Spoon River NAVHDA Chapter

Anyone ever had their dog's teeth professionally cleaned by the vet?  Brahms is 4 1/2 and getting some tartar buildup.  When do you know to have it done?  My vet has never mentioned it before.

You can brush them yourself and  it will go away in a week or two maybe a little longer depending on how bad it is. The last time I was going to do it I think it was in the 300-500 dollar range.

Clint

Try the large nylabone. They are expensive, $14-$17.00.  Mac has gone through four and he is about the same age and size as your dog. His teeth and gums look good. After a period of time one of the ends will become pointed. I discard the bone at that time. Some individuals feel a dog may break teeth on these "bones".  So far we have not had any problems.

I think Clint and Ed are on the right track.  There are ways to brush his teeth which can help or things to chew on. 

My vet only recommends nylabone or Kong.  Definitely go with the bigger nylabones though, otherwise Brahms will probably go through them in a few hours.  Either the double knot style or the larger arm bone style.  They're big enough he won't chew through them too fast (Omar has had a couple of them for over a year).  Kongs are good, too, but supervision is absolutely necessary, as small pieces will come off.  Probably will need the black kong for more aggressive chewers, and go big. 

I also use marrow bones.  The ones I get are from Farm and Fleet, and are an actual beef femur piece.  They are about 7 inches long, with good thick walls, and a fair amount of marrow and meat crumb on the surface (just don't let him start it in the house, it leaves crumbs all over the floor).  Wth the thicker wall and longer bone, I think these last longer than several others I have tried and Omar doesn't wear through them as fast.  But again, with bones, supervision is absolutely necessary as small pieces will occasionally break off any you don't want the dog to swallow it.

This is what I do, and my vets say Omar's teeth look really good. 

Palmer followes me to the bathroom every night so he can get his teeth brushed with Crest...I shit you not.
little toothpaste little brushing then he runs into the bedroom and goes to sleep.
He is a good boy.
I also use deer antlers he goes thru a nice 4 or 5 point shed yearly.  not much left when I throw them away.
My vet says Palmers teeth are clean and healthy looking?  Must work

Boy I would love to see that. Do you give him a little dixie cup full of water to rinse with?