Doggie dental care?

My dogs have always had really good teeth (even the vet thinks so) just from chewing on toys. I noticed that the dog that we recently adopted (like 4 or 5 weeks ago) has not so white teeth in back. I'm thinking that this is something that has happened recently because when we took him into the vet, she commented on how good his teeth looked. So if chews aren't working on keeping his teeth clean, then I was planning on brushing his teeth, but I've never had to do this before. Any advice as to how to go about it. He's pretty laid back, but doesn't really like grooming (like being brushed or getting his nails clipped). Also, whats a good way to help him like (at least tolerate with out trying to run away) being brushed? Heres a picture of him!





http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj320...

Doggie dental care?
What a cutie!





I brush my dog's teeth once a week since she was a year old. It was definitely a process at first. I introduced her to the toothbrush and toothpaste first. I let her lick some off of my finger a couple times and then I let her lick it off the brush. After about a week of doing this everyday, she wasnt unsure about the toothbrush anymore, and it was easier to get the job done. She still dislikes it to this day, but she tolerates it. I have two kinds of toothbrush. I have a long one with bristles of different sizes on both ends (great for the back teeth). Then I have a thimble brush with bristles on it that works great for the front teeth. Hope it helps and good luck!
Reply:First of all, if the dogs teeth in front are looking good and the back ones aren't black, he's doing great. Second, put the toothpaste on a rubber toy and get him to play with it. Try to get him to play tug-of-war with it. That'll help.
Reply:While brushing him, talk softly and pet him at the same time. He will eventually get used to it and look at it as a rewarding thing. Who knows what he went through with his past. I might try obiedience classes just get help him out even if he is laid back. His teeth, I would call a vet and ask about that, he probubly isn't going to like that so until you get advice from a vet. i'd get some tartar control chew snacks.
Reply:There's a product called Plaque Off, it's main ingredient is ground up seaweed. My dog just won't let me brush his teeth, good enough anyway. He had an almost rotten tooth and using the plaque off saved his tooth and his breath is a million times better! You just sprinkle a scoop over his food (1 scoop per 1cup of food) and they eat it up. It costs around $22 for a 6 month supply. I buy mine at Airedale Antics in St. Louis, but you can also buy online at airedaleantics.com. They have tons of great products. I only shop there for my dogs.
Reply:You dont have to brush, just feed an all natural diet of raw meat, raw bones and raw organs. Raw bones are natures toothbrushes , they are cheap, safe and the single most effective and natural way to keep teeth clean.


Also..something I bet you didnt know.. the distemper vaccine can cause teeth discoloration! its just one of too numerous to list symptoms of vaccinosis.





Please check these links, and feel free to email me with any questions.
Reply:First I'd like to say I pay Petsmart's Banfield hospital $30 a month and I get one free dental cleaning where they put the pup to sleep and really get in there good, one free blood workup, all free vaccines, all free office visits, free uninalysis, etc. plus 15% off everything else, including meds. I highly recommend this.





Second, about brushing the pups teeth, I brush my dogs teeth, she loves the toothbrush, not so much the brushing part though. I usually let her lick the toothpaste, she actually likes the toothpaste too, then I let her lick the wet toothbrush for a little bit before I start brushing. When I brush her teeth first I just try and make it a game and get what I can, then I usually have to hold her jaw open and finish, but at least it doesn't take as long to finish since part of it gets done with us "playing" around. She'll get used to it.
Reply:They make beef and chicken flavored dog toothpastes, just look for them in the dog isle of your local PetSmart store (I know that they have them for sure because I used to brush the teeth of a Miniature Poodle I used to have) and they also sell dog tooth brushes that you can use to brush his teeth.