Brushing teeth - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

Rouleaux · 01-02-2013, 08:16 AM

Rouleaux will be 7 months this Saturday (1/5/13) and last week was the first time I have ever attempted brushing his teeth.

We have his special doggy tooth brush, and he extra special vanilla-mint toothpaste... <--- nerd!

On our first attempt, he wasn't a fan, made funny faces as he licked the toothpaste from his teeth. He didn't seem too impressed with what was going on but dealt with it.

Today was my second attempt. He sat there and took it like a man! Yes, he moved his head around (I don't want to restrain him by the muzzle... it isn't what this is about) but he did SO well for his second tooth brushing!!!

He does have plenty of things to chew on, but I feel it is fundamental to at least get him used to the idea.

Is this normal??

ZeldaRules · 01-02-2013, 08:20 AM

Nerd, lol.

Yes, it's totally normal for your dog to be like "omgwtf" at first because brushing a dogs teeth is not a natural part of their hygiene. However, I think it's very important and I should not slack off with my dogs teeth because that tartar and plaque can build up fast and chew toys are not going to prevent all of it from building up. Just keep working at it.

Adara · 01-02-2013, 11:27 AM

I'm lazy. I don't brush. But I do give all kinds of raw bones with meat to chew on. So far, so good and we've never had a dog need a teeth cleaning. Flirt has to eat mostly ground raw so she may be my first. I do give her rib bones in hopes to keep them clean. She'll be 6 in March and so far so good. The others get chicken quarters and big meaty bone pieces to chew.

AlyssaN · 01-02-2013, 12:06 PM

I don't brush either.

Instead we offer many bully sticks and raw bones. Lots to chew on.

Rouleaux · 01-02-2013, 02:11 PM

I don't feel it is entirely necessary with the amount he chews on hard bones and such, but I feel it helps when I need to get in there with my hand for some reason.

Just something else to get him used to. Plus, the vanilla mint smells yummy! lol.

**dobegal** · 01-02-2013, 02:22 PM

I brush Roxy's teeth at least twice a month. She loves her Chicken flavored toothpaste.

Auri85 · 01-02-2013, 03:40 PM

This is going to make me sound neurotic but I brush Titan's teeth every night before we go to bed.

I'm big on dental health. It's just a routine to brush mine then brush his. I use an electric toothbrush so it's pretty easy. He chews on a variety of toys/bully sticks everyday but I consider that supplemental to the brushing.

It only took him a couple of days or so to adjust from the manual to electric toothbrush.

**MeadowCat** · 01-02-2013, 04:22 PM

I brush about once a week, when we do nails. The dogs get raw bones, too, but after paying for a very expensive extraction for Simon I brush. Shanoa doesn't care, and Richter is fine with it, too. We use a meat flavored toothpaste, too.

Sage · 01-03-2013, 09:41 PM

I brush my Dobe's teeth after each meal. He is fed in the morning and evening. I floss between teeth that have a tight bite, using pre-strung dental floss. In addition, I remove any strands of hair that slip under the gum line. I did the same for my other Dobes. As a result, they have a full set of teeth their entire lives with no tartar buildup. By following this routine I have avoided putting them under anesthesia for professional cleanings as my vet says professional cleanings aren't necessary due to the great condition of their gums and teeth. I have my Dobe hold a solid rubber ball that is slightly smaller than a tennis ball. This keeps his mouth open so I can thoroughly brush each tooth surface. I move the ball as necessary to get to each tooth. I avoid the use of bones due to the risk of injury to the teeth and intestinal blockage. The entire routine takes about 2 or 3 minutes twice per day.

**Patches Mom** · 01-03-2013, 11:32 PM

Sage can you do Buddy and Patches too, guess I'm lazy only brush their teeth once a day. I gave Buddy a Turkey neck once all he did is carry it around then tried to bury it never did chew on it so threw it away. Did not want Buddy & Patches to have a discussion about who owned the turkey neck since Buddy is 93# & Patches is 15#.

Rosemary · 01-04-2013, 01:08 AM

Leo gets her teeth brushed before every training session. She has a nasty habit (despite my best efforts to keep the yard picked up) and I prefer not to get anything yucky on my hands. Ilka and Lucky get theirs brushed whenever I think about it, or if I know they've been in a litter box (another nasty habit I can't seen to break).

I just make sure I brush both the outside and inside surfaces of the teeth. They aren't wild about having their mouths held open for brushing, but I'm bigger than they are, so I win.