Pet teeth maintenance

treeman on 07/05/2014 - 13:11

Hey,
I have a dog and cat and it seems that after many years of going to the vet annually for check ups they both have grade 2 teeth, (total of 4 grades). Now the vet has said for the dog that we can clean them 2 to 3 times per week which should keep them fine otherwise they will need to sedate and clean the dogs teeth (around $400). With the cat I think we pretty much don't have a choice.
I am personally not keen on cleaning my pets teeth, living with my parents I had a cat that lived till 18 and a dog that lived till 15 and never had to worry about that sort of thing and they didn't have any vet bills for pulling teeth out due to decay. So my question is, is this a new money making thing? My dog is 5 and previously the vet said her teeth were perfect, the cat is 7 and the vet never mentioned anything wrong with decay or is there an ozbargain alternative? I have found this stuff that softens plaque that you can put on their food then give them various bones. If anyone knows if that works it would be very helpful.

Thanks.

General Discussion

Comments

  • endotherm on 07/05/2014 - 14:23

    I don't think its a new money maker for vets. Oral problems come on pretty quickly. My 16 y.o. cat is in perfect health otherwise, but had sudden onset of dental problems on various occasions needing canine tooth extractions. I tend to look after him and even personally clean his teeth as well as regularly have him examined by the vet. Unfortunately it is a known problem with his breed (gingivitis, British Shorthair).

    There is a kibble food that is shaped with various "comb fingers" that is designed to scrape the plaque from their teeth and massage gums. Your vet/pet store should be able to advise you about them. I believe it's available in canine and feline varieties. Bones or chew toys for dogs also helps.

    Or teach them to do it themselves:
    http://www.marshillvet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cat-br…
    http://www.richmondhillanimalhospital.net/wp-content/uploads…

  • BuyoTheCat on 07/05/2014 - 15:11

    Chicken necks are supposed to help cats clean their teeth, but my cat refuses to eat them. and I have no luck trying to brush his teeth either. Fortunately at 10 years of age, his teeth are still decent.

    • treeman on 07/05/2014 - 17:12

      I've actually been giving the cat chicken necks weekly for the last 12 months so will be interesting to see if the vet sees an improves when he goes for his check up next week.

      My dog only just had her check up though so looks like i may be trying a few different things.

      • BuyoTheCat on 08/05/2014 - 15:15

        He gnaws on the chicken necks?
        Mine looks at his and walks away

        • SirFlibbled on 08/05/2014 - 15:50

          same with mine.. if it doesn't have gravy she has no interest in eating it.

  • MITM on 07/05/2014 - 15:46

    There is a pet dental liquid you can put into the water bowl.
    Not sure if it's fluroide or a mouth wash type.

  • GOFYS on 07/05/2014 - 21:55
    -1

    Best way to look after your dog's teeth is to promise yourself a feed of dogfood every time you give the dog sugar in any form. Read my lips. SUGAR. If you have been feeding them sugar, you deserve the vet bill, but stop doing it. It's inhumane, and you should be arrested for animal cruelty if you do.

    • treeman on 07/05/2014 - 21:57

      We don't feed the dog sugar, what are you talking about?
      We feed the dog Dog Food…never given the dogs lollies of any sort or anything…

    • BuyoTheCat on 08/05/2014 - 15:14

      My cat likes icecream and cheese cake.

      I give him a bit now and then

  • SirFlibbled on 08/05/2014 - 15:50
    +1

    My cat gets gingervitis because she refuses to eat natural teeth cleaning foods like raw chicken wings.

    I've managed to stave off the big vet bill by buying her TD for her dry food. She's 11 and only had her teeth cleaned twice.

  • treeman on 13/05/2014 - 12:23

    I'm happy to report that our cat has relatively clean teeth after 12 months despite the vet saying 12 months ago that his teeth would need to be cleaned 6 months ago. Looks like giving him chicken wings once a week every week for 12 months has paid off.

    So now I need to by some plaque staff for the dog. Then I need some suitable bones for the dogs teeth, anyone know of any cheap dental bones that work? Would prefer not to give raw meat.

    Thanks.

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