teeth care

[WeAllHaveWings]

we have a lab who's' nearly 1 now. Met a lab(age 7) today that we bumped into now and again and he plays with and owner says their lab has recently been to vets and needed 8 teeth out! They don't understand why as he's only ever been feed dry kibble and no scraps.

I try now and again to brush ddog's teeth but more licking goes on than brushing, but will persevere.

ddog only eats dry kibble, some raw meat once a week or so, a new marrow bone every couple of weeks which will last a week or so, and natural chews once or twice a day which he loves. His chews are all dried animla bits like lamb skin, cow ears, tripe, paddy whacks, whistle blowers, udder bits etc. He very occasionally gets some raw egg or cheese as treat.

Is his dry kibble, bones and chews enough to keep in teeth in good condition or do I need to do more?

My vet tells me that the best way to keep a dog's teeth clean is to brush them regularly, which I do. Chews don't really do much as they tend to go soft and stick to the teeth.

I find the best brush is the rubber finger type. Most of the dog toothpastes will make a difference even if your dog just licks at it.

I think few dogs enjoy having their teeth brushed but if you use lots of high value rewards and do it regularly, building up from just getting the dog used to having his gums touched to full on brushing, most dogs will accept it.

My vet recently commented on what good nick my eight year old shelties teeth were in. She has a rawhide chew almost every day. ( the ones in the shape if a shoe)

Brushing is the gold standard. You need to get him used to the idea of you dealing with his mouth and slowly build up to the brushing. So start with the toothpaste, let him have a good lick and get used to the taste. Next something like a damp flannel/cloth that you wrap around one finger and wipe around his teeth and gums. Next on to a finger brush, and then finally a toothbrush - must have soft bristles, and try to get under the sub gingival area at the top of each tooth as this is where plaque builds up and causes problems. Take it slowly and make it a treat for him.
There is a new double headed toothbrush now that is recommended, as it enables both sides of the tooth to be cleaned at the same time. www.amazon.co.uk/Petosan-Double-Headed-Toothbrush-0-15kg/dp/B003HFDC14toothbrush
You can supplement with dentastix (be careful with weight gain), or there are various things to add to food or water such as plaque-off or vet aquadent.

If you can do the teethbrushing you are onto a good thing, it might save you a small fortune in dental bills later on in life! Once a day is great, twice a day is brilliant:)

Cant do these bloody links at the moment!!

www.amazon.co.uk/Petosan-Double-Headed-Toothbrush-0-15kg/dp/B003HFDC14