How do you care for your dog's teeth?
Brushing, dental sticks/treats, water additives, etc. What products do you use, why those specifically, how often, and how well do they work?
4 Answers
My dog's regimen is based on vet recommendation. Tooth brushing w/ dog dental paste (specially formulated for dogs taste/plaque/safe to swallow) and Virbac CET enzymatic coated dental chews (removes plaque). Ideally brush and Virbac chews daily or as often as can. I found sometimes chews based on his size are too tough and he won't chew, so I get smaller size. His oral health improved. I've cared for dogs using water additive - can't comment on effectiveness plus may impact frequency of changing it (in a lot of homes water looks ready to be freshened multiple times/day). I've cared for dogs using bully sticks which can smell but my bigger concern is if it gets stuck and lodged inside. Again, I follow his vet's directions for care (after all I'm paying for his medical knowledge).
Comments
I use greenies which are great but somethings hard and my chihuahua isnt in the mood to struggle chewinging. So there are gel that you put directly on the teeth and the lick and brush there own teeth that way. It works really well for my chihuahua.
We tried Greenies before the Virbac chews. For my dog, disturbed GI tract/output.
I use the gel everyday once a day
I give my dog a 12-inch bully stick about once a week. I find the bully sticks clean his teeth really well. Sometimes I see plaque on his teeth, and after chewing on the bully stick, the amount of plaque significantly decreases. He also LOVES bully sticks so it's really two birds with one stone. I tried using the gel, but my dog really disliked it.
I use two different brushes. Those silicone finger brushes meant for a babies mouth are awesome for those hard to reach places, or even for little dogs (http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Buddy-Finger-Toothbrush-Blue/dp/B00I8OQC7U/ref=sr (http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Buddy-Fing...)13?ie=UTF8&qid=1453821403&sr=8-3&keywords=finger+toothbrush).
My pup is about 60 pounds, and we use this 3 sided brush meant for a dogs mouth (http://www.amazon.com/EZDOG-Triple-Toothbrush-Large-Breeds/dp/B003R0Y08S/ref=sr (http://www.amazon.com/EZDOG-Triple-To...)111?ie=UTF8&qid=1453821549&sr=8-11&keywords=dog+toothbrush)
All you need to do is make it a habit for both you and your pup. :)