Monday, February 18, 2008

Do you brush your pug’s teeth?

February is National Pet Dental Month and I was wondering about your pug’s dental routine.

We brush Benjamin, Henry & Luna’s teeth pretty regularly, but I’m afraid not as often as the recommended daily brushing. My gang loves their peanut butter flavored tooth paste but they are not too keen on me moving the brush around in their mouth. Henry is the best at sitting still and letting me brush and it is pretty much a toss up between Benjamin & Luna for the honor of worst tooth brusher. Luna might barely edge Benny out to take the prize because her mouth is so tiny and she just refuses to sit still. I can usually guilt Benny into sitting still for a second or two by using a disappointing tone while saying his name. This always makes him want to try to be a good boy. Luna, on the other hand, sticks to her guns and fights me all the way. If I am lucky, I can work in a tooth brushing about once a week, but I am trying to do better and work my way up to daily brushings.

How about you? Do you brush your pug’s teeth? (I also look forward to your thoughts in the comments.)

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Nevis

02/18/2008

When does one need to start brushing their teeth? Mine are still puppies and I was under impression they’ve got baby teeth. Shouldn’t I wait until their adult teeth have come in before brushing? I’m actually not 100% sure…

Corrine - OBP

02/18/2008

They will lose their baby teeth. Some dogs need to have their baby teeth pulled because they don’t fall out, but they should naturally loose their baby teeth.

If I had things to do over again, I wouldn’t worry so much about brushing their teeth while they were puppies, but I would try to get them used to the tooth brush. It is always so much easier to get them used to things when they are pups.

Deanna

02/18/2008

Actually it is good to start them young. So that when their adult teeth come in they are used to you brushing their teeth. CJ loves to get his teeth brushed. The toothpaste is turkey flavor.

DancesInGarden

02/18/2008

I have attempted in the past. The truth is, no matter what flavour the toothpaste is, Ruby is more interested in “killing me very badly” than having clean teeth. Not only does she behave poorly and wiggle and run around and nip, but even when he gets LOOSE she comes back to harass me ROFL.

My vet assures that her teeth are in good condition from her diet, and that is all that matters.

crazy pug lady

02/18/2008

Yikes! Yes, yes, yes begin young! It doesn’t matter if they are baby teeth. They can still get decayed and cause infection. And think of the “old dog, new tricks” phrase. The younger you get them, the quicker they will learn that is not negotiable and can even be fun! Just like potty training, if you think, “oh, it’s just a little tinkle for a little bladder, it doesn’t matter, I’ll just wait til he has a big bladder to start potty training him.” It is the same principle. It won’t be easier later, only harder. Brush, brush, brush. The same can be said for nail trimming, ear cleaning, etc. Get them to love the hassles now, you’ll be happy later that you did.

Darci and Abbey the Pug

02/18/2008

Brushing teeth! Hah! I have to literally sit on Abbey to clean her wrinkles. Every couple of bags, I buy the teeth cleaning type dog food.

Nevis

02/18/2008

Hmm…I guess next time I go shopping at PetSmart I’ll pick up some toothpaste….can I just use a cheapy toothbrush from WalMart or does it make a difference to buy some fancy one from the bet store?

Martha

02/18/2008

No, I’ve never brushed Bennie’s teeth or had them cleaned…....and I’ve been feeling more and more remiss about not doing either. I just hate the idea of the cleaning since that entails anesthesia. And somehow I know that “Mr. Foot Phobic” (named by our vet who was trying to clip his nails) will probably not find it in him to cooperate with brushing.

Danielle

02/19/2008

I try and do Lola’s (15weeks) about once or twice a week. Usually when I have her in the shower with me for a water rinse down between shampooings. She usually licks all the toothpaste off the brush and while she’s sloshing it around I do by best to get some of it on her little teefies. She tolerates it about as well as she tolerates nail clippings and the dremel. Last time, the only thing that kept her still was letting her eat the last little remnants out of the cat food dish.

Danine

02/19/2008

I tried -I failed…They just won’t have any of it! Even if I put that toothbrush thing on my finger…
BUT I did find a great non-anesthesia Dental care tech in california. If you can find one where you are I highly recommend it!

Lori

02/19/2008

I try to brush as often as possible - and I guess I’m lucky b/c my baby Oscar seems to like it - but I also got this fabulous bone thing from the vet that has brushes on each end - you put the paste on the brushes and the pug will chew on the brushes, effectively brushing his/her teeth - it works! My friend’s Lhasa Apso’s love this too.

Sasha

07/05/2009

My tiny pug is almost 3 years old and has the smallest teeth ever. I dont know if she lost her baby teeth. she doesnt have a problem eating. could this be her grown teeth? shes only 12lbs but shes full, and eats a lot.

Random

12/15/2009

My 5 1/2 month old pug, Bailey has already lost a tooth. I’m very worried, because when I searched if this sort of thing was normal at this age, and everyone else’s pugs were losing them after a year or so. Is losing her teeth this early normal?? ~~A Concerned Pug Owner…

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