Brushing Teeth

[aussiesmum]

Ok, hopefully this belongs here.

Do I need to buy special dog tooth paste? Does it really matter? I made some "tooth paste" and Aussie loves it. 1/2 tsp yogart, 1 tsp water and a spring of liver crumbs. She let me brush her teeth with the finger brushing things and was very happy about it?

Is this "tooth paste" ok, or no?

[Mario Niepel]

Lorie, the dog toothpaste contains enzymes that break down the gunk that sticks to the dogs teeth. I really don't know how effective your mixture would be. I have the feeling that for dogs, the brushing doesn't physically remove things, but it is just a way to distribute the enzymes of the toothpaste all over their teeth.

If used regularly, the dog toothpaste really works. On our eight year old dog, a month of daily brushing has led to very white teeth. Just recently, he got compliments from the vet for his pearly whites. :)

[Liz Gilbert]

I know that for people, its not the toothpaste that does the work. Its the brushing that does. Brushing is what breaks up the plaque, not the toothpaste. I cant imagine it being that different for dogs.

I would think that any type of brushing is good and helpful for your dogs teeth, and he's letting you do it. The only thing I'd be wondering about is the yogurt and if it has lots of sugar in it.

~Liz

[Grace Erick]

Mario is correct and their are enzymes that break down stuff on the teeth, even if you put it on with your finger.