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My dog hates brushing. How can I clean his teeth effectively?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | 15 lbs

How can i take care of his teeth better , if he wont let me brush them?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 31st, 2018

You can get an enzymatic doggie tooth paste from your veterinarian which only needs to be applied to the teeth and does not need brushing. Once tartar is on the teeth this will likely not be removed by any tooth paste. You can also let him chew some Greenies which helps also. Yorkies notoriously have bad teeth, so they do need regular cleaning and also dental cleaning at the vet's office.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 2nd, 2019

    Ouch, Frankie really needs a dental cleaning under anesthesia by your veterinarian. This looks very painful. The best way to keep your dogs teeth clean is to brush. Since he does not let you brush his teeth, you can get some enzymatic dog tooth paste and just rub it on his teeth. Frankie will then do the rest by himself. Also, I find Greenies the best chews. But the tartar on his teeth will not come off other than with a dental cleaning. Greenies and tooth paste can only prevent reocurrence of the tartar and plaque and gingivitis.

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