Cleaning dogs teeth for bad breath

peter021072

Can anyone recommend the best solution for cleaning a Labradors teeth (4 years) for bad breath.. I'm not sure whether to use a brush, finger brush, or a chew type toy for teeth in which the dog cleans his own teeth. Also a toothpaste if appropriate.

I use the dental sticks from Aldi already.

marlot

We use a buffalo horn, and nightly dentalife.

[Deleted User]

I think that just getting into a daily brushing habit will do the job, and it's way better for the dog's dental health. Every test I've seen (there was even one a year or so ago on a doggy TV show) has found that dental chews etc. are no substitute for brushing.

FWIW my two have a big poo eating habit (among other things) but their breath is pretty good; the oldest is nearly 12 and we haven't once needed a professional clean from the vet. Currently I just use a Beaphar brush and Dorwest Herbs toothpaste from Amazon. Previously we used CET but that was getting stupidly expensive.

Fire_Fox

peter021072 wrote: »

Can anyone recommend the best solution for cleaning a Labradors teeth (4 years) for bad breath.. I'm not sure whether to use a brush, finger brush, or a chew type toy for teeth in which the dog cleans his own teeth. Also a toothpaste if appropriate.

I use the dental sticks from Aldi already.

Have you consulted your veterinarian?

Bad breath can indicate a dental infection/ gum disease/ cavity that traps rotting food/ tumour in the mouth (rarely). Your dog may need a 'deep clean' under anaesthetic, tooth extraction or a course of antibiotics.

Pet foods that contain grains/ cereals or sugars will contribute to dental problems by feeding 'bad' bacteria so do read the ingredients. There is no scientific evidence that dry food/ biscuits/ kibble or nobbly treats clean teeth.

Humans can help prevent dental problems by supplementing a dog's or cat's diet with raw bones, such as chicken wings, turkey necks, rabbit carcasses and so on. Raw bones ONLY because cooked bones splinter. Always carefully supervise feeding to ensure your pet chews properly and does not wolf chunks down. Vets are increasingly recommending raw bones to clean teeth if you search online.

HTH!

GBNI

Get your vet to check the teeth first, and if all ok feed raw chicken wings, duck necks etc as Fire Fox says. They encourage the dog to chew so is good for the teeth.

ChrisAP

Hi Peter, have you considered changing your dogs diet. A bit like us, dogs breath can be dictated by what they eat. Raw dog food is a brilliant way to help your dog with their dental health among its other benefits. The bones within the food act as a natural tooth brush and overall, the health of your dogs teeth and his breath will improve. Hope this helps

[Deleted User]

Could try Pet Dent Oral Gel (they also do a toothpaste)
Suitable for dogs or cats - the gel is highly palatable to them.
The gel helps to prevent bad breath and tooth decay.
Kills bacteria in the mouth.

Fire_Fox

Deleted%20User wrote: »

Could try Pet Dent Oral Gel (they also do a toothpaste)
Suitable for dogs or cats - the gel is highly palatable to them.
The gel helps to prevent bad breath and tooth decay.
Kills bacteria in the mouth.

Worth checking with the veterinarian how long this can/ should be used for.

In humans chlorhexidine mouthwash can be used for up to two weeks [ref: NHS Salaried Dental Service]. I was surprised to be told this: the last NHS guidance I had seen was four weeks.

KimBaumgart

Hi! Did somebody try stomatidine gel? I need something for my chihuahua. She is pretty aggressive so I can not brush her teeth

sheramber

KimBaumgart said:

Hi! Did somebody try stomatidine gel? I need something for my chihuahua. She is pretty aggressive so I can not brush her teeth

How are you going to apply it between lips and gums and massage it into the gums?