My Hound Would Not Let Me Brush His Teeth

[Guest franci]

Hello,

I am hitting a bit of a snag with my hound.

We adopted him a month ago, and he would not let us brush his teeth. He growled and snapped at us when we tried.

Anyone else had the same issue? how did you solve it?

For the moment we are giving him dental chews (Merrick fresh kisses) but i don't think they substitute brushing...

Thanks

[TheFullHouse]

I would wait a while until your pup is settled in. It takes a while to earn their trust enough to mess with their mouths. Give him some time and try again at a later date.

[palmettobug]

Yep, agree with Judy. I give Johnny Greenies or the Milk-Bone brushing chews, both are good. His teeth may not be Hollywood-white, but it helps.

[cleptogrey]

dental chews, have your vet check his teeth/gums when you bring him in next. some dogs do not like teeth or toes being touched. i wouldn't challenge him, just enjoy your pup.

 

nylabone makes an edible product called "NUBS" . it seems to do a better job than greenies. costco often has them on sale and i stock up. i know chewy carries them as well.

Edited February 16, 2018 by cleptogrey

[phall]

When I first brought my girl, Sox, home she would not let me brush her teeth. (She didn't like me touching her ears either). It took time and getting her used to it. As others have said, I didn't push it with her for a couple of months and then very slowly started working with her. (My vet did rule out any gum/teeth issue going on.) At first I just touched the side of her face with my finger and rubbed the area. I did this until she was comfortable with it and didn't mind me doing that. Then I started just putting my finger inside her mouth - on the side. At first she would jerk her head away from me. When she did that, I stopped and the next day tried again. Over time, she was got used to it and was okay with that. Then I started touching/rubbing her teeth with my finger. Again, this took her some time to be comfortable with, but after several weeks or a month of this, she got used to it. I then started using a finger brush. Again, slowly getting her used to it. At first she jerked away from me when I put it in her mouth and I didn't push her, just stopped and tried again the next day. Over time, she got used to that. (I would work with her after I brushed my other greyhound's teeth so she could see me doing it with him.) Now - after a year and a half, she is mostly okay with me brushing her teeth with a finger brush. It took about 6-8 months of gradual, non-pressured work with her. I think the key was working with her daily but not pushing her beyond what she could handle each day.

 

Even now, though, she will not tolerate a toothbrush. I can only use the finger brush. I hope this is helpful. Good luck!

[SerenityHounds]

My Vet suggested a simple piece of gauze, wrapped around index fingers, and rub the gums and around the teeth. Soft rub, usually gets most stuff off and keeps gums massaged. One of mine can never have a dental again, he hemorraghed for 10 hours !! after a molar was pulled, and sent home... They said it may 'seep'. 500 mL of plasma later. And a very heroic Emergency Hospital.

[mrsmcd7]

Definitely wait a few months, it won't be a big deal to wait until the dog is more comfortable. Our almost 10 year old let us after we'd had him about a year. Then start only doing a couple of teeth at a time every few days, give a treat immediately afterward. It will get easier!

Edited March 1, 2018 by mrsmcd7