Teeth cleaning

[Kananga]

@nodakerdeb:

$25 - $30 seems like pennies to me when you compare it to the cost of a full dental under anesthesia. I can't ever anticipate having to another dental on our Rat Terrier again, nor any dog we would get in the future. There is simply no tarter build up with this product when used daily, or even a couple of times a week.

Jack likes the taste too. At first he wasn't nuts about it, but it didn't take long for him to acquire it. He does not like the 'spray' in his mouth though. He's always been skiddish about a spray sound. If I had a pup I'd start in with the spray from the get go so they got used to the sound.

Simple brushing has actually broken down some of the tarter on my B's teeth. He's only 10 months old, but I've been brushing 3-5 times per week (which we all know is more than your average dog owner…. never). I figured the PetzLife gel will help break down the rest and keep his teeth/gums healthy. But yes, such a small amount compared to having him put under for cleaning. My vet wanted it done soon but I said i'd wait and see if the tarter build up got worse. It has gotten better.

[tanza]

That is really young to have tartar build up? 10 months?

[nodakerdeb]

@tanza:

That is really young to have tartar build up? 10 months?

Pat, I was thinking the same thing. I'm wondering if there is more going on there ??

Good on the owner for being diligient about brushing though!

[Kananga]

@tanza:

That is really young to have tartar build up? 10 months?

Very minimal. It's just about gone now so perhaps the previous owner (breeder) did not allow him to chew on bones all too often. I've only had him for a little over 2 months. His teeth are actually in great shape regardless of that minor spot or two on his back teeth.

[tanza]

That is good to hear… I would be concerned if there was lots of build up at that age... However, that said, there are some lines that just have horrible teeth, my OJ was one.. for his entire life.... His first dental he lost 5 teeth.... And others that are related to him have always had teeth problems too...

I just got my order of Petzlife... Kristii was not impressed....gggg

[agilebasenji]

i have read that, in addition to genetics, vaccination schedule (either for the pups or for mom carrying pups) can have an impact on the enammel on the teeth. which i think might impact the tartar build up.

[Kananga]

I find that brushing his teeth 3-4 times per week (minimum) is enough to prevent build-up. I take dental hygiene a lot more seriously than others but mostly because I know how it can impact their health. It also can impact our sense of smell….

[nodakerdeb]

@Kananga:

I find that brushing his teeth 3-4 times per week (minimum) is enough to prevent build-up. I take dental hygiene a lot more seriously than others but mostly because I know how it can impact their health. It also can impact our sense of smell….

I'm like you Kananga– very serious about dental care because it is so much more than just the teeth that are affected. I had visions of you having to scrape tons of tarter off -- a few spots is to be expected.;)

I'm not surprised that Nickii was not impressed with the Petzlife Pat. It's way different than the chicken flavored beige paste... LOL!

deb

[tanza]

Exactly… Deb...

[nomrbddgs]

@tanza:

That is good to hear… I would be concerned if there was lots of build up at that age... However, that said, there are some lines that just have horrible teeth, my OJ was one.. for his entire life.... His first dental he lost 5 teeth.... And others that are related to him have always had teeth problems too...

I just got my order of Petzlife... Kristii was not impressed....gggg

Pat, how is it working? Have you seen anything? I'm tempted to try some. I think it's about $14 or thereabouts through Revival and I have to order vaccines anyway.

[wizard]

My breeder told me that giving them frozen bones to gnaw on really helps keep their teeth clean (the big thick soup bones or marrow bones). I've talked to some whippet people and they all give their dogs turkey necks once or twice a week to help with the teeth cleaning.

[tanza]

@nomrbddgs:

Pat, how is it working? Have you seen anything? I'm tempted to try some. I think it's about $14 or thereabouts through Revival and I have to order vaccines anyway.

It only been 3 days…ggg... I will let you know if I see any difference in 2 wks... of course I am using it on a 14yr old

[snorky998]

Tanza, I too am interested. Tyler has always had a problem with tartar build up, even when we brush regularly. He's 11 now and has already had 2 teeth extracted. I'm desperate to find something that works. Please keep us posted.

[tanza]

Will let you know…. sometimes it doesn't matter how well you try and take care of the teeth... my OJ was one... he had horrible teeth as did many of his siblings, cousins, aunts/uncles.... nephews....etc....

[tanza]

@wizard:

My breeder told me that giving them frozen bones to gnaw on really helps keep their teeth clean (the big thick soup bones or marrow bones). I've talked to some whippet people and they all give their dogs turkey necks once or twice a week to help with the teeth cleaning.

That would be raw turkey or chicken necks, wings work well too.. as do marrow beef bones (raw)… I have the butcher cut them in half...

[Kananga]

I've been using the Petzlife gel for a couple weeks now but I do not use it every day. I usually take a pea-sized amount and put it on the roof of Kananga's mouth (forces him to coat his teeth with it) every few days, sometimes a couple days in a row. I still do brush a couple times per week. Usually on a day where i don't use the gel.

Few things i've noticed:

1. His breath has greatly improved. I rarely notice bad breath.
2. In combination with the brushing it has basically eliminated any tartar that did exist
3. It has kept his teeth clean which should cover anything missed by brushing

Overall I still have some more time to evaluate how effective this product is, but I truly feel this is a great product to have around that can compliment occasional brushing. It's very easy to apply and it is effective thus far. For $30 it's very cheap considering it should last me at least 4-5 months. I don't apply it every day and shouldn't need to. For dogs that already have issues it's known to need application on a daily basis. I think then you'd need a new bottle after a couple months. Still cheaper than taking them to the vet for a cleaning.

Just my .02

[tanza]

I feel that I am seeing a difference in Kristii teeth also (and she is 14+)… also Ann who co-owner Kobey with me (and he lives with Ann and Crystal) was turned on the Cod Liver Oil for Dogs from a person with toy breeds, while it doesn't say for teeth, Kobey has been getting this (1/2 teaspoon with his food) for one week and all the tarter build up on his K-9's is gone... in fact I was shocked cause I would have said he had a dental

http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Nordic-Naturals-Pet-Cod-Liver-Oil/104000.aspx

[nomrbddgs]

I'm seeing a difference in Calli's teeth and breath also. I've been using it for about a week usually just once a day as I tend to forget. How is everyone else's coming along. By the way, I'm using the spray.

[moetmum]

We have started using it today!! Mainly Fiji who is having gel and spray (much to her disgust) and my three youngsters are just having the spray as maintenance.

[Kananga]

For those of you using the gel, how do you apply it typically? I've been just taking a pea sized amount, opening Kananga's mouth and placing it on his tongue or the roof of his mouth. The website says that the dogs tongue will automatically coat the teeth. Seems tough to coat the teeth with your finger because the gel can easily slide off your finger.