I hope this is the correct place for posting this.
I have always had problems with my dog´s teeth. They ALWAYS have plaque on them, and they are frequently chipped. I brushed them daily with Virbac toothpaste and a normal, soft toothbrush. They are also given edible nylabones, and natural bones.
Two weeks ago, my Irish Wolfhound broke one of her molars. So, I took her to this really expensive dog dentist. I told him my problem, and he gave me a toothpaste recipe. He also told me the correct way to brush their teeth. I thought I would share it with you. I think it is really useful.
Toothpaste:
-1 tsp. baking soda
- 3-4 lemon drops (until baking soda feels like a thick gel...you want it to be as solid as possible)
- a bit of any flavoured DOG toothpaste, vitamin gel, or any other gel. This is only to make the paste a bit more appealing for the dog. I use virbac toothpaste (enough for my dogs to accept the paste)
- it has to be freshly made before using.
Method:
-With electric tootbrush
-from top to bottom on upper jaw, and from bottom to top on lower jaw. Never from side to side, or with circling motion
- outside face first. Inside face next...both sides at the end (one of my dogs had clean teeth on the outside face, but a really big caries in the inside face)
My dogs have no plaque after 2 weeks with this toothpaste...I haven´t been very strict with the method.
I don´t think all dogs need so much dental attention (most dogs are fine with bones and other chewing toys), but I hope this helps with difficult dental cases.