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My dog has a serious heart murmur, and I'm waiting to have the echocardiogram/chest X-rays done for about 8 months. Those diagnostics will tell me if my dog could ever be anestetized (for things like proper veterinary dental cleanings).
Worst case scenario, my dog may not be able to ever have anesthesia. So, I'm wondering, if I start brushing my dogs teeth (using actual dog toothpaste) will that help prevent periodontal disease and other gum problems? I know that cleanings by the vet are the best, but if my dog can't be anestetized then she wouldn't be able to get those cleanings.
Anyway, thanks for any info! Also if you have any info for dogs with heart problems id love to know!
I do brush my dogs teeth, not as often as I should though. I used an enzymatic dog toothpaste and it does remove some stains. I also occasionally give him bully sticks and uncooked soup bones to chew on (supervised) He's a 7 year old miniature poodle and has never needed a vet dental cleaning��
I'm no expert, but from what I've read, dogs naturally cleaned their teeth by chewing on bones. So, if your dog is not regularly chewing on bones, then he or she will need an alternative such as teeth brushing or special chews.
I have found that brushing their teeth every day helps tremendously but less frequently is kind of a waste of time. Chew items that they can really sink their teeth into are also helpful. Raw hide is 'controversial' but I have to admit it keeps their teeth sparkling clean. Rope toys can also work well if the dog chews on the rope with their molars. Certainly raw feeding is known to improve dental health because the teeth are working through raw bone which is much different from cooked.
I have found that brushing their teeth every day helps tremendously but less frequently is kind of a waste of time. Chew items that they can really sink their teeth into are also helpful. Raw hide is 'controversial' but I have to admit it keeps their teeth sparkling clean. Rope toys can also work well if the dog chews on the rope with their molars. Certainly raw feeding is known to improve dental health because the teeth are working through raw bone which is much different from cooked.
^^^I have to agree.
Although dental care for dogs is kind of new, it does help with overall health...and dog BREATH.
Depending on your dogs chewing habits (and what s/he chews) may depend on what your brushing habits should be. Discuss it with your vet. Just remember, never use human toothpaste (fluoride is toxic not only to pets but also humans, which is why you don't swallow toothpaste.) Try to get a pet toothbrush with soft bristles or at least make sure the head of the toothbrush is small enough for your pet (maybe a kids toothbrush) again, soft bristles.
My dog won't let me brush her teeth so a few years ago I started to give her beef neck bones (vertebrae) that I get from my butcher to chew on......No need to brush her teeth or have the vet clean them now....
I've brushed my dogs teeth over the years. To be honest I never do it with any consistency so it probably does not help much. As others have said having something proper to chew on is probably the right answer. Canines have been doing it that way for a very long time.
I'm no expert, but from what I've read, dogs naturally cleaned their teeth by chewing on bones.
In addition to bones my dogs chew on a lot of sticks, with the smaller sticks it's almost like they are using it like floss trying to strip the bark off. We do have birch trees, perhaps they even like the taste. Their front teeth are as white as can be and the back molars are only mildly miscolored.
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