Biotene for Dogs?

hethmar

My poor dog has chronic dry eye and we have to use drops and Optimune every day.

For some time he has had a little cough after eating or in the morning and at odd times during the day. He is 7. We took him to the vet and had several different treatments, none of which worked to get rid of this.

The vet then said that he had a bad build up on his teeth and may be that was causing the cough. So we had his teeth cleaned and whilst under anaesthetic we asked for his throat to be checked for any probs that may be causing the prob.

Nothing found, teeth cleaned but still niggly cough.

Ive come to the idea - having spent days researching on google, that this cough is related to his dry eye problem - that is, he isnt producing enough saliva in addition to not producing enough tears. It is probably the lack of sufficient saliva that is causing the tartar on his teeth.

Ive seen a product called Biotene for dogs which comes as a water additive and a mouth gel to encourage saliva. But Im blowed if I can find the canine variety on the net for sale in the UK.

The human kind seems to be available but I think may not be wise to use for dogs -

Has anyone used these products for dogs and/or can tell me where they can be bought in the UK. I have found US sites that mail but at about £18 for postage per item.

Any help would be great. I know Im going to be told to see my vet to get some but all he could offer was Logic gel and this seems to be of no use.

bordersofherts

petshoppe co uk £8.82

I have not been able to find any scientific reviews of this product but it anecdotally it sounds like it works.

I'm about to buy some for my puppy, she has plaque forming on her big back teeth and the vet says it's time to sort it out!

krlyr

No real science behind this but I wonder if getting him to chew on longer lasting chews might encourage his mouth to produce more saliva? I'm thinking natural tough chews like pizzle stick, cows ears, ox tail, etc. - Zooplus stocks a huge variety. Perhaps even raw chicken wings or marrowbones from the butcher. Mine certainly produce enough of a drool puddle under them when eating their food (they're raw-fed). Not to mention their teeth are in fab condition as the chewing really helps shift all the plaque (Casper's were in terrible condition when I got him, thought he may need a dental, but you'd never know now!)

hethmar

bordersofherts wrote: »

petshoppe co uk £8.82

I have not been able to find any scientific reviews of this product but it anecdotally it sounds like it works.

I'm about to buy some for my puppy, she has plaque forming on her big back teeth and the vet says it's time to sort it out!

Hi, Id found that online but its actually an american site and the postage is HUGE

hethmar

Hi, I have been buying them lots of chews - the dental ones were useless. They have been having paddywacks for 6 months now and apart from some runny poo and bit of tummy probs sometimes, they love these but sadly no help on the plaque or saliva front that is noticeable. Plaque Off hasnt worked either.

One dog has beautiful teeth, same diet, but Ralphs are already getting plaque after his expensive clean and scrape.

Dollardog

hethmar wrote: »

Hi, Id found that online but its actually an american site and the postage is HUGE

Have you tried getting in touch with the manufacturers?

From the website:- 0800 783 8881 or emailing us at [EMAIL="customer.relations@gsk.com"]customer.relations@gsk.com[/EMAIL]

They should be able to tell you if it is safe for dogs or where you can get the dog version, although the dog version isn't listed on the website.

krlyr

I wouldn't bother with commercial dental chews either to be honest. Two bites and they're gone, it can hardly do much for their teeth! I find paddywack is a bit too hard. Things like cows ears and pizzle are tough but chewy so it really encourages them to work at it with all their teeth. Raw bones are fab, especially with scraps of meat left on them, the tissue acts a bit like floss!

hethmar

Hi, they have cow and pigs ears but both of them seem to get upset tums with those. Ive even tried deer horns! - no interested in them. Ive given them raw bones but they tend to turn up their noses and they end up with us tripping over them for a fortnight and then getting thrown out when they stink.

Dumbe

The biotene range has 3 components

Moisturizing - spray, gel ( that you smear in the mouth)

Hygiene - mouthwash , toothpaste

And gum for relief

I have the spray and gel so can pm you the ingredients if it helps you? And you can may check the ingredients with a vet ?

It essentially seems to replicate saliva ( the gel and spray)

The spray would I imagine be the the most easy to administer to the dog!