Take your time, go slowly. it could take weeks or more. Even if you can brush one tooth and next week two. I use CET poultry and he likes it. When I was getting the dog used to it, I made it fun and exciting, singing, ending with a cheese snack. I would run to the refrig for the cheese telling him how wonderful he is.

Can work better when dog is tired. Make sure he does not have any dental pain which would make him resist.

Use a thin damp piece of cloth, like an old washcloth, and put it over your finger. Rub your finger, with the wet washcloth on it, over the pup's teeth. I used this technique with my cats and dog. Works like a charm.

Socks, I bought the CET kit with the tooth brush and finger brush and he's crazy for the poultry paste. He can't have treats due to dietary restrictions and my singing is punishment! Thanks for reminder to be patient.

jilldag, did you put toothpaste on the rag?

That's a great out-of-the-box suggestion! Thanks!

Good luck!! Let us know how it goes!

Nanny, I'm sure your singing is music to your dog's ears! Lol...good luck! After my dog's $700 dental bill, I have become diligent about the teeth.

He, as well as all family members, head for the hills!.

I recently became aware of the inherent dental problems with Chihuahuas and wish I'd started during his puppyhood when he loved having objects in his mouth. We were so focused on his other issues that we overlooked this one.

I just tried the washcloth and he's very leery of it. He's giving me the side eye and firmly shutting his mouth. He's a small dog and very squirmy and quick. Somehow I will need to convince him that this is fun:)

Good luck! I know that it isn't easy, but it's worth it in the long run!!

I have a Chihuahua who is not happy at all about getting her teeth brushed.... sweetest Chihuahua I've ever owned yet gives me a snarl over brushing her teeth. I bought a baby toothbrush at Walmart and the doggie toothpaste at Pets Mart. I get a few of her teeth brushed pretty good and other's... forget it. I also bought some Arm and Hammer drops at Pets Mart, you just put a drop or two in their mouth and it's supposed to help keep their teeth clean. It has an Enzyme in it that is suppose to help break down any tartar on their teeth.

Thanks! I'll ask the vet about the drops--he did emphasize that scrubbing was critical.

When we had our dog we gave him a couple of raw marrow or knuckle bones a week. The gnawing kept his teeth gleaming white. Our vet recommended the bones. There is also a spray that our current vet recommend for our cats but they were not happy campers about having something sprayed into their mouth. It is for dogs also. Leba III Dental Spray

Thanks for the suggestion. Kirby has digestive issues so nothing than can be ingested. Although he's small, he has pit bull jaws.

The vet says abrasion is the only effective method so we are trying to get fingers in his mouth, especially when he's tired. It definitely gives him a jolt of energy:(