When I got my dog, she already had established dental problems. Although she was young, the vets felt she had been malnourished as a puppy or had an immune related problem-her teeth were so bad, gums receeding severely etc. We had to have a bunch taken out in order to save her remaining teeth.
Everyday brushing is a MUST for us, and she (despite the pain and problems she had) actually LOVES getting her teeth done now. When I get the brushing stuff out both my dogs run to where we brush to be first to get done!. What I do... (I'm sure everyone does try to make brushing as positive as they can), but first we did all the initial gentle introductions etc- but they really still didnt like it- the toothbrushes are too harsh.!!!!!
The dentist (very expensive Board Certified dentist) told me not to use any toothbrushes made for dogs- but a child's soft toothbrush-....and both my dogs like this- I also give treats every 20- 30 seconds-as I work- I use Nutro Healthy Desserts which they LOVE, little teeny fingerfulls as I go (I know soft food is a no no........but I think the tradeoff is worth it);.She is also on a strict diet and these are low cal- just fruit and water- I dont know why they love them so much.
We do raw bones too- but I have to watch the raw stuff as I was told it can be a problem, if she in fact does have any kind of immune depression. My boy dog wont eat any bones at all (wierd)
I also add Pro Den Plaque Off to thier food, I think it helps somewhat, as my boy had some plaque (never had a cleaning on him) and now he is down to almost none. I would be interested to hear anyone else's experience with this
I like the Foster and Smith Dental Clens pads............little pads with chlorhexadine on them- they keep bacteria out of the mouth- I use them after the brushing (girl only- I feel I dont want to upset the biotic balance in the boys mouth as I feel his mouth is essentialy healthy) I even rubbed my own teeth and gums with them...............felt great, really clean.
Almost forgot........ Foster and Smith also makes little sponges on sticks- very gentle, if your dog wont accept a brush these are great- in fact I think this is what we started out with. Before she had the bad teeth taken out- this was the gentlest way to clean her mouth.
I firmly believe prevention is better than cure!!!!!!!- so am not saying do this instead of raw food and bones etc.........thats probably the first and best way to go
This stuff is for those of us who have dogs with pre existing conditions or genetic predispositions etc, who need to go the extra mile...like me!!!
A lot of info - but I hope it helps anyone into teeth care
BTW- 7 months post surgery and cleaning- not a sign of plaque or nasty breath!!!
Previous to that she had had a cleaning, and 1-2 months later plaque and deadly breath was back (they could not extract on this day as they said she had anesthetic problems)
