Sam gets SUCH a dental.

[Rich]

We just had the dogs in for their annual physicals in July. Both got good bills of health, but Sam is so head shy that he has to be muzzled to get his vaccinations and to let the vet handle him. With the muzzle on she said "i guess we won't check his teeth". Why I thought that was a good idea is beyond me. On our trip to Utah 2 weeks ago we noticed that his breath was really foul (cooped up in the car with him it was hard to miss). So we called the vet and said that something was definitely wrong in his mouth and scheduled him for dental. Yesterday Deb took him and stayed with him so he wouldn't be too freaked out. Not sure it helped a lot, getting him "under" was quite a task. Anyway to make a long story short he lost 12 teeth including a canine along his right upper jaw. They said his left side and lower jaw looked just fine. No explanation of why this one area was so bad. (He was supposed to have had a dental in the shelter before we got him, but who knows what that was like). Anyway, rays and thoughts would be appreciated for the little guy, he was really slammed from this but his appetite was returning this morning even though we can tell he is still in some pain. He's usually such a happy energetic little fellow it's hard to see him this way.

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

Wow, 12 teeth! Breaks my heart to think of him fighting them to be put under (not half as much for you and Deb though I'm sure). Glad this is behind him and he is starting to feel better. I'm sure he'll be back to his silly self soon, you and Deb hang in there.
I worry about Hallie's teeth too, although they look ok with just a little tarter that I can't get off (grrr) she doesn't chew like she used to so something is bothering her. I know Sophie has had some teeth out too and especially if the 2 are related, I would think they could have similar teeth.

Give them both a hug for me and hope by tomorrow you see a big change in Sam.

[Mike]

Rays coming for Mr. Sam.  Duncan feels his pain as he had 13 teeth removed the end of June while under foster care.

[Roberta]

poor wee man, I have started brushing our pairs and the now don't run amile when the toothie brush comes out.
With my pair if they are going under I ask for a pre before they put them out and I hold them and I try to be there when they wake up.
Roberta
ps Sam tell mum ice creams real nice with sooooooooooooore gums

[peterparker]

Parker had 8 teeth pulled in June. He is only 3. He made a remarkable recovery. My wallet took a little longer. He enjoys getting his teeth brush now. He finds the process rather yummy and is quite co-operative.

[Rich]

Sam is recovering nicely. He went outside last night and had a good time exploring and digging in the yard. When I was filling his dish with his burger and rice (not ready to chew kibble yet) he was jumping up to urge me on. He is still swollen with his right lower eyelid partially closed. The vet gave us some liquid pain medication premeasured in little syringes to squirt in his mouth. Once we get it in his mouth, he likes the taste, but having someone approach him carrying a syringe gets him really defensive. Sophie was being very solicitous yesterday, sniffing around his head very carefully and checking on him periodically. Thanks for the good wishes.

Has anyone had any experience with the liquid enzymatic tartar controllers? We picked up some of this and are hoping that rigorous use of this will help keep his teeth cleaner. We brush, but not without resistance - Sam doesn't like people messing with his mouth.

[Roberta]

If thats the stuff in the water start with  a very weak solution and work up, as my pair did not like it first off, but they are now into it. they have two water bowls and as I think it was so much in a day minimum we use the one in my work room so we can see them drink after dry treats.
Roberta

[Barb]

Sorry to be so late - sounds like Sam is on the mend.    I use Leba III (squirt liquid) in my kids mouth, and every couple days, I wipe their teeth with a wet piece of guaze.  It seems to help.  Petsmart carries another of the same type thing, can't think of the name, but I hear that their mouths get used to one kind, and it helps to change brands.  Last trip, my Brandy lost quite a few teeth...... so I have tried to be good about keeping her, and the other sprayed !!!  Rays to Sam !

[Leslie]

Glad to hear he is on the mend. That's a lotta teeth! Try baby food, like  turkey dinner, just make sure there's no onion powder in it!

[papbouv]

The name of the stuff at Pets Mart is Petz Life Oral care spray also comes in a Gel there is also Tropiclean clean teeth gel I rotate though them all plus the different kinds of Dog tooth pastes then also use Four Paws Dental Rinse you add to the water. I tried the 
Leba III  I was least impressed with it for the price you pay for it had much better luck with the Petz Life Gel just my opinion though.
Think with the sore mouth I would use the spray then when it is healed better use a soft tooth brush. Good Luck we, do this every night Patches still puts dents in my fingers the brat.

[Teresa]

I need to get the Petz Life gel. I have the spray for Schatzi, but she does not like it. I think the gel would be much easier to use with her. I had a feeling when I bought the spray it would be a fight, but was determined to start her on something. Should have listened to my intuition!

[papbouv]

Seems like if you miss any days you are going to have crud you can't get off no matter what you do at home. I missed some days when I was in the hospital and Patches has crud on her two top molars I can't seem to get off no matter what I do. I have been seriously thinking about giving Buddy a Raw Turkey neck and Patches at 14# a raw chicken neck but so far have not gotten enough nerve up,never have fed raw anything I did give Buddy a raw Ham bone he would not chew on it I threw it away.They say the Raw Turkey & Chicken necks really clean their teeth ???? back to nice and shinny white teeth?. What do you all think ?

[Kathleen]

I can vouch for the raw chicken necks and backs.  They really do wonders, especially if your tarter problems aren't already bad.  Every couple days is what I've been told, but I need to get in a supply. 

[papbouv]

Chicken neck for Patches and Turkey neck for Buddy ? Patches 14# Buddy 90# he also has a Sagittal Crest = X-strong jaw muscles ?