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Stubborn Dog
I have a little 11 year old shih tzu, who is in still, very good health. The only problem is her teeth and breath. Her breath is so bad right now and her teeth will fall out very soon unless they are taking care of. Today, I went out and bought toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mints for dogs. I tried to brush her teeth but she just wasn't having it. She rarely opened her mouth and she went into this physicall fit. Turn her head every direction possible so that I could not brush her teeth. I tried to keep her head and body in place while trying to keep the brush steady but she was starting to fight with me. I didn't want to be too forceful because I felt like she'd get hurt, so I stopped. How can I get her to stay calm or at least let me brush her teeth? I don't want her to lose teeth because of this.
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Want to answer more questions in the Domesticity category?
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I would suggest taking her to the vet, because they will have special pastes and medicine for her. Also because she might have an infection that is causing the bad breath and all.
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I also have a very adorable but stubborn 11 year old shih tzu. It is a little late to try to clean her teeth now but firstly, if you haven't already, take her to get checked over by the vet to ensure there is no gum disease or rotten teeth that need to be removed.
If all that checks out ok, forget the toothbrush for now, put a little toothpaste on your finger, try poultry flavour, (shih tzu's tend to suffer from allergies and beef is one of the main culprits), and let her lick it off. After she gets used to that, gently rub her front teeth with the paste. Because of the way they are built it is very difficult to get anything large between their teeth and gums, so it can be painful for them to try.
If she accepts the front teeth being cleaned, gradually extend the gentle cleaning further round her mouth until you can reach as many as possible. Do this a couple of times a week to start with and if she is fine with it, you can start to build up the frequency.
You may never be able to use a toothbrush, but even paste on your finger is better than nothing. If she won't accept even this, you will have to resort to the chews designed for teeth.
Keep in mind that as YG says, they do tend to smell as they get older and their breath is only a part of it. However, they are such funny, loveable and individual characters, it more than makes up for the pong!
If she does have or develops itchy skin, keep to her off anything with beef or beef extract in it, try hypoallergenic food and treats, (she should be on a senior diet by now), and there are also specialist shampoos you can try.
Good luck.
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Adding onto YoungGrandma, try bones like "Denta-bone" that are specifically meant for plague and bad breath.
Also, try a toothpaste that is flavored like beef, and just have her taste a little off your finger before brushing.
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or you could take your dog to a proffesional if you have enough money
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I had a Shih Tzu myself. They are very bull headed
and I really doubt you will get her to hold still for a tooth brushing. :)
Dog biscuits help clean dogs teeth if she can eat those. If you can get her to eat the dog mints then hopefully they will help her breath.
One day you may notice she starts stinking in general. Unfortunately they are prone to get a
skin disorder that can cause them to smell really bad when they get older. She won't notice at all
but you will! Hopefully she won't get that, but thought I would let you know so you don't panic should it happen. You can get shampoo for it should she get it that will help a little.
If her teeth get really bad just buy her some softer dog food. I have an older dog with some bad
teeth and I feed him that moist and meaty dog food. It isn't canned but is soft.
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