Cleaning Teeth

You could have your vet do a dental and then talk to them about certain oral washes, etc.  

goatman68

Someone told me not to get them cleaned, because once you to that the sonic device they use leaves grooves on the teeth and they cause plaque to form easier after that. (so more cleanings will be needed).  Since she is a small dog, I worry about putting her under for the cleaning as well.

This is what my vet told me: DO NOT have your dogs teeth scaled (like at the groomers) because those do leave grooves on their teeth and causes more plaque to build up. Teeth need to be scaled and POLISHED (like they do at the vets).  

 I share your concern about having my dog's teeth cleaned.In fact for the thirty years I've owned dogs I have never had it done.I do offer lots of things to  chew though.Nylabones indoors and butcher's bones outdoors.I have had several dogs grow to a ripe old age and still have nice teeth.If Abby will chew bones I would get her a nice fresh butcher bone.Perhaps someone with small breeds could recomend a specific type.

                                                                                                         Tena  

I guess I did not mention that my vet has checked her teeth, and suggested a cleaning and brushing them.  As I mentioned, I would like to not have to have them cleaned, where she would be put under to do it.  So I guess I am looking for other options.  I tried brushing them and as I mentioned she just throws up for the gagging and I am not even going that far back on her teeth.  She just doesn't like it.

The butcher bones could be an answer (thank you).  Once in awhile Abby will chew on a nylabone (but not often enough).  I agree, if someone with a smaller breed could suggest types of butcher bones that would be good for her as well as hold her attention.

If I give her and Pella something to chew on, she will mostly walk around with it in her mouth to tease Pella, it is like she really doesn't want it but she knows Pella does.  Pella has always been a good chewer, but Abby never picked up on it.   Hopefully, someone can recommend a bone that will get her attention and clean her teeth.

 Thank you

The ONLY thing that has taken the stuff off of Willow's teeth aside from scaling them is raw beef marrow bones.  I don't know if a small dog would be able to manage one though.  They are sometimes too big for Willow and I have to ask for them to be cut for her.  But, something like that works amazingly well.  You will be so surprised after just one chewing session how you can see where the stuff starts coming off. 

Raw bones are great for teeth cleaning, however I do not give my 19 pound cairn terrrier marrow bones anymore.  As he has aged, he's 12, the marrow is too rich and gives him diarrhea.  I buy the largest raw rib bones I can find and watch him as he can chew some of them down.  There is little fat (I cut any off) and a good size for a smaller dog to "hold" between his paws.

 Why is she gagging when you brush her teeth? You aren't using foaming human toothpaste, are you???

LOL. No, I am using the toothpaste the vet gave me.  (I don't think regular human toothpaste is good for dogs)  She even gags if I use nothing but the finger brush.  I think she just doesn't like it period.

 You never know!!!

Mine get a LOT of bully sticks and tracheas, and marrow bones. The young dog has flawless teeth. The 8 year old dog that had disgusting teeth before she came here had a dental, and she's not maintaining as well as the dog who's had lifelong maintenance. 

I also use Petzlife gel and spray. Maybe the spray wouldn't make your girl gag?

May I ask why you are so opposed to getting them cleaned by the vet? When done properly, the cleaning does not leave grooves in their teeth. I, personally, did both my dogs and neither have grooves, or tarter anymore (we do rec bones now, they came to me with bad teeth, one is small, the other is medium sized)

Personally, I would have the teeth cleaned at the vet's & then I'd start working to keep them in good condition.

I had both of our dachshunds teeth cleaned about two & a half years ago.  After the teeth cleanings, I started raw feeding, & their teeth are still clean, & sparkling.  My small dogs chew things like pork neck bones, beef knuckle bones, & marrow bones.  They also eat things like duck necks, chicken wings, quail & pheasant.

erica1989

May I ask why you are so opposed to getting them cleaned by the vet? When done properly, the cleaning does not leave grooves in their teeth. I, personally, did both my dogs and neither have grooves, or tarter anymore (we do rec bones now, they came to me with bad teeth, one is small, the other is medium sized)

Me, too - if plaque gets serious, she will end up with gingivitis and periodontal disease, just like a human.  Abscesses can form and they *hurt* which can make eating difficult.  The bacterial infection under the gum line can also cause problems with the heart and bones.  So, if your dog's plaque is bad enough that the vet wanted to remove it, I'd consider it.  If the teeth are polished after the cleaning, there are no grooves.  What usually results in dogs having to have additional cleanings done is the flora in the mouth, the owner's ability to maintain oral cleanliness either by brushing or by giving dental chews or using enzymes...

I am sorry, but I thought I mentioned I did not want to put her under to do this, I prefer to do it naturally if possible, and I was asking for suggestions or known treatments that might help achieve this.  (her teeth need cleaning, they are not near infection - so my thought is that it is early enough to start a treatment for it, like possible bones)

The bones sound like a good idea, I was looking for others that have dealt with this and had suggestions.   Thank you for your concerns, but please don't think Abby has a major problem that I am ignoring.  Some people just don't like to have to put a dog under with drugs, esp with a small dog.  I usually lean towards natural treatments as my first choice.