Brushing your yorkies teeth - YorkieTalk.com Forums

lil louis · 07-20-2009, 02:53 PM

What kid of toothpaste/toothbrush do you use on your yorkie? Also, is there anything I can use to make his breath smell better. Thanks!

cynsir · 07-20-2009, 03:07 PM

Every other day I give my dogs a Denta-Treats made by Dingo. It freshens their breaths and whitens their teeth and they really love them.

London01 · 07-20-2009, 03:12 PM

It is wonderful that you are thinking about your yorkies oral hygiene.

Some small dogs are prone to tartar accumulation, so you are doing the right thing looking into dental care. Daily is ideal.

As for the toothpaste, the most important thing is to use a product specifically designed for dogs. You may already know this, but using human toothpaste on a dog can be dangerous.

Alot of folks here use PetzLife gel or spray. Petzlife gel is great for removing existing tartar, as well as for ongoing maintenance for their pearly whites. Some folks don't like that Petzlife contains a high amount of alcohol. But others love it because it works so amazingly well. Some folks buy poultry-flavored or peanut-butter flavored doggy toothpaste from any large petstore.

Have you tried a search yet, maybe using keyword toothpaste? This topic comes up pretty often, so I bet you will find lots of helpful info in the old threads, especially in the Health section. There are even good tips on how to get your dog used to toothbrushing, and what kinds of toothbrushes folks use.

Getting into a good dental hygiene routine should remove alot of the tartar and prevent future buildup. That alone will freshen up their breath.

A dental cleaning at the vet may also accelerate the process of removing existing tartar. This can be dangerous though because it usually involves heavy anesthesia. Alot of folks will add a dental cleaning when the pet is already going under anesthesia for another procedure, such as spaying.

Good luck! Keep us posted on how the new routine goes.

coolbar · 07-21-2009, 07:26 AM

I am so lucky with Alfie, he always has a beef bone or a pigs ear to chew, his teeth are spotless from the constant gnawing, also it keeps his jaw strong, there isn't much he wont tackle.

As some of you will know from my stories Alfie is a born ratter, he loves the hunt and it rids us of vermin.

His jaw and neck are so strong, the rats dont last long when he catches them.

hillies · 07-21-2009, 08:15 AM

I've started "brushing" Stella's teeth even though she's only 5 months, because I wanted her to get used to it early. I use the petrodex enzymatic toothpaste (I think it comes in beef and chicken flavors) and the petosan spinbrush for dogs. She DOES NOT like the sound of the toothbrush when it's on, but if I put the toothpaste on it and let her lick it, she quickly gets over that. I've found that even if I just get the toothpaste in her mouth, it helps with stink breath, even though its flavored.

After I brushed her teeth yesterday, she lost three baby teeth throughout the rest of the day! Maybe the gentle massaging helped loosen them so she could get them out? I'm starting to think she's going to need dentures if she doesn't start getting more of her back teeth in soon!

roxies_mom · 07-21-2009, 08:57 AM

I'm basicly starting over because I tried the regular pet toothbrush (with long handle) and she was having none of that and it was going to be too hard to do anything with her fighting it. It felt like it would be dangerous using that thing with her fighting it so much. She just wouldn't even let me near her with it. I didn't want to ruin being able to brush her teeth at all by forcing it so I didn't really even try that hard. I even just thru it on the floor hoping she'd chew on the bristles. Nope nothing lol!
I was talking with my vet about this last week. She said the finger toothbrush works good and to start out one tooth at a time and give a treat right after. I've also gotten that advice from people here on YT! Just get them used to it first. I also bought the petrodex finger toothbrush and beef flavored toothpaste. I'm starting out by letting her lick just a dot of the paste off my finger first. I make sure she gets flossies or bully stix too. She loves loves the flossies.

mkbartz · 07-21-2009, 09:25 AM

Each of my girls have a baby tooth brush (though one wise yorkietalker posted a while back that they use and electric toothbrush--and I may switch to that).

The toothpaste we use is from the Vet's office. I believe it is CET brand. I love it because it is VANILLA MINT FLAVOUR and REALLY does help their dog breath!

However, a groomer once told me that you can also brush their teeth with Baking Soda.

lil louis · 07-21-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roxies_mom

I'm basicly starting over because I tried the regular pet toothbrush (with long handle) and she was having none of that and it was going to be too hard to do anything with her fighting it. It felt like it would be dangerous using that thing with her fighting it so much. She just wouldn't even let me near her with it. I didn't want to ruin being able to brush her teeth at all by forcing it so I didn't really even try that hard. I even just thru it on the floor hoping she'd chew on the bristles. Nope nothing lol!
I was talking with my vet about this last week. She said the finger toothbrush works good and to start out one tooth at a time and give a treat right after. I've also gotten that advice from people here on YT! Just get them used to it first. I also bought the petrodex finger toothbrush and beef flavored toothpaste. I'm starting out by letting her lick just a dot of the paste off my finger first. I make sure she gets flossies or bully stix too. She loves loves the flossies.

What are flossies and where do you get them?

Ellie May · 07-22-2009, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkbartz

Each of my girls have a baby tooth brush (though one wise yorkietalker posted a while back that they use and electric toothbrush--and I may switch to that).

The toothpaste we use is from the Vet's office. I believe it is CET brand. I love it because it is VANILLA MINT FLAVOUR and REALLY does help their dog breath!

However, a groomer once told me that you can also brush their teeth with Baking Soda.

This is exactly what we we but Ellie will have none of an the electric toothbrush thing. We also floss and use OraVet.

mkbartz · 07-22-2009, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ellie May

This is exactly what we we but Ellie will have none of an the electric toothbrush thing. We also floss and use OraVet.

"Floss" as in human dental floss or those rope chew toys? I am kind of the flossing queen (for myself) and I have toyed with the idea of flossing my dogs' teeth. . .

Please, tell me more!

Ellie May · 07-22-2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkbartz

"Floss" as in human dental floss or those rope chew toys? I am kind of the flossing queen (for myself) and I have toyed with the idea of flossing my dogs' teeth. . .

Please, tell me more!

The rope toys aren't allowed here.
It is too easy for those pieces to come off and be swallowed.
I just used normal floss and now I use the individual flossers with the plastic handles.

LuvMySissy · 07-22-2009, 10:39 AM

I used to use Petzlife on my girls, but they still had occasional stinky breath. We do not have that problem any longer however. I switched to Ozyfresh Pet Gel (you can find it on Ebay) for toothbrushing (using a piece of gauze wrapped around my finger) and then I complete the process by dipping a q-tip into Bluto's Yummy Gum Brush by Aromadog and swab along the teeth, gums, roof of mouth and tongue.

I think it is the Bluto product that has really made the biggest difference. My girls are almost 4 and almost 3 and have never had a dental cleaning. We just had our annual check-up and my vet constantly comments on how great their teeth are. We rarely use flossies or bully stix, but use an occasional Antlers. My girls eat The Honest Kitchen food.

roxies_mom · 07-22-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lil louis

What are flossies and where do you get them?

Flossies are a spiral shaped tedon they can chew on. I learned about them from members here at YT and tried them. Roxie loves them.
http://www.merrickpetcare.com/store/images/15055.jpg

Princes mom · 08-17-2009, 05:45 AM

I'm glad this topic was posted. I was speaking with a friend last night, and told her that one of my co-workers flosses her dog's teeth. She thought that was the strangest thing. Well, I tried to floss Prince's teeth but the floss stick I have is too big. I will search for smaller ones. It is a great comcept!!

Princes mom · 08-17-2009, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Princes mom

I'm glad this topic was posted. I was speaking with a friend last night, and told her that one of my co-workers flosses her dog's teeth. She thought that was the strangest thing. Well, I tried to floss Prince's teeth but the floss stick I have is too big. I will search for smaller ones. It is a great comcept!!

I hate when I see a typo after it's too late to make corrections!!

(comcept = concept)

07-20-2009, 02:53 PM	#1
lil louis ♥My Yorkie, My Shadow♥ Join Date: May 2009 Location: usa Posts: 1,337	Brushing your yorkies teeth What kid of toothpaste/toothbrush do you use on your yorkie? Also, is there anything I can use to make his breath smell better. Thanks!

07-20-2009, 03:07 PM	#2
cynsir The 3 Musketeers Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cloquet, MN Posts: 738 Blog Entries: 1	Every other day I give my dogs a Denta-Treats made by Dingo. It freshens their breaths and whitens their teeth and they really love them. __________________ Cindy and Misty and Mazie and Cassie Max (3/31/08 - 6/1/09)

07-21-2009, 08:57 AM	#6
roxies_mom YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: central illinois Posts: 1,396 Blog Entries: 1	I'm basicly starting over because I tried the regular pet toothbrush (with long handle) and she was having none of that and it was going to be too hard to do anything with her fighting it. It felt like it would be dangerous using that thing with her fighting it so much. She just wouldn't even let me near her with it. I didn't want to ruin being able to brush her teeth at all by forcing it so I didn't really even try that hard. I even just thru it on the floor hoping she'd chew on the bristles. Nope nothing lol! I was talking with my vet about this last week. She said the finger toothbrush works good and to start out one tooth at a time and give a treat right after. I've also gotten that advice from people here on YT! Just get them used to it first. I also bought the petrodex finger toothbrush and beef flavored toothpaste. I'm starting out by letting her lick just a dot of the paste off my finger first. I make sure she gets flossies or bully stix too. She loves loves the flossies. __________________ "My sunshine doesn't come from the skies, it comes from the love in my dogs eyes"

07-22-2009, 10:39 AM	#12
LuvMySissy Luv my Angel, too! Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: USA Posts: 9,333	I used to use Petzlife on my girls, but they still had occasional stinky breath. We do not have that problem any longer however. I switched to Ozyfresh Pet Gel (you can find it on Ebay) for toothbrushing (using a piece of gauze wrapped around my finger) and then I complete the process by dipping a q-tip into Bluto's Yummy Gum Brush by Aromadog and swab along the teeth, gums, roof of mouth and tongue. I think it is the Bluto product that has really made the biggest difference. My girls are almost 4 and almost 3 and have never had a dental cleaning. We just had our annual check-up and my vet constantly comments on how great their teeth are. We rarely use flossies or bully stix, but use an occasional Antlers. My girls eat The Honest Kitchen food. __________________ Sissy & Angel

08-17-2009, 05:45 AM	#14
Princes mom YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 4,566	I'm glad this topic was posted. I was speaking with a friend last night, and told her that one of my co-workers flosses her dog's teeth. She thought that was the strangest thing. Well, I tried to floss Prince's teeth but the floss stick I have is too big. I will search for smaller ones. It is a great comcept!! __________________ Prince, rest in peace. We miss you and love you so much.

07-20-2009, 03:12 PM	#3
London01 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 393	It is wonderful that you are thinking about your yorkies oral hygiene. Some small dogs are prone to tartar accumulation, so you are doing the right thing looking into dental care. Daily is ideal. As for the toothpaste, the most important thing is to use a product specifically designed for dogs. You may already know this, but using human toothpaste on a dog can be dangerous. Alot of folks here use PetzLife gel or spray. Petzlife gel is great for removing existing tartar, as well as for ongoing maintenance for their pearly whites. Some folks don't like that Petzlife contains a high amount of alcohol. But others love it because it works so amazingly well. Some folks buy poultry-flavored or peanut-butter flavored doggy toothpaste from any large petstore. Have you tried a search yet, maybe using keyword toothpaste? This topic comes up pretty often, so I bet you will find lots of helpful info in the old threads, especially in the Health section. There are even good tips on how to get your dog used to toothbrushing, and what kinds of toothbrushes folks use. Getting into a good dental hygiene routine should remove alot of the tartar and prevent future buildup. That alone will freshen up their breath. A dental cleaning at the vet may also accelerate the process of removing existing tartar. This can be dangerous though because it usually involves heavy anesthesia. Alot of folks will add a dental cleaning when the pet is already going under anesthesia for another procedure, such as spaying. Good luck! Keep us posted on how the new routine goes.

07-21-2009, 07:26 AM	#4
coolbar YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: England Posts: 490	I am so lucky with Alfie, he always has a beef bone or a pigs ear to chew, his teeth are spotless from the constant gnawing, also it keeps his jaw strong, there isn't much he wont tackle. As some of you will know from my stories Alfie is a born ratter, he loves the hunt and it rids us of vermin. His jaw and neck are so strong, the rats dont last long when he catches them.

07-21-2009, 08:15 AM	#5
hillies Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Coconut Creek, FL Posts: 330	I've started "brushing" Stella's teeth even though she's only 5 months, because I wanted her to get used to it early. I use the petrodex enzymatic toothpaste (I think it comes in beef and chicken flavors) and the petosan spinbrush for dogs. She DOES NOT like the sound of the toothbrush when it's on, but if I put the toothpaste on it and let her lick it, she quickly gets over that. I've found that even if I just get the toothpaste in her mouth, it helps with stink breath, even though its flavored. After I brushed her teeth yesterday, she lost three baby teeth throughout the rest of the day! Maybe the gentle massaging helped loosen them so she could get them out? I'm starting to think she's going to need dentures if she doesn't start getting more of her back teeth in soon!

07-21-2009, 09:25 AM	#7
mkbartz YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: London, Ontario, canada Posts: 518	Each of my girls have a baby tooth brush (though one wise yorkietalker posted a while back that they use and electric toothbrush--and I may switch to that). The toothpaste we use is from the Vet's office. I believe it is CET brand. I love it because it is VANILLA MINT FLAVOUR and REALLY does help their dog breath! However, a groomer once told me that you can also brush their teeth with Baking Soda.