Hi-

I hve a 6 year old chow. She does not eat dog foo, she eats human food. Anyway, her teeth are so nasty....she has a huge build up of tartar on her molars. i know I was a bad dog mom for not brushing her teeth since she was a puppy. But what can I do now to avoid a dental at the vet's?

She does not like to chew.

She is my baby. I do not deal w/vets very well as I question their desire to over vaccinate animals.

Thanks.
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Hi Stacy,

Not sure what you mean by "over" vaccinating. AFAIK, dogs are required by law to have rabies vaccinations in all 50 states. Beyond that, I wouldn't risk NOT having distemper/parvo (usually a combination vaccine) -- I've seen too many dogs killed by those diseases. Heartworm, round & hook worms (where a problem) can be handled now with a monthly treat (HeartgardPlus).

Most dogs are chewers if you can figure out what it is they like to chew! IME, hardtack biscuits (e.g. Milkbone, etc.) can do a pretty good job with tartar.


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makes a product, but I have not used it. Amazon (see link) has customer reviews.

Doc

Thanks for the links-

My state's law is a rabies vax every 3 yrs...which she does get...She does receive HW preventative. I would rather have them do titres for the others. An example-When I had her spayed, she had not had bordatella vax..the morning I brought her in, the vet (whom I knew well) stated she had to give it to her to admit her to the "well" animal area. I just looked at her and asked her "really? Can you please explain scientifically how the antibodies will develop within minutes?". She shrugged sher shoulders and advised me if she owned the practice, she would waive it as she knows how I feel, but the owner of the Animal hospital required it..She did get it as I wanted her spayed that day. She has not had it since, but then again, she is never really around other dogs nor is ever boarded.

Stacy

IC. Our vets only require Bordetella (kennel cough vaccine) if clients will be boarding with them -- not for regular admissions -- and then 7-10 days ahead of time (or within previous 6 months).

Come to think of it, our trainer requires it for classes as well. In both cases there's a liability involved.

Doc

I'd suggest seeing a holistic vet. Mine is amazing, supports my raw feeding, will do titers vs vaccines if requested, uses recumbent vaccines. Treats holistic with supplements etc. and only medication when absolutely necessary.

Unfortunately there is probably little way around a dental. You can try and chip the tarter off with a nail, but considering the condition teeth may need to be extracted that you would not be able to see. They also offer dental X-ray in veterinary practice. Once you get them back to a good condition. You can use raw marrow bones and raw chicken, duck or Turkey necks on a regular basis to try and maintain them. Although genetically some dogs/cats are just predisposed to having bad teeth.

Hope that helps

Dogs gums problems are just like people. If your don't get the tartar off the gum to tooth area it will make the gums red and sore and gingivitis will set in and cause very yucky breath. Your dog will feel like an old dog fast if infection starts in the gums For sure your dog won't want to chew with his gums hurting and bleeding. He needs a cleaning professionally done and then talk to the Vet about maintenance. Sounds like you love your dog a lot so make him feel better!!! Blossom

if it helps- I googled and found a few groomers/vet techs who would clean teeth, either in their shop or at customers' home. It worked well and my dog did well (they seemed to have that "magic" touch around dogs). Took longer but worth it to me