Brushing teeth?

P

PennyInGA

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We've never brushed our German Shorthairs' teeth. They gnaw on nylabones daily, and have very little build-up at almost 5 years old. The vet said their teeth are in fine shape; no cleaning necessary at this point.

Yesterday the vet did the first once-over on our newly adopted 1yr old Sheltie, Scout. And she apparently has lots of plaque build-up. The vet recommended a cleaning while she's under for her spaying.

I'm thinking we should start brushing all the kids' teeth. What products do you suggest?

Thanks!
Penny
 
I've been told that dogs should have their teeth brushed and I've also been told that brushing is not neccesary as long as they're given something hard to naw on such as a butcher bone, denta bone or raw hide (with supervison).

I've also been told that shelties are prone to bad teeth but maybe it depends on the dog.

Sadie is still young and her teeth are beautiful, I've brushed Sadie's teeth and I also always have things for her to chew on. What I'm going to do is continue giving her things to chew on that are good for her teeth and also brush her teeth occasionally. I check her teeth regularly so if I begin to see build up I'll start brushing them more often.
 
Chewing potato chips won't brush your teeth so why should chewing something hard or crunchy like kibble keep your dog's teeth clean. Brush your dogs teeth three times a week. You don't need to use tooth paste or any additive. Just get a child sized tooth brush and wet it and brush very gently on their front teeth, canine teeth and their molars. You will not be sorry for being dilligent about keeping the teeth clean. Bad dental hygine is one of the biggest reasons for most doggie bad breath.
 
SunChaser said:
Chewing potato chips won't brush your teeth so why should chewing something hard or crunchy like kibble keep your dog's teeth clean. Brush your dogs teeth three times a week. You don't need to use tooth paste or any additive. Just get a child sized tooth brush and wet it and brush very gently on their front teeth, canine teeth and their molars. You will not be sorry for being diligent about keeping the teeth clean. Bad dental hygiene is one of the biggest reasons for most doggie bad breath.
Click to expand...

Wolves don't brush their teeth, their teeth are cleaned by chewing on the bones of the animals they kill. Dog and wolf species have been around for millions of years and to my knowledge have not become extinct from lack of oral hygiene.

I'm not saying that brushing a dogs teeth is totally unnecessary, I do think its important, especially if the dog eats wet dog food instead of dry or if the dog or breed is prone to tooth problems. But I also don't believe that brushing a dogs teeth as often as 3 times a week is necessary all of the time and with every dog.

But thats just my opinion/experience, everyone has their own and I'm not sure that any particular opinion is either right or wrong. In my case, I've spoken to this with my vet as well as two breeders, one of collies and the other of shelties and this is what I've come to believe.
 
I used to brush Casey's teeth pretty often when he was a puppy. Now i'm pretty bad at keeping up. They get bones to chew on, they're great to scrape some tarters off.
 
Check under Health

Hi Penny....check the Toothless Shelties thread in the Health section of the forum. We discussed a number of dental products there a while back that people have used successfully.
 
Brush them : )

I brush Shelbies teeth once a week. I should probably do it a couple times a week but once is better than none right? Not brushing their teeth will increase the chance of smelly breath. My sisters doxie has HORRIBLE breath! He has tartar build up, so I would definetly suggest brushing teeth :yes:
 
Please Brush ,,, Its good for both of you!

I was so nervous about brushing Ladys teeth that it took a couple of weeks of slow steps on my part , ie fingers all over first, rubber finger 'brush' then toothbrush but we are there now and I am so glad. Her front teeth tickle so I do that in the middle of the brushing so I can start and stop on a good note.

I like knowing I am doing all I can to keep her healthy and owning several dogs before Lady that I couldn't even give meds to taught me to train her so that I can touch her any way I want and expect her full trust and cooperation! It feels great and she loves me for it!

Good luck its so worth the effort!
 
I now use a new product for Dasher's Teeth:

:o This product is new to me anyway it is called,
ORA VET
Get it from your vet. It is oderless and tasteless.
A kind of a wax stuff, Plaque Prevention Gel. Apply it with a long swab, which eight are included in the kit.
Very reasonable I believe it was $ 22.00 for a 8 week treatment plan.
Dasher is very good at letting me put it on his teeth.
Protects the teeth and gums so that foods won't stick and it is completely digestible.
Brushing is a good idea always. So are Denta Bones.
Yes Shetland Sheepdogs are prone to tooth and gun disease.
Keep out babies healthy.:wink2:
 
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