luv3dogs
Posted : 1/13/2011 2:43:22 AM
Both of my dogs are prone to dental problems, especially Pixie, the smaller one. Raw bones are the usual method for keeping dogs' teeth clean, but I've been afraid to give them to my pups because of the risk of bowel trouble. A year ago, right after my dogs had their dental visit, I started adding ProDen to their food - it's a seaweed-based product which is supposed to change the texture of their saliva so that food doesn't stick as easily to their teeth. I also began to brush their teeth 3x/week with soft baby toothbrushes. Today their teeth look almost as good as the day they were professionally cleaned. Every now and then I would get lazy and brush them less often, and I noticed that even with the ProDen, tartar began to accumulate, so my pups require both the ProDen and regular brushing. In fact, if I don't brush Pixie at least 3x/week, using PetzLife tooth gel (which she hates because it is alcohol based, which is more effective at killing bacteria), her gums become more puffy and fragile and bleed easily. On the other hand, her sister Pepper can get by with brushing less and using a more conventional and tasty chicken-flavored toothpaste, which they both love but doesn't work as well for Pixie.