartar accumulates it can work its way under the gums and cause painful infections and gum disease. This goes on in the mouths of dogs just like it does in people. You brush your teeth every day, probably three times. What does your dog do?








Veterinarians recommend that dog owners brush their dog's teeth at least twice a week to keep the buildup of tartar at a minimum. Most pet supply stores carry specially designed toothbrushes and toothpaste just for dogs. Remember that a dog's sense of taste and smell is far more acute than that of a human and the zesty, tingly, mint taste of toothpastes for people will be extremely awful to a dog. Try brushing Rover's teeth with Crest just once and it will likely be the last time he lets you anywhere near him with a toothbrush. Use the specially designed doggie toothpaste.



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