Dental Cleaning??

[beausmom1]

I was just wondering...I hope this isn't a stupid question (Beau is my first dog...I wish he came with a how-to handbook), what is this dental everyone keeps mentioning? Are you supposed to take your dog somewhere every once in a while to get his teeth cleaned? What if I already brush them myself? I never knew this was something dogs got done--and where do I go? The vet?

:thank-you3:

[5weeniesmom]

Dachshunds teeth get build up on them just like hoomans. I brush my doxies teeth myself with a dog toothbrush and meat flavored toothpaste that can be bought at any pet store or Walmart. I go by judgement on how often, sometimes more than other times. One of mine is not to fond of it but by putting them in between my knees or if u could get them to lay down(harder to do for mine), I can usually get the job done. The canine teeth are the worst on mine to get build up. Chewing on safe toys also helps clean off teeth along with dry food instead of wet dog food. You can also take your dog to the vet to have this done but they do put them to sleep to do it. They will usually do this while they are being neutered/spayed since they are already out. So IMO, u can take care of your dog's teeth right from home and make less visits to the vet for this. I hope this helps some. :D

[zoeysmom]

I"m surprised you haven't seen stuff at your vets about this - or maybe my vet goes overboard. I think there are posters on every wall in the exam rooms, pictures of teeth with tartar etc. Mine even has a " doggie dental care month".

When their teeth get a bunch of plaque on them, you take them in, they're given a general anesthetic and their teeth are cleaned by the vet. Clean teeth help prevent heart and other problems as well as give 'em good breath.

If you're brushing beau's teeth - that's great - it'll mean many fewer vet dental cleanings.

[SirOliversMom]

Okay you're going to think this is gross but the other day while Oliver was sitting on my lap I was checking out his teeth and noticed that there was a bit of plaque on his incissors..so I scraped it off with my thumbnail. I knew the toothbrush wouldn't remove this so without even thinking I just scraped away. And he let me of course.

My vet is of an opinion that unless they have some nasty tartar buildup there's no reason to have this done annually. He doesn't like to put them to sleep unless it's a necessity.

Brushing and encouraging chewing is the best way to keep their pearly whites nice and clean.

[5weeniesmom]

How funny! I do the same thing, I scrape off the buildup that the tooth brush will not touch. Mine lets me do it also..yeah it sounds gross but it does the trick! My vet agrees on that, why put them out unless u absolutely have too.