My Chihuahua LOVES getting his teeth brushed … said no one ever! Brushing your Chihuahua’s teeth doesn’t have to be such a hassle! First, decide what position will be most comfortable for you and your Chi. For me, it’s sitting with me behind them. Reaching around from behind works well and my Chihuahua’s seem to be more relaxed and comfortable. For you, it might be standing with your Chihuahua on a counter or table.
To begin the task of brushing, divide your Chihuahua’s mouth into four areas, and tackle one at a time. I begin with their front teeth just because they are easier to get to. Always start with a wet brush and gently work each area with a light enough pressure that the bristles barely bend.
- When brushing the front teeth, gently pull his lips back
- For the upper back teeth, put the brush in his cheek and by gently holding the muzzle, close his mouth and brush. Closing the mouth controls your Chi’s tongue and will reduce any struggle from him.
- When brushing the lower back teeth, let go of the muzzle just a bit and slightly open his mouth and brush the bottom back teeth.
Brushing the insides of the teeth can certainly be difficult so don’t get discouraged if you can’t — his tongue tends to keep the inner sides of the teeth clean — and don’t be concerned about brushing your Chi’s tongue.
I prefer the Fresh Breath by TropiClean Triple Flex Toothbrush for Small Dogs. Its triple-sided head cleans easier and faster. Don’t forget to replace your Chi’s toothbrush every three months and if you have multiple dogs, use a different brush for each.
Never, ever use human toothpaste to brush your dog’s teeth. Human toothpaste has ingredients that if swallowed are toxic to your Chihuahua. I use Arm & Hammer Fresh Spectrum Toothpaste for Adult Dogs. I like that it has baking soda for cleaning and coconut mint for fresh breath. And it polishes the teeth as well as cleans them.
What Can You Do If Your Chihuahua Hates Getting His Teeth Brushed
It can certainly be a struggle to brush when they are squirming and struggling. If that is the case with your Chihuahua, take baby steps at a time.
- Put them in the position as you would when brushing. Give them a treat. That’s it for step one. Do this twice a day for a week, less if they are comfortable and not squirming.
- Next, put them in position as you would when brushing, hold the toothbrush next to their mouth and give them a treat, repeat as in step 1.
- Next, put toothpaste (just a smidgen) on the brush and let them smell it. Proceed as in steps 1 and 2.
- Next, put the toothbrush inside their mouth, just as you would if you were going to brush and hold it there for a second Proceed as in steps 1, 2, and 3.
- Brush the front teeth only. Repeat as in steps 1, 2, 3, and 4.
- Finally, brush as instructed above.
Only give fresh fruits or vegetables as a treat, apples, blueberries, banana, carrot, green bean, broccoli, etc. Just be careful what you give as dogs cannot eat some fruits and vegetables. For instance, grapes and raisins are very toxic to dogs. All those mentioned are safe and healthy for your Chihuahua. You are sure to find one that is his very favorite!
Here’s A Tip:
It is a myth that dry dog food scrapes plaque & tartar off teeth! The best way is to give them a carrot. Washed, unpeeled. The chewing action of eating a carrot will scrape off plaque and tartar.
How Often Should I Brush My Chihuahua’s Teeth?
Try to brush them at least 3 times a week. Of course, every day would be best. To help to keep plaque and tartar off I use Plaque Off. every day. It is a natural supplement, no chemicals. It comes in a powder form and you just add it to their food each day. Why I use it:
- Systematically prevents plaque from sticking to teeth and softens existing tartar deposits.
- Recommended by vets for bad breath, tartar, and plaque control.
- Made with specially selected algae harvested from the North Atlantic coast with clinically proven benefits.
- 100% natural and free from additives, artificial preservatives, gluten, and added sugar.
Last, But Certainly Not Least!
Even if you brush your Chi’s teeth every day, you still need to have your Chihuahua’s teeth professionally cleaned by a veterinarian at least once a year, twice a year is better!
Chihuahua’s are very vulnerable to gum disease. How many Chihuahuas do you see with their tounges sticking out? Why? Because they have no teeth there to hold it in!
Did You Know? A Chihuahua has the same number of teeth that other breeds do …. in a tiny little mouth. Therefore their teeth are crowded, which makes it much easier for plaque and tartar to build up.
I hope this helps. Brushing your Chihuahua’s teeth is so important. Not just for bad breath, but for their health. Many serious health issues are associated with gum disease.
Some people give their dogs a bone to help scrape off plaque and tartar. Should you? READ THIS FIRST: Are Real Bones From A Supermarket Good For Your Chihuahua?
STINKY BREATH?
HERE’S A TIP:
Sprinkle some fresh mint on your Chihuahua’s food every morning & evening and night for minty fresh breath! Just a sprinkle … too much of anything is not a good thing
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You suggesting giving my Chi a carrot–but made no reference to size of carrot. A 2″ piece, a whole carrot? My 14 year old HATES having anything come near his mouth. He just had 10 teeth pulled so now I’m desperate to find ways to keep his remaining choppers clean! Thankfully he loves the Chicken flavored toothpaste so that’s a start–but he fights tooth and nail (pun intended) to keep the brush out of his mouth. Thanks, Ron
Hi Ron! I feel your pain. I didn’t give an exact size carrot, because it depends. What I do is give him a whole carrot, let him chew on it for a while, take it away and do it again the next day. It’s the chewing action that helps. That, however, is just an added tool in the toolbox to help keep your Chihuahua’s teeth clean. If he just had some pulled, his mouth probably is very sensitive. When he has had time to heal, try the suggestions for getting him “desensitized” to the toothbrush and having something in his mouth. It’s baby steps, it will take time and patience, but it is worth it in the end. The very most important thing is to have them professionally cleaned every 6 months. Thanks for the comment! ~Linda