How can I brush my corgi's teeth?! Do I need to get him to the Vet to clean it?

[glencorgi]

Describe how you are trying to brush his teeth Sweetlychee. I've yet to meet a corgi that didn't go for the toothpaste, might not like the brush, but never minded the toothpaste.

Debbie

[sweetlychee]

Ok, here it is:

We take Milo when he's usually tired and calm. We touch his gums a little with our fingers to warm him up. We take the toothpaste and put it on the toothbrush. Then, we open his mouth and start brushing. That's all. We try brushing softly and trying a bit harder because he was so resistant.

[Chip's Mom]

Sweetlychee:

What kind of toothpaste do you use? Is it flavored? I do believe your little Milo and my lil Chip are 3 days apart in age. Chip will be a year old on 1/11/07 They both have similiar markings too. I am fortunate as his teeth are all still gleaming white but his vet dentist will put him on a teeth cleaning regime after his check up next week. I have never attempted to clean his teeth so we will see.

[sweetlychee]

Originally Posted by Chip's Mom

Sweetlychee:

What kind of toothpaste do you use? Is it flavored? I do believe your little Milo and my lil Chip are 3 days apart in age. Chip will be a year old on 1/11/07 They both have similiar markings too. I am fortunate as his teeth are all still gleaming white but his vet dentist will put him on a teeth cleaning regime after his check up next week. I have never attempted to clean his teeth so we will see.

Wow, Bonnie! Chip is just 3 days older than Milo!! And they DO have similar markings! But my Milo is bad!! He is anti-dog and doesn't like us to brush his teeth.

The only thing that keeps me sane from the little monster is that he gives us his hand, sits/stays/come on command and loves to lick us. The toothpaste we have is flavored. Two of them - one minty and one meat tasting. He doesn't like them at all. Not even the meaty one.

Please do keep me posted on how the teeth cleaning with the vet goes. I hear from the others that usually after 2 years old they should get an annual professional teeth cleaning.

How do you plan to celebrate Chip's birthday?

[Chip's Mom]

Sweetlychee:

Do you really think Milo is bad? Who trained him to sit, stay and come on command? I am not sure about Chip's birthday yet. The vet will just tell me how she wants me to take care of Chip's teeth. Mostly letting him chew on certain things. I will let you know though. As I said, Chip's teeth are pearly white from the front to the back so I am blessed with that.

[sweetlychee]

I taught him to sit/stay/come and hand. My fiance taught him to stand. We both taught him to be housetrained. And in between, we taught him to play some fetch games and our "pretend to steal his toys" game. It's the funniest thing. Ok, he's not all that bad but I just like to say he's like the Bart Simpson in the family!

Please do give me an update when you take him to the vet. Good luck to Chip. He has good dental health.

[MissGambler'sMommy]

If Milo does not like brushing, then just try the teeth cleaning pads, you just rub them over the teeth. It's quick and painless. Bought mine at Petco. Also: I had never heard of lychees until I married, then my husband introduced me to them. Love them!

Take care, and love your corgi!

[sweetlychee]

Cleaning pads it is! We ordered already! Can't wait for it to arrive.
Thanks, guys!

[sunshine]

Hi. My dog palette came home when she was 12weeks old and I did not start teeth brushing till 4 months old.THat is the time I was into reading many kinds of books and magazine and knew that teeth cleaning is a real big help to keep my dog healthy.I am from Japan and my cousin has had Akita dog and shetland but I have never heard of teeth cleaning,ear cleaning,nail clipping...so it was big culture shock for me. Anyway, I bought kids teethbrush which is vet office nurse recommended to use and I have got beef flavored toothpaste. First time when I tried to clean her teeth,she fought with me,and did not like to be touched at all and I just let her lick the paste from finger and when she got use to that,I tried to put the paste into my finger and massage it although this did not work all that good.So,asked vet nurse and she said that first,do not care about brushing but getting her use to the touch of brush and just let the dog munch on it,so I did. Gradually, she started showing excitement for teeth brushing and now I hold her muzzel(upper part,putting my finger inbetween to keep it open and I brush teeth.She cannot keep it open so, she moves her tong as if licking things but it is ok. I try to be quick and after that,I let her munch the brush and lick it. I do this at her bed time usually she isready for bed so more likely cooperative to the routin.
Other than brushing teeth, I give her chewing toys;raw hide, bones, Rubber nobby ball etc,and I give her biscuit and when she eats dinner meal,I give her denta stix(about 3 dollars I think).
All I do is just that and so far, all vet we go to is so surprised how white her teeth is.
I do not know if your dog can start getting used to teeth brushing but,with patients and consistency like training thing,you maybe can do it!
Just babystep each day. I brush her teeth every night.
I hope this helped some ways.

[Hayashi_eri]

Sweetlychee dear,
When I first introduced brushing to Buta, I let her taste the toothpaste before doing anything inorder to show her that it is like a treat for her. Then I showed her the toothbrush & let her play with it for a while. I think letting them know that the toothbrush is like a toy & the toothpaste a treat, they will love brushing soon Hope milo dear will like brushing soon

[sweetlychee]

Thanks Hayashi and Sunshine. The input is great. I can't wait to get my cleaning pads and stuff I ordered for Milo. I'll give you all an update when it arrives!