What is wrong with this picture? Look closely and you'll see what an idiot I am... First of all, let me explain. When my fiancé and I were first told about brushing our dog's teeth we thought it was total rubbish and completely disregarded it. However, on our walk a few days ago we met another two Maltese and their owner who told us that one of hers had lost three teeth already and that their breed is prone to having bad teeth and gums. She also explained to us how she had recently started brushing their teeth each day as she was advised to by the vet.
Well, I certainly don't want Albi's teeth falling out so we quickly nipped to PetStop and got him a new tooth-brush and doggy tooth-paste. On opening the box, I then discovered the "No Brushing Necessary" logo on the tube...oops. What a waste of money! I ignored this and decided to try brushing Albi's teeth this evening, using a tiny amount on the tooth-brush and to put things simply...it was a bit of a struggle. I don't think Albi appreciated me groping around in his mouth! But there is a lot of hard yellow stuff on his back teeth which I feel can't be good. Any tips? I'm thinking it's probably best to just consult our vet and perhaps take him for a cleaning. Do any of you guys brush your dogs' teeth or do you think it's a silly fad?
xoxo
Anna, Yes brushing is important but, They have these little rubber finger brushes that are way easier, They just slip on your index finger and you brush his teeth that way...Let me know if you can get them there, if not Ory will send Albi some !
ReplyDelete@Julie Thank you so much! Yes, we actually spotted them in the shop but I wasn't sure if they would be good or not...they were cheaper though, I will definitely pick one up next time! :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely see your vet, maybe ask for a change of diet for food that will help with tartar control. For example t/d by the hills prescription diet. I find it also helps produce a healthy stool. Pricey but definitely worth it!
ReplyDeleteMy schnauzer hates having his teeth brushed and has a little mouth so the toothbrush is easier but it's still a struggle. We try to give him the "dentabones" that are hard and remove plaque. Also once a year the vet told us it's important to get their teeth cleaned. Unfortunately it's done at the vet and they actually have to put them completely out w/ anesthesia. Their teeth do get pretty clean after this but that's such a pain we just try and stick with the bones and holding him down while trying to brush his teeth every 2 weeks. I've never heard it as being a fad though, just that it was important to do at least once a month. Always a struggle though!
ReplyDeleteI have a jack russell maltease mix and I wish I could brush her teeth. There is no way she would let me though. Cleanings for pets here in the US are around $200. They put your pet to sleep and scrape off the tartar. It can prolong your pets life though so I may invest in it someday soon.
ReplyDeleteAnna, we give Darik one Dental Stix (Pedigree) after dinner, that's all we do.
ReplyDeletethe yellow stuff is probably
ReplyDeleteplaque or odontolith.
We take our dog regularly to the vet to get rid off it.
Anything else is a waste of money in my opinion.
Have a nice weekend =)
Hi Anna, yes dog teeth brushing is very important not only does it cure bad breath but it prevents gum disease. I would say a trip to vet might be a good idea to remove the plague. Also, it might be easy if your buy a rubber finger glove with bristles to clean his teeth. They also sell minty green bones that help clean teeth. good luck!
ReplyDeletewe just got a weimaraner puppy & I fully intend to brush her teeth as soon as I can find some good product. We brush our teeth to stay healthy right? They also have those dental bones I am thinking about but I need to ask my vet which is better.
ReplyDeleteOne word - bones! Bones are great for keeping a dogs teeth clean - the best thing in fact. My dog is 5 years old this September, I don't brush her teeth, she's never had them cleaned by the vet and she has the cleanest teeth and freshest breath you've ever seen. I give her a bone every day to chew on. Just make sure you don't get those cooked beef bones that are huge and can shatter cos they're cooked and give runny stools cos they full of marrow. Edible bones if possible like lamb or pork ribs or chicken or turkey necks, or ask your butcher he will probably give you some "soup bones" for free or very little money. Just please remember that THEY MUST BE RAW BONES. NEVER give a dog cooked bones. They could very easily choke. If the dog eats the bone completely remember to subtract this from the dog's food for the day or you'll have a pudgy dog on your hands in no time! And sorry but I really disagree about the Hills Science Diet food. It is full of crap. Very little meat and lots of fillers. Sorry I could rant forever but I just don't do processed food for my dog. She gets a home made diet and does exceptionally well on it.
ReplyDeleteYes I've tried brushing Ally's teeth but have failed as she's less than crazy about it.
ReplyDeleteI give her these herbal dental chewy things to chew on and think that they work better than the Pedigree sticks - she eats the Pedigree one's much faster so there isn't much chewing involved.
She's had a dental clean done about 2 years ago and the vet doesn't think that she needs one just yet.
Perhaps you could try using some wipes saturated in toothpaste - i've seen them at the pet shops but haven't given them a go. However, the idea of using wipes seems better to me as I always feel that with a toothbrush you're more likely to irritate your dog's gums.
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hey Anna. I think thw yello stuff is the start of tartar build up.. Pedrigree dentastix are really good.. i use them for my dog and his teeth are really good now..
ReplyDeletexx
when i first heard this i wasn't sure how its gonna work, but it did. Get like a normal cheap (cause you will dispose it after one use) brush and let your dog chew it for 15 minutes, my yorkie can destroy any toy in like 10 minutes, so the same will happened with a brush. But he will chew human-like brushing teeth. Ir works great so far, i give it to my dog like once a week,just watch him while he is doing it,dont let him to chew on a plastic. btw its soooo funny! i will post a picture of my dog brushing:P
ReplyDeletei couldnt add the pic but trust me it works plus it looks so funny!
ReplyDeleteHi Anna, maybe you could try a flavoured toothpaste for Abli? I have a meat flavoured toothpaste for my dog and he doesn't mind me brushing them one bit :D
ReplyDeletehope i helped, Laura xxx
last week our group held a similar talk on this subject and you point out something we haven't covered yet, thanks.
ReplyDelete- Kris