Brushing teeth

[KellyB]

Does anyone brush their own dog's teeth or do you get a dental treatment from the vet or groomer?

Also, does brushing improve the smell of their breath at all or is it just good for their teeth and gums?

[lassie]

i brush , when i remember. Yes the breathe does smell sweeter, for a while, i use Logic. I do also scrape them.

[zoe08]

I dont brush my dogs teeth but occasionally she gets it done at the groomers. If they have enough stuff to chew on their teeth should stay fairly clean.

[Cheetah]

I don't brush Eevee's teeth. I used to, but it didn't really do a lot of good. I found something else that works better. I give her 2-3 raw marrow bones per week to chew on. Her teeth have never been so white, and the vet was impressed, so it works, and stranger still, it improves her breath. Along with that she gets an annual cleaning at the vet.

[lassie]

Yep marrow bones are good, unfortunately they give my roughs jippy tummies::p

[Cheetah]

I had to start Eevee out slowly on them before I could give her a whole one. I can't give her most rawhides so that's out... they give her the runs... probably all the chemicals in them... >O_o;<

[keeks62]

I do brush my dogs teeth. I figure it will save me money in the long run with not having to get her teeth cleaned at the vet. She thinks it's a treat. She's only a year, but I'll check back and let you know in a few if it significantly helps with breath!

Also, where do you get raw marrow bones? I'm interested.

[Cheetah]

Well I get mine from the local privately-owned pet store. They sell the Prairie/Nature's Variety raw animal parts (turkey/chicken necks, lamb and bison femurs) out of a freezer there. You might be able to find a small retailer near you who does the same. I tried buying regular beef bones from the grocery store, but they made Eevee sick. I don't think they were properly handled.

Also, I recommend having the dog's teeth cleaned annually even if you are brushing. It really helps to keep them healthy and preserve them for longer. >^^;<

[keeks62]

Thanks! I'll have to look for that!

[lapdog]

I find brushing to be very beneficial, especially with a small dog. Large dogs can gnaw bones that help, but the little ones with crowded mouths benefit from a good brushing a couple of times a week.

[MaryGrace]

I brush Max's teeth once a week, and also provide safe bones for him to chew on. :)

[Zoes_mama]

I brush Zoe's teeth every other week. She tries to eat the toothpaste before I even get it in her mouth! she thinks it's a treat too. I can't give her any bones or rawhides to chew though. Almost everything gives her the runs. Does anyone have advice for dogs with sensitive stomaches??

[Taeric]

Nylabone makes a dental bone. It's all but indestructable (our pup has been working on hers for months, and it's still in great shape), so it shouldn't cause any digestive problems. We noticed a big difference in her teeth after just a few days with it. Although it's certainly not a complete solution for dental issues, it does help out quite a bit.

[Zoes_mama]

Oh cool, thanks a bunch Taeric! :D I'll check it out today.

[smallangel1]

My vet suggest that I clean Waffle's teeth once a week. It helps to eat dry food coz that's cleaning the teeth as well. But if your dog eat wet food then you should brush the teeth more often.
I know a dog that eat wet food since it was young and the vet cleaned his teeth like human for like $300 dollars