Dog dental care help!

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kerenza

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I've noticed that my 3 year old collie x springer's teeth are looking none too clean. I've started giving her weekly raw bones, which she acts a bit strange about (almost guilty - I think because she initially wondered why she had to go outside to eat). Seems to be getting the hang of them now - but totally different to my last dog who really attacked them with glee.

I also had a brushing session last weekend which wasn't wildly successful - but will keep it up (although have lapsed for ages admittedly).

Just wondered if there was anything you guys would suggest? I really don't want her to have GA for cleaning at the vet if I can avoid it...

Funnily enough with it on my mind, I got an email from a vetmeds online site I use all about dental products - from stuff to sprinkle on food, add to water, rinse, chews etc.

Are any of these of any use? Or just gimmacky? I know those Pedigree dental sticks are meant to be rubbish...

One of the problem is that Holly isn't all that food orientated - she is quite fussy about which chews she likes (although I am hoping she will get less fussy after her upcoming spaying).

Any ideas much appreciated;-)
 
One of my dogs had bad teeth when I got her ( she was a rescue ) and hers have become white and fresh using Dentastix and raw bones.
 
No idea I am afraid - have never had anything done to any of my dogs teeth and have certainly never cleaned them!:eek::eek::rolleyes:

Mine have always had raw bones which seems to keep their teeth in tip top shape:D My spaniel will be 14 this year and has never had any 'dental' work done - depsite the vet constantly checking.......:rolleyes:

I would give her longer with the fresh bones and let them work their magic - no one cleans their teeth in 'the wild' :)
 
Cotton knotted ropes can help. You need ones big enough to not be swallowed or choked on.
Dip them in stock and hang to dry to add flavour or rub in a bit of cheese mixed with doggy enzyme toothpaste.

These can be washed in the machine so they don't get too disgusting and are ok for indoors.
 
Thanks for the advice - I got another bone from the butcher just now so will keep on with that;-)

I guess the problem with more dogs having dental problems is that they live longer than in the wild i.e more time for problems to develop. Plus a less than natural diet (although I'm currently trying to feed more raw to overcome that).

The rope idea sounds good too, so with give it a try!
 
My vet told me to make sure my dogs ate raw veggies (carrots, cabbage stalk) a few times per week and we would never have trouble with their teeth. That is exactly what we do and their teeth are sparkling. Mainly it's a raw carrot but they do have other stuff. Raw bones are good but they are a problem for us as one of ours morphs into savage mode if there is a bone on the premises so we had to stop them having them.
 
Interesting thread - my Collie has terrible teeth, she has already had them cleaned once under GA, and under verts advice I added stuff to her water, did my best to clean her teeth, tried dentastix but they go straight through her :eek: its such a shame because she is so sweet ... but with dirty teeth and foul breath! :rolleyes:
The vet thinks she has quite poor teeth, as the tops of some are now worn off, and vet thought she had been chewing on stones, but all she chews are nylabones. :confused:

She loves raw carrot though .... maybe more of that.
 
Yes Holly's bottom canine teeth look shorter and blunter than I would expect them to - but she certainly doesn't chew stones. She does play an awful lot of ball - could continually catching balls blunt her teeth?!
 
I don't use those but the hard sponge bouncy balls - much lighter than boomers and a different texture to tennis balls. But I suppose the principle is the same! Does it matter do you think? She would really hate to play less...perhaps a ring or a frisbee would be better?
 
kerenza said:
I've noticed that my 3 year old collie x springer's teeth are looking none too clean. I've started giving her weekly raw bones, which she acts a bit strange about (almost guilty - I think because she initially wondered why she had to go outside to eat). Seems to be getting the hang of them now - but totally different to my last dog who really attacked them with glee.

I also had a brushing session last weekend which wasn't wildly successful - but will keep it up (although have lapsed for ages admittedly).

Just wondered if there was anything you guys would suggest? I really don't want her to have GA for cleaning at the vet if I can avoid it...

Funnily enough with it on my mind, I got an email from a vetmeds online site I use all about dental products - from stuff to sprinkle on food, add to water, rinse, chews etc.

Are any of these of any use? Or just gimmacky? I know those Pedigree dental sticks are meant to be rubbish...

One of the problem is that Holly isn't all that food orientated - she is quite fussy about which chews she likes (although I am hoping she will get less fussy after her upcoming spaying).

Any ideas much appreciated;-)
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I think you have to be careful when distingushing from dirty teeth and gum disease. Dogs will get dirty teeth, Hollywood smiles are for the likes of Angelina Jolie. If your dog has scaling, just scrape it off with your fingernail.
A raw bone will help, but mine get scaling and have never had their teeth cleaned. My old girl has got scaling but there is no gum disease. Admittedly her breath doesn't smell as fresh as a daisy, but neither does mine first thing in the morning and I brush twice a day!
 
How about a seaweed supplement? Something like PlaqueOff - it works pretty well at keeping their teeth clean and avoids the hassle of brushing!
 
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