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

[sweetlychee]

Hi Guys,

We have always had a problem with cleaning Milo's teeth. He doesn't like us to brush his teeth. We have our kits: a mint flavor toothpaste, a meat flavor toothpaste, and toothbrush.

It takes three people to pry his mouth open, hold his body, and hold his head to brush his teeth. He doesn't even open his mouth for us. We try to be gentle and rarely brush over his gums to make him bleed.

So far, his teeth are clean but his two huge back teeth have some kind of plaque/tartar that we cannot get rid of. He's still young but should we take him for a professional cleaning? How much does that cost and does he have to be sleeping for that one?

He doesn't mind brushing and clipping his nails too much. Giving him a bath is a hassle too but he'll do it. The worst is his teeth cleaning.

[glencorgi]

You might want to look into liquids that can be added to his water bowl that will help remove plaque and tartar. Are you using a toothbrush? IF he isn't liking that, then there are the ones which fit over your finger; apply toothpaste and run it over his teeth. That might work better. There are also some good teeth cleaning type bones on the market (greenies - use at your own discretion and with supervision).

They are put under for teeth cleaning, but check with your vet about timing. I'd say maybe when he's around 2 to look into that.

Debbie

[sweetlychee]

Thanks, Debbie. I knew that he is currently too young to get his teeth professionally cleaned. I tried the rubber finger toothbrush thingy. He doesn't like that one at all. I saw it once on getting him that liquid you put into his water.

Does anyone have a link to that?

[Corgis'R4me]

*~* My kids help me ALOT with Midnight & Sunhine.
They do it...WITH PLEASURE.
No nagging...by Nikki !

** What we do:
I will have Kyle or Sara hold Midnight or Sunshine.
I use the, "Lemme See ??" command.

I use WATER first...I have a bowl of filtered water and my doggie toothbrush
(my vet said that I could just buy a baby's size toothbrush from the store..very soft and small.)
I clean the teeth first with water. I also TRY to clen the tongue.
Then, I clean them with the toothpaste that my Vet recommended.
I finish up with WATER again.

*** We try to clean their teeth every weekend. TRY !!


2 person job ??
I have never tried to do it alone...so, I don't know how hard it might be.

*~* Nikki

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*~* Okay...MY BAD !! I just now read that you have 3 people just trying to pry his mouth OPEN !!

sorry....I speed read your post !!

*~* Nik

[sweetlychee]

Nik - No problem on the 3 people thing. I always appreciate input! Your routine is very good and exact. We try to brush Milo's teeth two times a month - every other week. I should try brushing his teeth since that's where all the germs are really. We have a regular doggie toothbrush but I think a child's soft toothbrush sounds better - less pain/irritation for him.

I tried brushing his teeth alone and boy, I couldn't do it. We needed 3 people!

[corgimom]

Originally Posted by sweetlychee

Nik - No problem on the 3 people thing. I always appreciate input! Your routine is very good and exact. We try to brush Milo's teeth two times a month - every other week. I should try brushing his teeth since that's where all the germs are really. We have a regular doggie toothbrush but I think a child's soft toothbrush sounds better - less pain/irritation for him.

I tried brushing his teeth alone and boy, I couldn't do it. We needed 3

people!

A baby size toothbrush is a good size, also the finger things work also, you just have to experiment as to what works best. I also use something called Dental Clens pads from Doctors Foster and Smith - they come sealed in a small container(90) pads and they are already wet from the cleanser and smell very good(minty) and the pads themselves have little nubs on them.

I usually do his teeth when he is in his relaxed mode - he is pretty cooperative for me and I am able to do it by myself, but I started this when he was about 4 months old.

A teeth cleaning at my vet(with the dog under anesthesia) costs around $150to $175.00 dollars.

[sweetlychee]

Linda: Oooh, pricey with the teeth cleaning. Costs more than having Milo get neutered!

Is there a link to those dental cleanse pads? It sounds like a great idea. The liquid in his water and the cleanse pads. It would make cleaning so much easier!

[corgimom]

Originally Posted by sweetlychee

Linda: Oooh, pricey with the teeth cleaning. Costs more than having Milo get neutered!

Is there a link to those dental cleanse pads? It sounds like a great idea. The liquid in his water and the cleanse pads. It would make cleaning so much easier!

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...All&Nty=1&pc=1

Here is the link - you can request a free catalog. It is a Wisconsin based company. No need to use water with the pads, they are all ready to go when you take one out of the container. You still may have to hold Milo down because you do have to rub the teeth and gums with them.

[sweetlychee]

I'll order them. Thanks, Linda! I think they are having a sale too!

[corgimom]

Originally Posted by sweetlychee

I'll order them. Thanks, Linda! I think they are having a sale too!

Have them send you a free catalog also, they have lots of other good stuff in there also.

[Cheetah]

Aside from teeth brushing, I find that RMBs and Rec bones every day or so keep both my dogs' teeth sparkling white. But I'll still do the annual cleaning at the vet.