On Friday we took Deedle in to get her teeth cleaned. We had had them cleaned a few years ago, and really, it’s something we should do yearly, but last time it cost us almost $900, so, you know, sometimes I kinda forget to make the appointment.
I do try to brush Deedle’s teeth, but she moves her head all around, and it is quite difficult, so I am lazy about it. After this latest teeth cleaning, though, I am determined to brush regularly. Why? Deedle had to have 7 teeth extracted! Some of her teeth were so rotten they were on the verge of falling out of her mouth. No wonder her breath is so horrible. She had come to us with bad teeth to begin with–she had been chained up in the backyard for weekends at a time with a big bowl of food and water that she probably went through the first day, so I suspect she tried to chew through the chain.
But, the moral to the story is, if you have pets, take care of their teeth! I just found out about a product called PetzLife. It comes in gel and spray form and is supposed to be very effective at reducing plaque. The vet did emphasize that you really DO need to brush, though, so that’s what I will do. Really.
Eeewwww. Poor Deedle! Brushing dog’s teeth? Who knew??
Are you sure he hasn’t secretly been raiding your candy stash?
Don’t feel too bad. One of our Basenjis has awful teeth. For the first 5 or 6 years I sat on him and wrestled and brushed his teeth, we gave him bones, and had his teeth cleaned once a year. He still had awful breath and bad teeth. Then I had kids and the poor dogs didn’t get his teeth brushed anymore. Exact same report from the doctor either way.
There’s no way I’m brushing the cat’s teeth. She’d tear me up! It’s hard enough to clip her claws every couple weeks.
It’s not like animals in the wild get their teeth brushed. I’m just sayin’…
Does Deedle get a visit from the Tooth Fairy? you are good doggie-mommy…so don’t be too hard on yourself for that brushin’ stuff.
You simply must make a project using those teeth. Maybe a special shrine/altar dedicated to Deedle and cleaner teeth.
poor deedle. now how is he gonna chew?
Gross
Poor Deedles! That’s awful that she had 7 teeth pulled! I can completely relate to your hesitation though, as I am the same about my cats’ teeth.
I can’t even imagine what would happen if I tried to brush my cat’s teeth. I can barely trim all the claws on one paw! He’s very squirmy. Hard to get them to do it once they’re older. Though he does like to have his gums rubbed.
One of my dogs will let you brush his teeth, but one of them goes beserk. Have you tried CET products? They have chews (good), mouthwash (better), and doggy toothpaste (best). There are enzymes in the toothpaste that eat the plaque away. Anyway, if you have a dog that just refuses to let you brush, you can always do the mouthwash and/or chews. I only pay about $175 to get my dogs teeth cleaned here in TN.
One of my dogs will let you brush his teeth, but one of them goes beserk. Have you tried CET products? They have chews (good), mouthwash (better), and doggy toothpaste (best). There are enzymes in the toothpaste that eat the plaque away. Anyway, if you have a dog that just refuses to let you brush, you can always do the mouthwash and/or chews. I only pay about $175 to get my dogs teeth cleaned here in TN.
Oh dear! I am a fairly new reader of your blog, so I admit I was relieved to discover that Deedle is your pet, and not your child’s nickname! Whew. 🙂
Maybe I should start brushing my cat’s teeth too.
wow! I’m afraid that will be the fate of my Fanny’s teeth as well. She also came to us with bad teeth and gums and it’s definitely a challenge trying to brush her teeth and clip her nails…
I use the CET toothpaste and she loves it so that is a definite plus. but alas, the chews cause her gums to bleed so none of those for her.
It’s really amazing though, how even dogs/cats with no teeth can eat kibble just fine. if they really want it, they will find a way! :o) you are a great mom to the deedles!
Oh my gosh, poor Deedle. (@_@)’
Poor little Deedle.
We don’t brush our kitty’s teeth, but she only gets wet food once a week. Somewhere back before I can remember, we were told that wet food was more likely to cause teeth problems because it would get stuck and worked on by bacteria more easily. Yuck either way.
Joseph’s teacher googled “rotten teeth” and showed the class the pictures, and he has been doing his brushing and swishing like a SAINT ever since. Insists on using his 2 minute hourglass.
Perhaps Deedle should view some pictures, is what I’m saying. Scared straight!
Poor Deedle(love the name), a girl can get so self-concious without the teeth. I hope other doggies don’t give her a hard time.
Our experience has been good at Banfield (Petsmart Hospital). We subscribed to the Wellness Plan at $30/month. It includes teeth cleaning once a year (or maybe 2)as well as all shots and routine work. Worth it for us since our doggie was already developing serious tartar at 1.5 years old. Healthy teeth is very important as they can lead to other diseases – read up more on it.
Also, we use the enzyme toothpaste poultry flavor. Mulder loves it! You don’t have to dig into his mouth to brush. Just rub the enzyme.
‘Hope this helps. Your experience may be different from us but just thought I’d share.
We started brushing our basenjis’ teeth when the older one started having dental problems. I think we didn’t start early enough for her; she still has bad teeth. Both dogs get the same treatment brushing after each meal, but the younger dog tolerates it better and still has all his big beautiful teeth. But I meant to ask, what is up with saving your dog’s teeth? (I do it too!)
Hi,
I just stumbled upon this blog doing some research on what people are saying about our products!
Here is a little information to clarify how to use Petzlife Oral Care Spray & Gel:
Works on existing plaque & tarter!
Both products do the same job equally as well as the other. That’s why we offer the Twin pack so people can try both and see which one works best for them. Its just a gel form of the spray! only a different application, using the spray just try and get it in the mouth, spray directly on the largest area of tarter if possible.
With the gel, you can put a little on your finger and just dab it onto your Dog or Cat’s lips, the gel will be mixing with your pet’s saliva and the natural ingredients will coat all surfaces of the mouth. We have wild salmon oil added to one of the gels just to make it tamer for finicky dogs or cats. All ingredients come from the US as well!!
Brushing is not required!!! but if you can,maybe once every week or two to remove what is already softened.
P.S. for everyone here I will give you a discount code for 10% off anything on our site!
code is: apetzdeal
entered at the checkout page of http://www.petzlife.com/category/
Thank you for your interest!
Andrew Groth
Petzlife Products Inc.
I just wanted to share something that worked for our dog and may help you. We have an Italian Greyhound and they are notorious for bad teeth (lack of enamel I think?). Anyway, we take him to the vet for teeth cleaning – they were yellow/brown and breath was terrible too. When we picked him back up the teeth were white and sparkly clean. The vet told us that if we bought a child size electric toothbrush (small round head) and used it with a dog toothpaste on our dog just once a week (rinse too) that we would probably only need to have professional cleaning done every 2 or 3 years. We do it every sunday evening (just so we remember) and I hold the dog while the husband uses the electric brush. The dog doesn’t mind the small vibrations at all – and its worked – keeps teeth white and breath smelling good.