Teeth cleaning
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My breeder told me that giving them frozen bones to gnaw on really helps keep their teeth clean (the big thick soup bones or marrow bones). I've talked to some whippet people and they all give their dogs turkey necks once or twice a week to help with the teeth cleaning.
That would be raw turkey or chicken necks, wings work well too.. as do marrow beef bones (raw)… I have the butcher cut them in half...
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I've been using the Petzlife gel for a couple weeks now but I do not use it every day. I usually take a pea-sized amount and put it on the roof of Kananga's mouth (forces him to coat his teeth with it) every few days, sometimes a couple days in a row. I still do brush a couple times per week. Usually on a day where i don't use the gel.
Few things i've noticed:
- His breath has greatly improved. I rarely notice bad breath.
- In combination with the brushing it has basically eliminated any tartar that did exist
- It has kept his teeth clean which should cover anything missed by brushing
Overall I still have some more time to evaluate how effective this product is, but I truly feel this is a great product to have around that can compliment occasional brushing. It's very easy to apply and it is effective thus far. For $30 it's very cheap considering it should last me at least 4-5 months. I don't apply it every day and shouldn't need to. For dogs that already have issues it's known to need application on a daily basis. I think then you'd need a new bottle after a couple months. Still cheaper than taking them to the vet for a cleaning.
Just my .02
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I feel that I am seeing a difference in Kristii teeth also (and she is 14+)… also Ann who co-owner Kobey with me (and he lives with Ann and Crystal) was turned on the Cod Liver Oil for Dogs from a person with toy breeds, while it doesn't say for teeth, Kobey has been getting this (1/2 teaspoon with his food) for one week and all the tarter build up on his K-9's is gone... in fact I was shocked cause I would have said he had a dental
http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Nordic-Naturals-Pet-Cod-Liver-Oil/104000.aspx
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For those of you using the gel, how do you apply it typically? I've been just taking a pea sized amount, opening Kananga's mouth and placing it on his tongue or the roof of his mouth. The website says that the dogs tongue will automatically coat the teeth. Seems tough to coat the teeth with your finger because the gel can easily slide off your finger.
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Oddly, it's cheaper through Amazon than from the company's website. :confused: Still, a bit pricey, but WAAAY cheaper (in terms of money and worry) than a full dental at the vet's.
I ordered mine from Amazon a couple days ago and was also a bit puzzled by the price difference. I will post on results we soon as we start using it.
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For those of you using the gel, how do you apply it typically? I've been just taking a pea sized amount, opening Kananga's mouth and placing it on his tongue or the roof of his mouth. The website says that the dogs tongue will automatically coat the teeth. Seems tough to coat the teeth with your finger because the gel can easily slide off your finger.
I'm not using this product (but might give it a try) but something else from my vet. It recommends patting dry the gumline and then applying to that area. It may work with this gel as well once the saliva is gone.
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For those of you using the gel, how do you apply it typically? I've been just taking a pea sized amount, opening Kananga's mouth and placing it on his tongue or the roof of his mouth. The website says that the dogs tongue will automatically coat the teeth. Seems tough to coat the teeth with your finger because the gel can easily slide off your finger.
I have a very, very soft tooth brush that I am using to brush the teeth and gums… since it is so soft and Kristii doesn't mind, it works well.... once I see a difference (and I have seen some) I will change to the battery tooth brush like I use for my own dental....
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I put it on the toothbrush like toothpaste and brush away. I have been brushing my dog's teeth since he was a puppy and I'm also able to scale them (which I haven't had to do since I've been using Petzlife). I brush his teeth every day because he doesn't mind it at all. I am also able to get to all of the teeth – top and bottom and inside on the lingual side. I realize not all can do this with their dogs but I attribute it to starting the habit from day one.
For those who can't brush their dog's teeth, why not put some on a dry guaze pad or the corner of a dry wash cloth?
The Petzlife company does say that best results will be accomplished if used with a toothbrush though.
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It is always good to get your dog used to a toothbrush… and you can start with just putting the gel (or nothing at all) on your finger and rubbing over the teeth and gums...
Getting a baby puppy is a lot more fun.. (for the puppy...ggg) they will accept pretty easy.. but "chew, chew, chew"... which is OK by me.... they get used to someone putting hands/fingers in their mouth.
And for those of you that are considering showing... two tips... mouth exam is important.. so the more you get them used to people looking at their bite the better... and for those of your with males... used to people touching/grabbing (and some judges are NOT with soft hands) their private parts... as making sure they have two testicles is part of the judges responsibility. Those of you with pups... start now.. every day... practice showing the bite and having others look at the bite... and check for testicles..
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It is always good to get your dog used to a toothbrush… and you can start with just putting the gel (or nothing at all) on your finger and rubbing over the teeth and gums...
Getting a baby puppy is a lot more fun.. (for the puppy...ggg) they will accept pretty easy.. but "chew, chew, chew"... which is OK by me.... they get used to someone putting hands/fingers in their mouth.
And for those of you that are considering showing... two tips... mouth exam is important.. so the more you get them used to people looking at their bite the better... and for those of your with males... used to people touching/grabbing (and some judges are NOT with soft hands) their private parts... as making sure they have two testicles is part of the judges responsibility. Those of you with pups... start now.. every day... practice showing the bite and having others look at the bite... and check for testicles..
Thanks Pat for this advice…another thing I didn't think about! Don't need to worry about the testicle bit for this one though :D...but I'll remember that for the future!
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Hello all. I'm glad to see my initial post got so many people talking! I am definitely going to get some of these PetzLife products. Anyway, I just wanted to post a follow-up. We took Deedle to the new vet and really like the place. Today she went in for her teeth cleaning, and, ahem, remember how I was saying I wanted to go to the new vet because I thought it might be a little cheaper than the other place? Well, forget that!
Deedle is 13 now and starting to show it. We had them do some X-rays on her abdomen because she has been throwing up every morning for the past month, and then they moved on to the teeth. They had to extract SEVEN teeth! I felt like a terrible basenji mom, but really, she has had teeth problems for a long time. I just didn't realize how bad they were. The vet called me numerous times to check in and explain everything to me. When we went to pick her up, they showed us all the X-rays and gave us additional information. It ended up costing almost $1,500. She was under anesthesia for nearly 3 hours! So, what can you do. I just want Deedle to be healthy and comfortable.
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What I'd really like to know… is WHERE did you take Deedle to begin with??
There is NO reason anesthesia, cleaning and any extractions should come to half of hat you quoted.Where is the new vet you are considering?
What part of town are you in?I could give you numerous recommedations that have a multitude of basenji experience without raping your wallet.
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Unfortunately, on some dogs, I wouldn't even want to think about no anesthetic with teeth cleaning. My old girl Calli has severly bad gingivitis, two cracked molars, crud caked on, and a heart murmur. Which is why I opted for this product first. I will do my best to clean it up without taking her in. Even though she is not a basenji, I don't want to chance it. However, with her if I had to it would be anethetic all the way. While I can take anything out of her mouth, other people may not be able to. It really depends on the temperment of the dog as well. Especially if they are in pain. Just MO.
