Plaque/tartar removal

[Yourownpersonaljesus]

At the vets this morning she mentioned a product for removing plaque or tartar (can't remember which) but I can't remember what it was called. She said you can put it in the dogs food. Does anyone know what this is or know of anything else we could try? I have tried brushing my dogs teeth but she's having none of it!

[BorderlineExperimental]

Was it PlaqueOff?

If she’s not keen on having her teeth brushed you could also try using an enzymatic toothpaste like Logic Oral Hygiene Gel as although it works best with proper brushing it will have at least some effect even if all you can do is get her to lick a bit off your finger.

[Yourownpersonaljesus]

Thanks. I think that could be it. Have you used it?

[BorderlineExperimental]

I’ve never used PlaqueOff but the toothpaste has been brilliant though and nightly use has made a huge difference to my dogs’ teeth.

[Yourownpersonaljesus]

I've got beaphar toothpaste. It says it has advanced enzyme action so will try smearing a bit of that on her teeth with my finger. The PlaqueOff is expensive though it does say a pot lasts a long time.

[OverFedStanley]

Plague off can be very effective - certainly worth a try.

[Yourownpersonaljesus]

Thanks OverFed I bought some earlier. Will start using it tomorrow. I feed my small dog twice a day. Do I put a scoop on each meal? I feed raw complete btw.

[OverFedStanley]

I put it on one meal a day. I started on less than then recommended dose and gradually increased the dose

[pigsDOfly]

Yes, Logic is the best toothpaste, especially if brushing is a bit of an issue.

Keep persevering with the brushing OP.

Until my dog had her teeth scaled a few months ago I was a bit lax about doing every night and she never really got used to it. Now I do it every night and although it's still a bit of a struggle she's fine with it and her teeth are looking really good.

[pigsDOfly]

Ah, see you're going with Plague Off.

From what I've heard it's very effective but I'm a bit wary of putting anything in my dog's food as she used to be a very fussy eater.

[Yourownpersonaljesus]

Thanks OverFed and thanks pigsDOfly. I think I will try to brush her teeth too - maybe try when she's really sleepy.

[Caraboss]

If your dog has a small mouth then it can be helpful to start gently and just brush one or two teeth initially, while she gets used to the brush. I use a small child's size brush. A friend puts the old fashioned style of elastoplast on her finger, which is slightly abrasive, and rubs gently. The trick is to find something your dog will accept and go slowly while trying to increase how well you're brushing her teeth. If all she initially tolerates is to lick the toothpaste off the brush, just go with that.

[BorderlineExperimental]

If you're on FB I highly recommend the group Positive Dog Husbandry. There are loads of great resources in the 'Files' section for teaching your dog to be happy with you doing all sorts, including brushing their teeth.

[Yourownpersonaljesus]

Thanks Cara and Borderline for your replies. I'll definitely persevere with the teeth brushing. I'm not on fb.