Teeth cleaning

[nodakerdeb]

@Kananga:

I find that brushing his teeth 3-4 times per week (minimum) is enough to prevent build-up. I take dental hygiene a lot more seriously than others but mostly because I know how it can impact their health. It also can impact our sense of smell….

I'm like you Kananga– very serious about dental care because it is so much more than just the teeth that are affected. I had visions of you having to scrape tons of tarter off -- a few spots is to be expected.;)

I'm not surprised that Nickii was not impressed with the Petzlife Pat. It's way different than the chicken flavored beige paste... LOL!

deb

[tanza]

Exactly… Deb...

[nomrbddgs]

@tanza:

That is good to hear… I would be concerned if there was lots of build up at that age... However, that said, there are some lines that just have horrible teeth, my OJ was one.. for his entire life.... His first dental he lost 5 teeth.... And others that are related to him have always had teeth problems too...

I just got my order of Petzlife... Kristii was not impressed....gggg

Pat, how is it working? Have you seen anything? I'm tempted to try some. I think it's about $14 or thereabouts through Revival and I have to order vaccines anyway.

[wizard]

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.

[tanza]

@nomrbddgs:

Pat, how is it working? Have you seen anything? I'm tempted to try some. I think it's about $14 or thereabouts through Revival and I have to order vaccines anyway.

It only been 3 days…ggg... I will let you know if I see any difference in 2 wks... of course I am using it on a 14yr old

[snorky998]

Tanza, I too am interested. Tyler has always had a problem with tartar build up, even when we brush regularly. He's 11 now and has already had 2 teeth extracted. I'm desperate to find something that works. Please keep us posted.

[tanza]

Will let you know…. sometimes it doesn't matter how well you try and take care of the teeth... my OJ was one... he had horrible teeth as did many of his siblings, cousins, aunts/uncles.... nephews....etc....

[tanza]

@wizard:

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...

[Kananga]

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:

1. His breath has greatly improved. I rarely notice bad breath.
2. In combination with the brushing it has basically eliminated any tartar that did exist
3. 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

[tanza]

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

[nomrbddgs]

I'm seeing a difference in Calli's teeth and breath also. I've been using it for about a week usually just once a day as I tend to forget. How is everyone else's coming along. By the way, I'm using the spray.

[moetmum]

We have started using it today!! Mainly Fiji who is having gel and spray (much to her disgust) and my three youngsters are just having the spray as maintenance.

[Kananga]

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.

[mauigirl]

@agilebasenji:

Oddly, it's cheaper through Amazon than from the company's website. 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.

[Nemo]

@Kananga:

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.

[tanza]

@Kananga:

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....

[nodakerdeb]

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.

[Kananga]

I have used a toothbrush with the gel a few times, but most time I open up his mouth and just let his tongue coat the teeth. Seems to still be effective.

[tanza]

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..

[renaultf1]

@tanza:

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!