Dental Cleanings

[Jenny G]

Berman was in for his annual check up and shots in August and I asked our vet about his teeth.  The vet said his teeth were fine and didn't need cleaned.  Should they only be cleaned when they need it or is it a good idea to have them cleaned annually? When we first brought in Annie, she had to have either 12 or 18 teeth pulled and a major cleaning because her previous owner failed to keep her teeth healthy.  The only thing I worry about is having to put Berman under anesthetic if it's not necessary.

[drew]

We actually brush Penny's teeth every bath she gets.

[April]

Cajsa is 2.5 and hasn't had her teeth cleaned yet.  They get checked everytime she goes to the vet (which is actually pretty regularly - lol) but haven't needed to be cleaned yet. 

[David C.]

Do the dentals only when necessary.  You can make the intervals between dentals a lot further if you take care of your puppers teeth several times a week.  Rudy went an astonishing 10 years before the vet finally felt he needed a dental.   Typically, 2 to 3 years between dentals is average.

[Shumard4]

We only do it when needed. I did get some kind of oxy clean stuff to add to their water and I brush on occasion. Tofu needed his cleaned this year and he's 4. Hope this helps!

[Jen]

The earliest I have ever had to do a dental is 4 although I do brush the dogs teeth at least twice a week. I think some dogs just are more prone to decay like some humans. If there is a thick layer of tarter around the gum line and up on the K9's it is probably best to go ahead and let the vet scale the teeth if there is a small amount you can buy over the counter wipes  or toothbrush & toothpaste (made for dogs) that will usually work and make the dogs breath fresh at the same time.  Dentals are important so if your dog has yucky teeth (check the back ones not the just the front) then its important to get it taken care of since mouth infection can lead to other things if left untreated. Some vets do "Dental Month" mine is Feb. here so if I think a doggie might need one I try to schedule it then since I can save 25%  :apls:

Hope this helps!

Jen

[Bratpak and Lauri]

I have found with all 4 my butts it's different.  Heino needs cleaning much more - like every 2.5 years.  Jessie did'nt need a cleaning at all.  They all eat the same food, get the same cookies, chewies, yet they respond differently.  I did found that the more they chew on rawhides, the more likely their teeth stay clean.  Heino is not much of a chewer though, so that's maybe why he needs a dental more often.