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Author
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Topic: What to do for cleaning teeth?
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Elite
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Member # 774
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posted April 15, 2004 12:31 PM
My older dog (Daisy, 7 yrs), has always had bad teeth, and has always refused to let my brush them. She also doesn't like dog toys, so I haven't tried any of those. I was considering buying her one of those green toothbrush-shaped bones, since it's a cheap thing to try. If she doesn't like that, what else should I try?
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~*Elite*~
"You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'My God, you're right! I never would've thought of that!'"
--Dave Barry
Posts: 164 | From: Colorado | Registered: Mar 2004
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DaxAriel's toy
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Member # 740
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posted April 15, 2004 03:31 PM
Will she let you rub your fingers over her teeth? If not, the only alternative is professional cleaning by your vet as surgery.
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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ellierat
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posted April 16, 2004 02:26 AM
Go to your butchers and get an ordinary knuckle bone, dogs should have bones at least once a week to keep good dental health.
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I love my labs.
Posts: 880 | From: australia | Registered: Feb 2004
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NicoleLJ
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posted April 16, 2004 03:49 PM
I agree with Ellierat. I like to have all sorts of bones for the dogs to chew on to help clean their teeth. The big knuckle bones are one of the best for cleaning teeth and I have yet to have a dog refuse them. Since I usually have a lot of dogs coming an going because I was a foster home and volunteer trainer for shelters and rescues, so having dogs and puppies with bad teeth and hating the brush is common here. I have put it on hold since I now have a 4 month old puppy that I am training to be my service dog and I am also 3 months pregnant so I am a little busy. Hope this helps.
Nicole & Sheena
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Lets teach the public to spay and neuter pets and leave breeding up to the experts, to help decrease the thousands of animals destroyed monthly in shelters and pounds around the world.
Posts: 82 | From: Raymond. Alberta | Registered: Oct 2003
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ruth27
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posted April 25, 2004 03:58 AM
In regards to the bones, should they be raw bones or could I give them bones that have already been boiled or baked? We normally have left over cooked bones but I'm nbot sure if it would be good to give them that given its been basted and cooked with all the spices and all. If it must be raw, do I just simply take out all raw meat and clean the bone? I know this must be a stupid question to many but I'm really quite ignorant when it comes to these things ![[Frown]](frown.gif) Thanks in advance!
Posts: 126 | From: Manila,Philippines | Registered: Jan 2004
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DaxAriel's toy
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posted April 25, 2004 09:24 AM
These should not be steak bones but large leg bones (Marrow bones) that won't splinter. Raw or cooked is your choice. Either will work fine. It's the s******** of the tooth against the bone that does the work.
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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ellierat
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posted April 25, 2004 03:12 PM
Nor should they be chicken or pork, I do not advise to give any cooked bone as they become brittle and splinter, to be on the safe side you are better to give them raw.
You can purchase bags of bones from the supermarket for dogs if you can't get to your butchers, if you are feeding a whole bone meat and all, just give the whole thing, then don't feed the daily ration of food for that day, but don't substitute all meals for bones.
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I love my labs.
Posts: 880 | From: australia | Registered: Feb 2004
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ruth27
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posted April 25, 2004 06:24 PM
does it not follow that raw meat/bone might have a bit of bacteria? I'm quite wary of this. Also, should i literally leave some of the raw meat on or should i just totally take off the meat and wash/soap the bone first before i give it to him. I'm very paranoid over my dogs so pls bare with me. Thanks!
Posts: 126 | From: Manila,Philippines | Registered: Jan 2004
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ellierat
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posted April 25, 2004 06:40 PM
Sheesh!! Ruth, your making this difficult. lol. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif) . Now I'm no expert on bacteria, but I guess some things that can affect us don't necessarily affect our dogs, I never wash the bones, and I'm pretty sure when you give your dog one with meat on he will pretty much strip off the meat within a few minutes, depending on your type of dog, and size of bone. If you do want to wash it, just be wary of anything you put on it as bones are calcium, and calcium absorbs stuff, then in turn your dog will ingest it.
My dogs will strip a bone, then bury it for future investigation, especially when it has gone nice and smelly, Sophie is 7, been to the vets for illnesses twice in her lifetime, so I guess the bones haven't done her much harm.
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I love my labs.
Posts: 880 | From: australia | Registered: Feb 2004
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DaxAriel's toy
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posted April 25, 2004 06:59 PM
Dogs have something in their saliva that neuterizes bacteria. Most of them like meat that has become rotten (and most unpleasant to humans). Washing the bones is not required. BUT as your dog is 7 years old - I still suggest that you talk to your vet especially if the build up of plaque is severe. And also check your dog's general tooth health.
This whole topic started because you mentioned your dog has bad breath. Chewing bones will not give your dog fresh breath(especially if they've been in the ground for 3 months) - but there are several water additives which can help.
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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ruth27
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posted April 26, 2004 07:14 AM
Couldnt help but laugh at how difficult I must be making this sound....sorry I guess youre right about not fussing about the bacteria and all. Thanks so much for your insights!
Posts: 126 | From: Manila,Philippines | Registered: Jan 2004
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ellierat
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posted April 26, 2004 02:22 PM
Ruth, it's a pleasure, and you made me laugh too.
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I love my labs.
Posts: 880 | From: australia | Registered: Feb 2004
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