CLEANING THE POOCHIES TEETH

When I took Stinky in for his shots a few weeks ago, the vet told me his teeth had so much tartar that I really needed to have them cleaned.  I am going to do that, although it scares me because he is 9, and the anesthesia can be dangerous, not to mention expensive.  I will take him in for blood work the day before to make sure it’s safe but if he has some underlying condition… I can’t even think about that.

 

Just as in humans, plaque and tarter build-up on doggie teeth can lead to problems including periodontal disease, gingivitis, swollen gums, gum disease, mouth tumors and infections in other parts of the body.

So I have decided to be diligent in brushing and cleaning their teeth.  That’s almost like giving a cat medicine.  Mac & Jazz are pretty easy going about it but they don’t like it.  I have been brushing with a finger brush but most of the tartar is on the back outside teeth and it’s really hard to brush back there because they close their mouths.  They don’t like my finger or the taste of the 3 different toothpastes I have tried.

 

There is a spray you can buy, as well as a fluid to put in their water, but they hated that and wouldn’t drink the water.  So I bought a gel that says it reduces the plaque without brushing.  I read an article that if I put it in peanut butter, they will eat it and it’s so gummy, they produce more saliva and it helps spread the gel around their mouth.  That was true, they did like it if I buried it enough.  But it sure was messy. Might not be so bad with just one dog but I had to wash everything when I was done including me. 

 

Then I tried just putting the gel on my finger and sticking it on their back teeth, as best I could.  They don’t like the taste but they did kind of swish it around.  I will do both as well as brush.  Too bad I can’t make them understand how important it is.

 

I also give them dental treats but that’s not enough.  Mac & Melinda’s teeth are in much better shape but the vet said some breeds are more prevalent than others in getting the plaque and tarter build-up.

 

One important tip to remember, don’t give them any food or water for 30 minutes before or after the cleaning.  Bedtime is usually the best time.