Dealing with gingivitis?

GlennR

Forums Enthusiast
Willow had her annual today and most everything was just fine. However, the vet stated that Willow has mild gingivitis. We brush her teeth each day with an enzymatic toothpaste but, apparently, that isn't enough. The vet thought dental chews might help but I doubt it as Willow doesn't like to gnaw things. She's a break it and swallow it kind of dog.

Any suggestions?

The poor baby has gone into her crate for comfort as she always gets stiff and hurts after her annual vaccinations. She tried lying on her bed, the couch, the floor and the love seat but nothing felt safe and comfortable to her. She's had a Benedryl and that will help some but if it's like previous times she won't really be herself until tomorrow.
 
Try adding ProDen Plaque Off to her diet. A tiny scoop once a day has really helped reduce the dentals mine need. It' s a natural form of Icelandic kelp that reduces tarter etc. through the saliva. That, with brushing, should do the job. I think you can probably get it in Canada.

Poor Willow...those nasty vaccines really do a job on some of them. Give her a pat for me.
 
I use the plaque off as well. I would try her on the largest Bully Stick safely attached to a Bully Buddy. They do wonders for the teeth....

Edited to add.... careful where you get Bully Sticks from. I don't just buy any Bully Sticks. The ones sold from the makers of the Bully Buddy are really good sticks. I have maybe 3 sources I trust and I NEVER buy them from Petco!
 
I've ordered the ProDen, it ought to be here in a couple of days.

I will try out bully sticks but first I have to locate the bully buddy here in Canada.

Willow's breeder also recommended large bones that she'd have to gnaw. I may try that if the other things don't work out.

Thank you all for the recommendations!

As for the princess, she's recovered fully from the pain and stiffness the vaccinations always cause with her. Benedryl helped her cope but time is the only healer for this. I hate seeing her standing stiffly and not even able to lie down comfortably after the shots. But she is fully back to her mischievous and cuddly ways. I should add that her bloodwork and stool sample were normal.
 
One other thought, I had my vet order me a dental scaler instrument which I use to scrape just along the gum line. Not that any of them like it of course, but I can get tartar off and also just do a better job along the gums than the toothbrushing does. I don't know if Willow would allow you to do that. I only do it every few months.
 
One other thought, I had my vet order me a dental scaler instrument which I use to scrape just along the gum line. Not that any of them like it of course, but I can get tartar off and also just do a better job along the gums than the toothbrushing does. I don't know if Willow would allow you to do that. I only do it every few months.
That sounds worth a try. There hasn't been anything that Willow hasn't let me do as long as I insist on it. Of course, I'm sure she'll give me her opinion on it as she does for other things that she doesn't fancy having done to her. :)
 
I have been using Plaque off since I got Minnie as an attempt,
so far her teeth are ok.
I never got myself together to brush her teeth, :hide
even though I bought "all the equipment" when I got her.

Even a dental scaler instrument as Sharon mentions.
I think I will unpack it and give it a try :yes:

Minnie is soon 7 year and I would really like she has good teeth. :hugs
 
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