Holding still for cleaning the teeth?

3341 Views 26 Replies 16 Participants Last post by iheartbisou, Jul 6, 2010

iheartbisou

Discussion Starter · Jun 22, 2010

I have a few different dental products to clean the teeth..but the problem is Bisou. She fights it, squirms, clamps down her jaw if I even begin to approach her with my finger (forget a brush). To say it is major Drama, is to put it mildly. I've tried wrapping her in a blanket, tried having both my husband and I hold her....but I really need to do it- to no avail, so far. She really puts up a good fight.

Does anyone have any suggestions/advice? Am I going to have to take her in for a Vet dental cleaning? Do they put them 'under' for this? That worries me.

Thank you~

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CrystalAndZoe

· #2 · Jun 22, 2010

Yep, they are put under a general for a dental cleaning. I used to say avoid it at all costs. But I'm now under the mindset that if you do good oral hygiene at home, you can put it off until they are older. My Zoe's teeth looked beautiful, hardly any calculus or tarter. But she has periodontal disease which requires a deeper cleaning then you can do at home. I caught hers fairly early so hopefully she won't lose any more teeth. But she did have a tooth that had been fractured vertically, down to the root. I don't know how long it had been that way or when or if I would have caught it on my own. When they do a dental, they take x-rays too so hopefully any dead tooth will be caught before they abscess.

All I can suggest with sweet Bisou is to remember that you are bigger then she is and that this is something that HAS to be done. I know my friend Leslie (WoofLife. Hopefully she'll see this and comment) had the same problem as you. When she took them to see Dr. Becker and had Dr. Becker tell her to work on just one tooth every single night until they got to the point that she could work on two or more, she said for some reason she was able to get it done. She was wondering if it was more of a change in HER mindset and posturing.

I recommend just using your finger and a knee high pantyhose. :thumbsup:

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Nikki's Mom

· #3 · Jun 22, 2010

Some veterinarians are starting to do non-anesthesia cleanings. There are several in my area.

Nikki is 2.5 and hasn't yet needed to go for a cleaning. She is calm about having her teeth brushed and we started right away. We started off very slow, a step at a time.

Can you try and get Bisou to lick the toothpaste off of your finger the first time, then try and rub a bit on her front teeth the second time, then increase as you go along?

iheartbisou

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 22, 2010

Thanks Crystal and Suzan. I just tried again..and she was out of control. So I waited about 15 minutes until she was lying beside me and I put some of my fingertip to let her taste it...and she got up and moved to the other side of the couch.

I'll ask my Vet if they do non-anesthesia cleanings but I don't think he does as he mentioned that going under was a last resort. There are only 2 western Vets here (and western trained), so my choices are pretty limited.

I'm going to keep at it though!

Maltsnme

· #5 · Jun 22, 2010

Nikki's Mom said:
Some veterinarians are starting to do non-anesthesia cleanings. There are several in my area.

Nikki is 2.5 and hasn't yet needed to go for a cleaning. She is calm about having her teeth brushed and we started right away. We started off very slow, a step at a time.

Can you try and get Bisou to lick the toothpaste off of your finger the first time, then try and rub a bit on her front teeth the second time, then increase as you go along?

You know I've seen videos on this and the dog was being very good, BUT I'm telling you, there is NO way MOST of our clients' dogs would hold still for this. (I mean this threat started with someone not being able to hold the dog dog for brushing, how do you think it would do for ultrasonic scaling!) I could probably try this on my dogs...but I don't feel I'd do a good enough job. I do click of tartar and scale them with a hand scaler and they let me, but the US...that would be tough.

I do 3-4 dentals a week. I just did my own dog two weeks ago. She is 5 and this is her 3rd dental. It should have been her 4th. Some dogs NEED a dental every year (some even less than that). If you wait until they are really bad, you risk having to have teeth pulled and/or organ damage from the bacteria that has gotten into the bloodstream.

Indi had to have 8 teeth pulled. Her entire bottom row of incisors and her two upper, inside her canines. She had SA and used to pull at any type of confinement I'd put her in, so made her teeth extremely loose. The last time, Dr. Heather said if she were any other client's dog, she'd pull them but she'd let them go since it was my dog and I'd watch them. Well, I couldn't save them...and I have to say, Indi feels SO much better with them out. She's playing kill the toy game again and she's running and playing with the other two way more often.

It is a curse of small breed dogs. They are tiny tiny with tiny teeth and those are the ones we need to dentals on the most often and those are the ones we have to pull teeth on the most often. Yorkies, in my experience, are the worst. Most teeth pulled so far at this clinic: 17 on a 2lb yorkie. They were all falling out of her head. she was 3 years old. It was awful. It made me sick. It also made me do a dental on my dog and stop putting it off!! Yes, there is a risk if put under, but do the full panel bloodwork before.

Bad teeth hurt. It is important to get them cleaned if the vet deems it necessary. It can be difficult to brush the little one's teeth as the paste tends to gag them and they seem to have a hard time with that. Then it becomes a learned behavior, they struggle, you let go and fight on!

I know it is scary to think of them going under anesthesia but it is just as dangerous to not get it done.

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Nikki's Mom

· #6 · Jun 22, 2010

Since I've had horrible dental problems myself, I'm really concerned about keeping Nikki's teeth clean.

Poor quality food that contains a high amount of carbs, and foods that contain sugar (including large amounts of fruit) multiply mouth bacteria, as bacteria feeds on sugar/carbs. If we read labels on everything, including treats, watch what we feed our fluffs, and practice good dental care at home as best we can, we can help them immensely.

I don't know much about non-anesthesia professional dental cleanings, but since Nikki's liver is compromised, and she is a calm dog, she would probably be a good candidate for it - if the need ever arose. So far, we've been blessed in that her teeth are in great shape and no need for a dental.

Maltsnme

· #7 · Jun 22, 2010

Nikki's Mom said:
Since I've had horrible dental problems myself, I'm really concerned about keeping Nikki's teeth clean.

Poor quality food that contains a high amount of carbs, and foods that contain sugar (including large amounts of fruit) multiply mouth bacteria, as bacteria feeds on sugar/carbs. If we read labels on everything, including treats, watch what we feed our fluffs, and practice good dental care at home as best we can, we can help them immensely.

I don't know much about non-anesthesia professional dental cleanings, but since Nikki's liver is compromised, and she is a calm dog, she would probably be a good candidate for it - if the need ever arose. So far, we've been blessed in that her teeth are in great shape and no need for a dental.

Hi Suzan.. Indi has MVD so I have to be careful as well. We use Sevoflo for induction and Isoflourane for maintenance. They are expelled through the lungs not the liver, so they are much more safe for dogs that have liver issues.

Nikki's Mom

· #8 · Jun 22, 2010

maltsnme said:
Hi Suzan.. Indi has MVD so I have to be careful as well. We use Sevoflo for induction and Isoflourane for maintenance. They are expelled through the lungs not the liver, so they are much more safe for dogs that have liver issues.

Thanks for the info, I'll keep that in mind. Nikki has MVD, too.

CeeCee's Mom

· #9 · Jun 22, 2010

Andrea, I use Dental Clens pads from Doctors Foster & Smith. They clean the teeth and gums and you have to get to the back teeth too. I also use Leba III to clean the tartar off the teeth. Just a little squirt in the mouth every day. Yes, I hate, hate, hate to have my babies put to sleep but I do it. CeeCee is scheduled for July 7th. I think it is important. So far Rain's look good but CeeCee's teeth are not the best. Have the vet look at Bisou's teeth and he will be able to tell. I think it one of the most important things we can do for our babies........and ourselves. Good luck!!!!

iheartbisou

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jun 22, 2010

Drama update: Okay we did it! There was a lot of squirming and fighting..but my husband and I both held her, talked to her and I was able to use the dental gel on all her teeth. She was fine afterward and I must say her breath is definitely nicer.

Her Vet said her teeth looked fine but I needed to get in the habit of doing it. I know it's really important and I don't Bisou to have rotten teeth one day..that's just too gross.

Thank you everyone for the advice!

Alexa

· #11 · Jun 22, 2010

I know that problem very well, Andrea! Up to now I never have brushed Ullana's teeth, she's the same like Bisou!

What I use is the Petzlife Oral Care Gel, it removes plaque and tartar and the ingredients are all natural.
My breeder recommended it to me because she had started with some teeth stain.
I have the Gel with salmon oil and she licks it from my finger directly, but I also rub it on her teeth, seems to taste good, but smells bad to me, LOL!

Hope you'll find the right way! I also try to avoid the dental cleaning as long as possible. The thought of an anaesthesia is terrible to me!

She also loves to chew dried meat, that also cleans her teeth a little bit!

Alexandra :wub:

drclee

· #12 · Jun 22, 2010

I agree that the key is getting a toothpaste flavor that she likes. Fortunately, Jack & Jill loved the flavor of the toothpaste, so it's been easy to brush their teeth. We use the gloves with the bristles on the forefinger and thumb. Now when it comes to trimming their nails - that's another story!!!

Maltsnme

· #13 · Jun 22, 2010

drclee said:
I agree that the key is getting a toothpaste flavor that she likes. Fortunately, Jack & Jill loved the flavor of the toothpaste, so it's been easy to brush their teeth. We use the gloves with the bristles on the forefinger and thumb. Now when it comes to trimming their nails - that's another story!!!

YEP, the flavor is important. I took my Labrador Fax to a school assembly... 500 kids! We did "dog care". I was going through nails, cleaning ears and then we did, tooth care. I said how much he liked the toothpaste...well, I had brought "mint" not "chicken" and he took ONE Lick of it and made the FUNNIEST face... scrunched up his nose, muzzle and eyes and the kids ROARED! He was in DOGGY heaven with all of that attention but yes, he MUCH prefers the chicken flavor.

lovesophie

· #14 · Jun 24, 2010

It was more than a struggle to brush Sophie's teeth, as I'd have to "fight" her just to insert the toothbrush into her mouth. Leba has made my life, as well as Sophie's life, MUCH easier! I can't recommend it enough!

Good luck with your little Bisou! :wub:

SugarBob62

· #15 · Jun 24, 2010

Have you ever tried these? Petrodex Finger Toothbrush Gloves - Health Care - Cat - PetSmart

I dont think I'd be able to get a brush in Nelsons mouth either. But I feel like those little bristles help remove tartar better than just your plain finger would? I've used those with Nelson, however my problem is he just wants to EAT the toothpaste hahaha. He licks it all off, and I feel like it doesn't do its job. He squirms a bit too. He doesn't mind the brush glove thing or the paste, he just wants to lick it all.

The only thing I hate about the gloves though is its the WHOLE hand. Completely unecessary. I wish it was just 1 finger, and they would give you more in each box. It's kind of wasteful. But I washed it so I could reuse it. I figured hey, we rinse and reuse our toothbrushes too more than once!

Rocky's Mom

· #16 · Jun 24, 2010

I have the same scenerio here...Rocky just will not allow me to brush his teeth. I've tried using my finger..he doesn't like me putting my finger in his mouth and tries to get away. He bites the toothbrush, but if I keep it there while he's biting on it, I can move it around so he bites on it on all sides of his mouth. It's better than nothing I guess.:blink:

iheartbisou said:
Thanks Crystal and Suzan. I just tried again..and she was out of control. So I waited about 15 minutes until she was lying beside me and I put some of my fingertip to let her taste it...and she got up and moved to the other side of the couch.

I'll ask my Vet if they do non-anesthesia cleanings but I don't think he does as he mentioned that going under was a last resort. There are only 2 western Vets here (and western trained), so my choices are pretty limited.

I'm going to keep at it though!

wooflife

· #17 · Jun 24, 2010

Ooooooo sorry I missed this thread earlier.

Crystal conveyed it well. Dr Becker said use gauze or a nylon stocking wrapped around my finger (anything with some texture) and to put the Vetzlife on one tooth a night with lot's of praise until they get used to it and I can do all teeth every night.

The Vetzlife is minty which they don't like but they are letting me do it. The BG is the best with it, he doesn't run away at all just sits there and takes it.
I have to go get my havanese and then he sits through it.
Izzy on the other hand hides and acts the sky is falling - I think I need smaller fingers for her - but we are getting there. Just takes time and she's spoiled but she's learning.

I also act like they just brought me a million dollars when I'm done.

In addition to the VetzLife Dr. Becker said to have them chew, chew, chew. The VetzLife softens the tarter but the chewing will actually help scrape it off once it's soft.

Dr. Becker also gave us Biotene for Dogs for their water to help with bacteria and gingivitis.

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Rocky's Mom

· #18 · Jun 24, 2010

ROTFLMBO...I can just picture the kids laughing! I've got to get some chicken flavor toothpaste, didn't know about it!

maltsnme said:
YEP, the flavor is important. I took my Labrador Fax to a school assembly... 500 kids! We did "dog care". I was going through nails, cleaning ears and then we did, tooth care. I said how much he liked the toothpaste...well, I had brought "mint" not "chicken" and he took ONE Lick of it and made the FUNNIEST face... scrunched up his nose, muzzle and eyes and the kids ROARED! He was in DOGGY heaven with all of that attention but yes, he MUCH prefers the chicken flavor.

MalteseJane

· #19 · Jun 24, 2010

I asked my vet once about the cleaning without anesthesia and he said it's not a real cleaning because they cannot go under the gums. With anesthesia they go under the gums and that's were all the bacteria and periodontal disease is.
Alex is 13 years old and has all his teeth. Not because I brush them (I do occasionally) but because he had a professional cleaning every 2 years from the time he was 2 years old. Unfortunately we cannot do them anymore because of his heart problem. So we try to brush more often. I showed the vet here his teeth (lol, they are scared to look in his mouth) and she said they don't look bad at all. For me they do, but comparing with what she sees in other dogs, she is probably right. I am using Petzlife.

Rocky's Mom

· #20 · Jun 24, 2010

Now I wonder why they are scared to look in his mouth, LOL.:innocent:

MalteseJane said:
I asked my vet once about the cleaning without anesthesia and he said it's not a real cleaning because they cannot go under the gums. With anesthesia they go under the gums and that's were all the bacteria and periodontal disease is.
Alex is 13 years old and has all his teeth. Not because I brush them (I do occasionally) but because he had a professional cleaning every 2 years from the time he was 2 years old. Unfortunately we cannot do them anymore because of his heart problem. So we try to brush more often. I showed the vet here his teeth (lol, they are scared to look in his mouth) and she said they don't look bad at all. For me they do, but comparing with what she sees in other dogs, she is probably right. I am using Petzlife.

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