I have been told by the vet that it is time to start teeth cleaning (the dog's teeth not mine!!!!)
I purchased the toothbrush and the toothpaste for her but as soon as I go near her with it she runs a mile.  I can't get near her let alone her mouth.
The funny think is she doesn't mind me touching her mouth or her gums otherwise.  The only way I can do anything is if I put the toothpaste on my finger and whilst she is licking it off try to rub some of it on her teeth.
How can I get her used to the toothbrush or is there another way or something different I can try?  If she chews bones alot is this a way of teeth cleaning?

It is always difficult when you start off cleaning their teeth.  You can buy a canine toothbrush that fits on to your finger which is easier.

I have always started with dog sitting in a corner, I usually use a corner within the kitchen cabinets.  Stand astride the dog and hold her head up.  If she is a little dog, then you will have to crouch down.  She shouldn't be able to move as you have her wedged in the corner.  Just use your finger at first to get her used to it, then bring in the toothbrush.

Is she a pup?  If she is adult with bad teeth then a product called Logic Gel is good for softening the plaque.  This will take several weeks to work at first.

Sandra

You can get a little "finger" brush that may be easier.

Alternatively you can try Fragaria (wild strawberry) from Dorwest, it is a homoeopathic remedy for tartar build up.

You could also give a big raw bone once a week.

I feed raw and never have to clean teeth.

HTH

Hi first time I tried it my gsd male was in a head lock, but easiest way is what has been mentioned FRAGARIA weekly and a marrow bone works a treat

Janinesgsds

my dogs love teeth cleaning ..they are odd i guess....i clean with a finger brush then use logic..result lovely white clean teeth !!!!!

My dogs have all enjoyed brushing too, they don't mind a brush or a piece of cloth wrapped over the finger, we tend to use bicarb but use some of the toothpastes too the ones with enzymes seem best.

I have just started using Plaque Off which was recommended by friends who have used it on their dogs.It has had some really good reports

Treat the cause, not the symptom. Feed a dog the correct diet for its species (i.e. carnivore) and there will be no problem with dirty teeth requiring a remedy.

It's totally within your control to eliminate this problem without spending time with a toothbush and toothpaste!

Snomaes

Ditto snomaes :)

I find the idea of brushing a dogs teeth,well....strange

Raw meaty bones act as my dogs tooth brush,i have never had tartar problems with any of my dogs,thanks to their diet which bones are a huge part of.

Chicken wings,pork/lamb ribs,knuckle bones etc. are all great for keeping their  mouth healthy and teeth sparkling white :D

Goat do your dogs and yourself a favour and go to the butcher and stock up on some bones,they will love you for it :)

One of my Cavaliers doesn't do chewing anything so I got him a dental kong & put the toothpaste stuff in the grooves strange little dog he loves licking & cleaning the toothpaste off & he's got lovely clean teeth now, no problems with the others as they love their bones

>One of my Cavaliers doesn't do chewing anything<

Never thought of that :o

LOL & he will only eat small biscuits to boot. He just isn't interested & is the only dog I have ever had that is like this

Snoamaes, allright if your Dog chews the bones .But one of mine tend to swallow them whole.So therefore he does need more help in the teeth cleaning .And yes mine are all fed raw.