Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 8/15/2008

Question
Hi. I was wondering if you would help me here. My dog, I got her when she was 2-4 years. She's an S.P.C.A. dog. And she does not like having her teeth brushed. I try but she is not cooperative for that. I do feed her dentastix and dentabones sometimes but I don't think they'll cut it. Is there any way I could get her to cooperate while brushing her teeth?

Answer
Sydney -

Not all dogs will allow you to brush their teeth whether you got them form a pet store or an SPCA.  If her teeth have a significant amount of tartar then she should have them professionally cleaned. Her veterinarian can help you determine if she needs to get her teeth cleaned.

If she does not have a lot of tartar, then you may want to try to find a enzymatic additive that wold be added to her drinking water.  ask your vet about an enzymatic cleaner for her teeth.  

Best regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM