Alternatives to Dentals- bones?

[Maliraptor]

Ok, Torro has always had GREAT teeth. BUt, I guess the sleeve he bit all the time helped floss his teeth, because a year after being retired he has NASTY teeth.

Lots of plaque, and it's affecting the gums as well.

I have no problem getting him in for a dental, but I worry with anesthesia, he's never been an easy dog to anesthetise.

I know those who feed raw say that the bones are natural teeth cleaners- anyone here have any experience with that?

I thought I would give it a month or so to see if I could help some before taking him in.

[Dauxside]

Raw Bones with meat on them act as a type of floss - especially when they're working the tendon from the bone surface. It helps loads but they still need yearly dental cleaning to keep gums healthy.

[Cearbhaill]

Our first Wolfhound rescue had terrible teeth- we had to have a dental every six months at minimum. Thirty minutes with a bone fixed it all- her teeth were as pearly white as those of a young puppy. I haven't had a dental on a dog or cat since and that was 1996. Nice big knuckle bones are my preference.

[Maliraptor]

Thats what I figured. I made him an appointment in two weeks.

[golden&hovawart]

Coconuts work wonders & also floss and so do knuckle and marrow bones!.

[Maliraptor]

Originally Posted by Cearbhaill

Our first Wolfhound rescue had terrible teeth- we had to have a dental every six months at minimum. Thirty minutes with a bone fixed it all- her teeth were as pearly white as those of a young puppy. I haven't had a dental on a dog or cat since and that was 1996. Nice big knuckle bones are my preference.

Oh interesting- this is more like what I had heard. You mean an unsterilized, white knuclke bone like to make soup from, right?

[Bclover92]

It really only takes 30 minutes fo chewing?

[FourIsCompany]

I have always given mine various bones. Once to 3 times a week. They have great teeth and good breath. When Cara's breath starts smelling foul, I know it's time for a bone.

[Dauxside]

Originally Posted by Maliraptor

Oh interesting- this is more like what I had heard. You mean an unsterilized, white knuclke bone like to make soup from, right?

That's what I give mine - of course remember to watch or you'll end up with them strung under a bed/sofa/etc and won't know until they start to stink

[bdrcol22]

I use kunckle bones as well. The ones I use are not raw though, they are pressure cooked. That way they crumble, and don't splinter.. Plus they do a great job on the teeth, as they are scraping the tarter right off.

My first BC had to have her teeth cleaned every year though. Hated doing it, but she did not chew, and had horrible teeth.