Teeth brushing

[nobarkus]

I can't state enough the importance of keeping your Basenji's teeth clean. I started brushing mine when they were puppies and still brush them everyday. At least 3-4 times a week is the minimum. I learned from my first basenji that I had from 1975 to 1992. I never brushed her teeth because nobody I knew or ever heard of did it. I don't know how she didn't get get sick. I guess because she was so physically strong. She hardly ever had problems. It would get to the point where her month would smell bad and then I would take her in.
They squirm a little but not much and it only takes a minute to do one. It'll save you $ in the long run and your little friend will be happy.

[tanza]

You are exactly right.... but there are some dogs that regardless if you brush or not just have terrible teeth, just like people....

[dmcarty]

Again - I have to remind people of this stuff from Wysong called DentaTreat. It's a cheese based powder that you sprinkle on food and it cleans teeth all by itself. REALLY IT DOES. A big jar is about $20.00 but it's easy, works and saves tons in vet bills. If you have more than 1 or 2 basenjis - it's really essential and a great time saver.

[tanza]

You know, I have tried it and really have not found it to make a big difference???

[nobarkus]

I've tried those real hard biscuits and treats that are supposed to clean the dogs teeth and it doesn't work. I found the brush is the only thing that works. I don't think your dentist would recommend you use anything but a brush for yourself. Right? Teeth are teeth.

[Tayda_Lenny]

does anyone use those scraper thingies on their b's teeth? I tried brushing in a gazillion different ways, and they either like the toothpaste so much they eat it before i can brush their teeth, and spend the whole time chewing on the brush, or they hate it so much i can't get it near their mouths. the breeder showed me this scraper thing that has a blunt flat end (not the pointy sharp one they use on humans at the dentist) and Tayda and Lenny seem to not mind it at all. i was worried they'd jerk around and it would become dangerous but they really just sit there like they're sleeping and let me scrape away....

[Quercus]

Yeah, a scaler. I can scale almost everyone's teeth (not Ivy...too jumpy)...but it still doesn't help much. I have had some people tell me that it isn't good if you scratch the enamel and don't polish (like at the dentist) though. They said more tartar will form because the tooth isn't smooth? Don't know if it is true, though...

[Duke]

I am going to try and brush Duke's teeth tonight. Is it easier to brush their teeth when they're lying down resting? Kind of like take them by surprise? I'm thinking of my plan of attack. Last night I went into Duke's mouth when he was resting on his back. I could see all his teeth so well. The problem, I think will be keeping him on his back. :D

[jys1011]

I find they don't like to stay still enough to get all the teeth & definitely the bottom teeth are the toughest to brush...GEEZ :mad:

[tanza]

Personally, I stand over them with them between my legs (B's also standing)...they way they can't get away. I use a battery toothbrush...

[nobarkus]

I do mine when they're on the couch. Get them in the corner on the left side of the couch facing towards the middle. Then you sit on the edge in front of them facing towards the middle of the couch as well. Just put your hand over their muzzle and lift the upper lip up and gently slide/put the brush in. Hold their head gently because if you squeeze too hard trying to hold them it will hurt and be a negative experience. Just brush gently for a second or two and then let go if they get sqruirmy so they can swallow. If you just stick it in there and they chew it for a second or two that's OK. It's a start. Then try again and gently push it around. Talk to them in a friendly, calm tone telling them what a good dog they are. Don't force it very much because it will turn bad. They will get used to it. I've been doing it for 13 years pretty easily. You know that trying to use force with a Basenji doesn't work.

[Duke]

OK - thanks for the advice. I guess I will cancel my plan of attack - but I know it will be a struggle for me. I will talk to Duke happily, he trusts me, but I have hesitated to brush them when he was younger b/c he is very strong and squirmy. I hope, now that he's older and not so-so puppy like, that he will be good for me. I like the idea of the battery powered brush. I'll see how he does with a plain brush first.

[nobarkus]

Jill,
I forgot! Get a glass of water and stick the brush in there first and get it wet. Basenjis love to lick things that are wet. Just stick the brush in front of him and let him lick or chew it. Each time stick it in the water and swish it around and get it wet. Then try again. Let him feel he's got some control or choice in this whole thing.

[nala121498]

After Nala's dental, I'm going to try this...thanks for all the advice. Jill, please post on how it all goes!!!

[Duke]

Jill,
I forgot! Get a glass of water and stick the brush in there first and get it wet. Basenjis love to lick things that are wet. Just stick the brush in front of him and let him lick or chew it. Each time stick it in the water and swish it around and get it wet. Then try again. Let him feel he's got some control or choice in this whole thing.
Great idea to let them think its a kind of a treat. He would probably like that. Thanks for your advice - I'll try doing this around 8 pm when we all begin to settle down for the night.
After Nala's dental, I'm going to try this...thanks for all the advice. Jill, please post on how it all goes!!!
Will do nala. I'm looking forward to posting how it works out.

[Duke]

OK - I finished with the toothbrush intro. Positioning Duke was the challenge. I even cradled him on his back in my lap. But ultimately he ended up sitting on the sofa and I could use my other hand to steady his head.

The water did the trick, he was very interested in licking it and made it easier to get the brush to his back teeth as he was chewing on the bristles with his back teeth. So, I took advantage and brushed. Though I didn't press an expert brushing job, my concern was to give him an introduction today. I also added Petrodex poultry flavored paste on the brush. He's sold! We spent maybe 5 minutes doing this. I didn't want it to end badly as mentioned. I put everything away in the cupboard and he's crying now for me to get it back out. :rolleyes: Hopefully the next brushing will be even better. One day and one dog at a time! :)

[nobarkus]

Great job Jill! It'll get easier. It'll get to the point where you'll be able to fully clean Duke's teeth in minutes. I did Nika's teeth this morning throughly in 3 minutes. I only use the Petrodex 3 times a week and water everyday. If I'm using both I first clean using water only then clean again lightly with Petrodex. Another good paste is Veterinarian's Best. It's a more of a natural toothpaste with aloe. Anyway keep up the good work!

[nomrbddgs]

I have to admit-I have a battery operated tooth brush that has interchangeable heads. Mine seem to like the action of it-go figure!

[tanza]

Mine love the batter operated one that I use too!

[nobarkus]

I haven't tried a battery operated. I assumed it would freak them out. I'll have to give it a try.

[Alex]

Added a poll to this thread.

[Basenjimamma]

Great thread..I guess we'll attack the teeth today too..line them up and get two brushes ready, one manual and one battery, lets see which one they like..
I don't have any toothpaste worthy for dogs, so will only do water today..
I am really wanting to get the Petzlife paste, or I guess it is gel..for my older dog, his teeth needs it, and his breath too, but my younger; 1 yrs , 10 mo. and 5 mo. old dog, will be Ok with just water for a while, I am assuming. ...or should I get them going on petzlife as well?

[tanza]

Great thread..I guess we'll attack the teeth today too..line them up and get two brushes ready, one manual and one battery, lets see which one they like..
I don't have any toothpaste worthy for dogs, so will only do water today..
I am really wanting to get the Petzlife paste, or I guess it is gel..for my older dog, his teeth needs it, and his breath too, but my younger; 1 yrs , 10 mo. and 5 mo. old dog, will be Ok with just water for a while, I am assuming. ...or should I get them going on petzlife as well?

I would, it will only help in the long run. And you don't need much... I would say for the 5mo. old, water is fine until his perm teeth come in

[Basenjimamma]

Thanks Tanza

Well we did it, my daughter and I. We lined them all up one after the other and they loved it..they even got back in line for another round of wet toothbrush scrubbing in their mouths..so funny..
I will get some yumm-o toothpaste and I am sure they wil love it even more..but I am pleasantly surprised as to how well this evenings brushing went over..

[wizard]

I brush Gossy's teeth maybe once a week (she gets a lot of bones otherwise) and I always let her have a dollop of the toothpaste first then use a wet brush with the toothpaste. She's pretty good about it - the very back teeth are the hardest to get to though.

[NerdyDogOwner]

I've actually heard a lot of good things on Pedigrees' Dentastix product.

This one lady at the dog park was informed she had to take the dog to the dentist but she tried out the Dentastix and it actually removed all the tartar, and even some of the dental stone was reduced.

A former forum I was active in also bragged a lot of it as well.

I gave one to Gizmo, and he loved it! Don't know about the effect, but as a treat it sure did it's stuff! It gets REAL sticky, so make sure you don't let them eat on anything you are worried about...lol

[NerdyDogOwner]

Man I hope it gets better. I just started brushing Gizmos teeth since he has started to get his adult teeth.

Boy is it a battle! He twists he head back, and squirms around wanting to escape. It eventually turns into me having to lock my legs around him and hold his head tight to he doesn't twist it away. And like some little kid that doesnt want to eat his greens, he shuts his mouth shut. So I have to get my fingers in there, but he will chomp down on them! Ouch!

I tried with the electric toothbrush, but that scarred the crap out of him. So I bought a dog brush that has 2 sides, that way it brushes the inside and outside at the same time.

But I'm not giving up. Gonna do this every night after his last meal. I also give him a "treat" after. Although not a normal treat. It's a chew stick with some added enzymes stuff in it for mouth hygiene and breath.

[Kananga]

It takes time for them to get used to it. My vet commented how well Kananga does with people inspecting his mouth and face. Normally they are fussy about it, but I've made it a habit to check Kananga's teeth even when I'm not brushing them. It lets him know it's perfectly fine to allow someone to take a quick look.

When I brush I do have to put him on his back and keep him in between my legs, but he calms down.

I highly recommend using Petzlife Oral Gel for in between brushing maintenance. That's an easy thing to apply and will make brushing even more effective.

[nobarkus]

Man I hope it gets better. I just started brushing Gizmos teeth since he has started to get his adult teeth.

Boy is it a battle! He twists he head back, and squirms around wanting to escape. It eventually turns into me having to lock my legs around him and hold his head tight to he doesn't twist it away. And like some little kid that doesnt want to eat his greens, he shuts his mouth shut. So I have to get my fingers in there, but he will chomp down on them! Ouch!

I tried with the electric toothbrush, but that scarred the crap out of him. So I bought a dog brush that has 2 sides, that way it brushes the inside and outside at the same time.

But I'm not giving up. Gonna do this every night after his last meal. I also give him a "treat" after. Although not a normal treat. It's a chew stick with some added enzymes stuff in it for mouth hygiene and breath.

Be careful not to turn it into a forceful event as he'll hate it and then you're cooked. Go easy and just sit with him on the couch, dip the brush in water and let him mouth it without holding him. Move the tooth brush around gently as he nibbles it and he'll get used to the feel. Do this for maybe the first week. I have Buddy so I just swish the brush in a cup of water and comes running over to the couch. I never use force and he may get twisty so I just back off and let him settle down, re-dip the brush in water and let him lick and nibble it.

[tanza]

I agree with Dan, make it a fun time... and start with using your finger to rub the gums and teeth so that he gets used to someone playing with his mouth. Then I would go to the suggestion that Dan made. By the time mine are 6 or 8 months, I just put them up on the bathroon vanity and brush their teeth... While they don't love it, it is not a big deal. But we also have always played with their mouths as babies.... (since in the show ring it is important because the judges check their teeth so they need to be used to people looking at their mouths)