I have a 12 week old Labrador Puppy and in all the books it says to clean your dogs teeth 'everyday' but is this neccessary? I don't know anyone who cleans theirs dogs teeth! If so, when should I start and how often?

Thanx

My husband brushes our two's every night at bedtime, they seem to enjoy it, queuing up for their turn and it certainly seems to keep their teeth in very good condition, one is nearly fourteen It seems to help if you use an enzymatic paste but I know others who have good results rubbing over with nothing but a bit of old flannel. The main thing seems to be to do it regularly.

I'll just add I don't think you should start until the adult teeth are all through as baby teeth may be too tender during teething and you might put him off, you could, however, get him used to being gently handled round the mouth, lip lifting etc.

At the risk of getting repetitive - since I have started feeding a raw diet my dogs teeth are very clean - the tartar that one bitch has had even with her puppy teeth has disappeared.

Christine

I use a dog tooth paste from Dorwest Herbs, (They are most Champ Shows) also available by post, it has a roast beef flavour, so the dogs like the taste, once a week usually keeps them clean, but keep an eye on any tartar build up, puppies milk teeth rarely need cleaning, but checking the teeth is vital if they are to be shown, this must be down in a gentle manner, from an early age in preparation, so it is a pleasant experience, rather than anything to be wary of. I use a square of flannel rather than a toothbrush.

Jeanette

I have never cleaned my dogs teeth. My oldest will be 9 years old this month and has very healthy teeth. I just used dog ropes that I bought from the dollar store that pretty much flossed the teeth, and nylon bones and the ones with the bumps for plaque. They all have very healthy teeth.

If you feed a barf diet you'll never need a toothbrush, just one of the many benefits.