I have two rat terriers and their teeth look bad. They are getting older and won't chew on rawhide anylonger and that used to keep their teeth pretty clean. Short of actually using a toothbrush, what is the best way to clean their teeth?
2007-01-26 05:45:18 · 24 answers · asked by justme 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Best is to buy some pedigree dental bones or Denta-stix. You can buy them in any supermarket or Walmart store.
2007-01-26 05:52:23 · answer #1 · answered by Shiloh 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Older dogs need different care -- first have a check up with the Vet to make sure nothing else is going on there. Have him professionally clean their teeth - that way you can start clean and fresh. Will they chew on milk bones? They are great for older dogs as they won't chew on much more - get the small ones. The doggy dental floss is good if you can get them to play tug-a-war with you (threads that are braided and formed a tugging toy).
2007-01-26 14:00:56 · answer #2 · answered by GP 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe there is a type of dog food that is good for keeping your dog's teeth clean? Maybe that's just my mind making things up. I know that dry dog food is better to keep the teeth clean than wet. I think that there is a pill (or something) that the vet has that helps clean the teeth.
I say, ask your vet! They'll know and be able to push you in the right direction!
2007-01-26 13:56:53 · answer #3 · answered by Marilynne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can also use a finger brush. Instead of resembling the normal human tooth brush, the base is made of rubber and slips over your finger. A lot of times they'll tolerate your finger in their mouth a lot better than a toothbrush. After you've used the finger brush long enough, you should be able to transition to a regular tooth brush. It takes longer for some than others - in more than 6 months, mine will barely tolerate a regular tooth brush and only because she likes the taste of the toothpaste. It's still easier to mix the two, only using the regular brush when I have the time and patience.
2007-01-26 15:47:07 · answer #4 · answered by Bob G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way is to switch them to a whole prey raw food diet that includes raw bones. My smallest dog was switched two years ago and had breath that could knock you out at 6 feet (no kidding). Now her breath is fine and her teeth are clean without any brushing and without any vet bills. Try www.rawfed.com for more info.
2007-01-26 13:51:03 · answer #5 · answered by SC 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They may not be chewing rawrides due to their teeth hurting. I adopted a dog a year ago with severe gingivitas (sp?) and when we got them cleaned, she started chewing rawhides like crazy.
Have your vet take a look at them and see what's going on.
2007-01-26 14:51:40 · answer #6 · answered by KL 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For terriers of any breed, it is important to get their teeth cleaned twice a year by the vet. All terrier breeds are prone to having dental problems that can lead to loss of teeth and bacterial infections that affect their hearts.
You can try Greenies in between cleanings. If they won't eat them because they are too hard, your vet can give you a gel that you rub on their teeth and gums with your finger in between cleanings to help kill bacterial growth. Or you can talk to you vet about using a mixture of baking soda and peroxide to rub on their gums. Your best bet is to take them to your vet.
2007-01-26 13:57:41 · answer #7 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your babies teeth have that much tarter and build up on them, they should be taken to the vet to be cleaned. They can become very ill and will not chew on hard items because it hurts them. The healthiest and safest way is to get them cleaned the right way. This will also give them a longer life span. Healthy babies.
2007-01-26 13:53:44 · answer #8 · answered by williesimple 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They have chews at the vet (not greenies), they are rawhide strips treated especially for dental health. My dogs love them, and it does freshen the breath, they are pricey, however.
Milk Bones give my Jack Russell constipation, (she is 10 years old)
2007-01-26 13:54:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Milk bones, chew bones and biscuits. Make sure you alternate and don't give them the same thing over and over. They make these items in various hardnesses to pick from . There is also a meaty chew available but if your pet isn't active I would not give these to them except as a treat occasionally
2007-01-26 13:53:22 · answer #10 · answered by LINDA B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Next time you go to the pet store look for these green dog treats that are shaped like a toothbrush.
2007-01-26 19:57:46 · answer #11 · answered by goodkittyasb 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋