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It sounds like most of us are on the same page regarding dental care for dogs: It's not a fad, people are just more aware of the complications and related health issuse associated with gum disease.
Years ago we never gave preventative dental care a thought. Our last two dogs, a rottie and a pug, had terrible teeth in their lifetimes. Repeat cleanings and extractions really became costly, and I tried everything I could think of (except for brushing) to keep their teeth in better shape. All sorts of chewies designed specifically for dental care (Greenies, etc.) seemed to do nothing. The only other thing I never tried was raw bones, out of fear of choking.
So how have you changed your approach to caring for your dog's teeth?
What have you tried that works in terms of avoiding expensive dental work? Armed with poultry flavored toothpaste and a toothbrush, we've introduced our pug puppy to brushing. As someone said, it's not easy with a pug, and hopefully the directed chewing on the brush that he does will prove beneficial.
Another thing about our last rottie....the poor state of his teeth was baffling. Gum problems and tooth loss by age 5 or so. Always fed a quality dry food, lots of Greenies, etc., his teeth were the worst of any dog we've ever owned. Now the pug I could understand, and his problems started later in his life.
I think some of it is just genetics. We adopted Simon, a border collie-lab, at age 6. He had terrible teeth even though we had them professionally cleaned twice a year (just like us) and tried to brush his teeth often. He had a milk bone or some type of chewie that was supposed to help with the problem every day but that probably doesn't count. Our vet said that he just inherited dental problems. He was the only dog that we have had with bad teeth.
Has anyone tried the new spray-on anti-plaque stuff? I was wondering if it worked, and what the active ingredients were. I saw it advertised on TV, and wasn'r really sure if it was a scam or actually a legitimate solution for dog dental problems.
Increased dental care for pets is partly a result of rising awareness of problems and solutions.
In health care, demand is driven by supply. As a big believer in dental care for humans and animals alike, I certainly don't want to immediately suggest that vet dental specialists are fundamentally greedy. But veterinary practices are businesses like any other, so if there's a new procedure your general vet can justify offering, s/he will likely do so.
I'm bothered by the skewed information about preventive options presented on sites of veterinary dentists I know and respect. Many vets still get most of their education about nutrition from the commercial petfood companies.
Where's the :shrug: emoticon?
FWIW I've been feeding raw prey model for years, and haven't yet seen fractures or other problems as a result. I'm not convinced that feeding this way is a panacea, dentally or otherwise, but it's working well enough that I'm not about to start brushing doggy teeth. If you're feeding kibble, AVMA TV (http://www.avmatv.org/ - broken link) has videos on how to brush your dogs' teeth, how to train them to put up with it, etc.
One of the BEST dental products I have ever seen is a natural supplement called fragara vesca. It comes in a tiny pill, and is added to the dog's food 2x daily. It softens tartar on the dog's teeth, and then, when the animal chews -- kibble, or a chew toy, or bone -- it helps work tartar off the teeth.
I learned about this supplement through a rescue group for Cairn terriers, and have been giving it to my three dogs -- a 19-year-old JRT, a 6-year-old Weimaraner, and my little 8-year-old Cairn. Their teeth look great, and their breath is much improved. Actually, only the old dog has had bad breath. Even the vet comments on the health of their teeth. I told him what I was using, and he's now researching it.
I order it from Colonel Potter Cairn Rescue Network, via the internet. Runs $10 per bottle, but they'll sell you two for $16.00. It lasts me over a month, easily.
FWIW I've been feeding raw prey model for years, and haven't yet seen fractures or other problems as a result..
Which would make perfect, logical sense.
Since toddlers, we have associated dog with bone (just like cat with mouse ... Tom & Jerry...and how about Sylvester & Tweety...)
Now we are led to believe that such is "bad" for these animals? That they shouldn't be eating them? Fact is, feeding them cereal is akin to letting children eat nothing but peanut brittle & candy. Better get doggie dental floss as well.
Many great resources on the Internet & in Books by DVMs Martin Goldstein, MW Fox, etc. RE: RAW bones & natural benefits.
And, of course http://www.rawmeatybones.com/faq.php
(PS Cooked is what's bad, splintering....)
Last edited by Poncho_NM; 06-10-2014 at 07:16 PM..
Reason: Fixed quote
We are seeking some advice regarding a rescue dog. He apparently was a "dummy dog" that was found in another state. He had several wounds, teeth had been filed down and he has no bark. He is a beautiful and sweet German shepherd. We would love to give this wonderful dog a safe and loving home, but understand his dental needs are going to be extensive (and expensive) due to the inhumane act of some idiot filing down his teeth. I'm trying to find out the estimated cost of root canals for dogs in the Northwest Arkansas area. We don't have dog dental care here so understand we may have to travel to another state if needed. Any advice?
ive never heard of doggy root canals, most vets just remove filled down teeth as there generally usless anyway (even if a root canal was performed the teeth would be too delicate to be any good for chewing)
most vets would pull all teeth that couldnt be saved and then youd simply seed a soft wet food.
id talk to your local vet and see what they think, thy might now of more progressive treatments or a teaching school neer by that might be interested in taking on his case.
regular vet will do it, its very common in toy breds and usually done while the dogs already under for spay/neuter.
my personal aproach to doggy (and kitty) dental care...good, old fashioned raw meaty bones...no amount of toothpaste brushing scaling and fussing will give you the same results as a real natural diet.
I cant go 100% raw yet, so we do turkey necks ect once a week and my vet doesnt belive me that i dont spend every day brushing my dogs teeth lol.
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Fragara Vesca (Wild Strawberry)
