When should I start brushing my puppy's teeth and how often?

[Apollo's Dobermom]

My Apollo is 7 months old now and I feel like I was never informed until recently that I actually need to brush his teeth! I always thought that by giving him chews and bones, it would clean it for him. When do people usually start brushing their doberman puppy's teeth and how often? Do I just use a normal toothbrush that people use and buy dog toothpaste? I have a feeling he's just gonna want to chomp on the toothbrush because he loves biting everything......Thanks!

 

[Viemarangelrock]

Start now! Once you get yourself into a routine he'll get himself use to the brush in his mouth. You can use a regular toothbrush and I use a dog toothpaste, Beapher (liver flavoured)

I clean his teeth once a week.

I wouldn't advise dental chews, they are full of crap.

Maybe try him with a finger toothbrush first? Then progress to a regular toothbrush.

 

[GennyB]

I started by just handling their mouth. I just have them sit and open the mouth and rub my fingers on the teeth. Rumor is right smack dab in the middle of teething and it's bit of a challenge to keep her from wanting to chew on my hands when I work with her.
We set aside a grooming day once a week and the dogs get a bath, nails and teeth done. Rumor is learning the routine but Drake has it down pat so it's pretty easy with him. Hopefully Rumor will get there too.
I'm sure Apollo will adjust to it as well with lots of patience and rewards when he does what you want.
I do use a finger brush because I find it easier to maneuver especially on the back teeth.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Yeah, they really do need teethbrushing. Some dogs have teeth that stay cleaner naturally and some don't. I started a thread here, oh, several weeks ago entitled "How Clean Do Your Dobe's Teeth Naturally Stay? How Often Do U Brush?"

I would start right away to get Apollo used to it, even if he does not have all his adult teeth yet.

I just use a normal human, adult-sized toothbrush. These Dobes have big mouths. You need to pick up some dog toothpaste. Human toothpaste is not good for them, as they don't spit.

Unfortunately, if we don't brush our dogs' teeth, they will get really nasty especially by the time they get a bit older. Dental disease is extremely common in dogs that don't get good dental care. Then, there's the foul breath! I have never had a vet do anything to my Dobe's mouth aside from taking a look. Regular brushing, and also scaling the tartar off should be all you need.

Years ago I bought a simple scaling tool but I have misplaced it and have just been using a regular old dinner table knife (not a sharp one like a steak knife or anything like that). Works fine!

 

[LifeofRubie]

Quick question... I was told that dog toothpaste is more of an enzymatic reaction so it doesn't need much of the 'brushing' to do it's job. Is that accurate?

 

[squeedobie]

I started brushing my pups teeth the moment he came home. He's 6 months old now. I started out with the finger brush because it seemed easier, but the other brush that came with the toothpaste I bought works *way* better. It's shaped like a regular tooth brush but the head of it is actually round, and it has bristles that go all the way around. I highly suggest that form of toothbrush as it just seems to get better coverage for me.