Taking care of teeth

[kikker]

What do we need to be doing to take care of Harley's mouth/teeth? He has smelly, fishy breath sometimes- maybe this is just normal....but are we supposed to be doing something or giving him something to keep his teeth healthy? Like those green bones or something?

Fill me in on Basenji dental care, please!:D

[sharronhurlbut]

If he has "fish" breath, he needs to be seen by a vet...probably have a dental treatment.
Its not cheap, but it will keep your dog healthy and active lots longer than not having it done.
Lack of dental care has been shown to lead to earlier deaths than need to be.
So, get him checked out at the vet.

[kikker]

Thanks, Sharron. We just took him to the vet & she gave him a clean bill of health. Said he had great teeth, too! The breath isn't all the time & it's not awful....just kinda gross. If it's just a doggie thing, we'll put up with it, but I just wanted to make sure we're not missing something & should be giving him 'greenies' or something like that.

[sharronhurlbut]

Are you sure its from his mouth.
B's with full anal glads sometimes have that oder.
They try to clean that area, and send up with fish breath.
I give my b's a large scoop of canned pumpkin 2 times a day, and that takes care of it.
Give that a try.

[pari1art]

Hi Kikker,
I have the same problem with Mister Two Dicks (his name). He has a breath that a fishmonger's wife would love. We have tried just about everything, from bones, to cleaning his teeth, to taking him to the vet, with no positive result. What do you give your basenji to eat?

[AJs Human]

AJ's got butt-breath that would eat the paint off my truck if I let him breathe on it too long. When it gets out of hand I give him those natural dental bones. I tried the nylabones and greenies, but he gets sick on those. I can't get him to sit still long enough to brush his teeth or I would. This is an old post, but any new information is still relevant.

[tanza]

What do we need to be doing to take care of Harley's mouth/teeth? He has smelly, fishy breath sometimes- maybe this is just normal....but are we supposed to be doing something or giving him something to keep his teeth healthy? Like those green bones or something?

Fill me in on Basenji dental care, please!:D

Do you brush his teeth?

[nobarkus]

Do you brush his teeth?

Yep, you got to brush the teeth like your own. I brush Buddy's everyday and his breath is great and teeth are white. At the minimum 3 times a week. The stink is from bacteria which is detrimental to the Bs health. I brushed my previous 2 Basenji's teeth all their life too. The American Veterinary Dental Society says that over 80 percent of dogs develop gum disease by the age of three. Bacteria in plaque and tartar causes Infection and inflammation of the gums and tissues of the teeth. This can cause bad breath, gum bleeding, inflammation and receding, and eventual tooth loss.

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/petshow/images/Bad_Teeth_m1247261.jpg
These brown teeth are in dire need of cleaning.

[Nemo]

Yep, you got to brush the teeth like your own. I brush Buddy's everyday and his breath is great and teeth are white. At the minimum 3 times a week. The stink is from bacteria which is detrimental to the Bs health. I brushed my previous 2 Basenji's teeth all their life too. The American Veterinary Dental Society says that over 80 percent of dogs develop gum disease by the age of three. Bacteria in plaque and tartar causes Infection and inflammation of the gums and tissues of the teeth. This can cause bad breath, gum bleeding, inflammation and receding, and eventual tooth loss.

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/petshow/images/Bad_Teeth_m1247261.jpg
These brown teeth are in dire need of cleaning.

It doesn't even have to look that bad for there to be a issue either. Nemo had some mild tartar on his front teeth but the very back ones had an infection when I took him in for a dental a while ago. Those are hard for me to get to well with a brush and a bit more problematic.

[nobarkus]

It doesn't even have to look that bad for there to be a issue either. Nemo had some mild tartar on his front teeth but the very back ones had an infection when I took him in for a dental a while ago. Those are hard for me to get to well with a brush and a bit more problematic.

Just do the best you can. What ever you can do is better than nothing. I just wanted to show the tarter/brown that can build up.

[Kananga]

I highly suggest looking into something like Petzlife Oral Gel. There's a thread here somewhere about it, but I've been using it on Kananga for awhile now.

I put a dab of it on his tongue right before bedtime and it freshens up his breath over night. It also helps keep his teeth clean too. I usually brush his teeth once or twice per week and use the gel a few times per week, essentially when his teeth are not brushed. It loosens up the plaque/tarter and with brushing as a follow-up, his teeth stay very clean.

[Kananga]

http://www.petzlife.com/item/Petzlife-Gel

I'm still on the original bottle and I think I've been using it for nearly 6 months now. Still have plenty left. I use it as maintenance since Kananga's teeth are in good shape to begin with. A canine with teeth that are in rough shape would need this stuff applied more frequently.

[nkjvcjs]

I have never brushed either of my dogs' teeth, and the only time I smell their breath at all is right after feeding tripe, or after they have pulled off a kitty box raid. :)
My vet is always amazed that neither has ever had a dental because their teeth and gums look so good. They are 9 and 5 years old. I blame the raw food. :)

-Nicole

[nobarkus]

I have never brushed either of my dogs' teeth, and the only time I smell their breath at all is right after feeding tripe, or after they have pulled off a kitty box raid. :)
My vet is always amazed that neither has ever had a dental because their teeth and gums look so good. They are 9 and 5 years old. I blame the raw food. :)

-Nicole

Interesting.

[tanza]

And remember like all things, genes play a roll in your pets teeth... some are really good and with a good diet do not need extra care.. some just have horrible teeth and no matter what you do they are always needing extra care

[wizard]

Yes genes are a factor, as is the food and treats that you give.
My vet has been talking about using a raw diet (though he hasn't fully embraced it yet) not only for the gastrointestinal stuff but also for teeth. Raw soup bones work great to help control buildup on the teeth too according to my breeder.

[Kona]

What kind of toothpaste do you all recommend?

[Shaye's Mom]

Are you sure its from his mouth.
B's with full anal glads sometimes have that oder.
They try to clean that area, and send up with fish breath.
I give my b's a large scoop of canned pumpkin 2 times a day, and that takes care of it.
Give that a try.

I have gotten that same smell sometime when Shaye needed to have her anal glands expressed - like Sharron said, they lick their butts because it bothers them, then their breath smells horrible. I put cottage cheese in the bowls of both my dogs in the evening, and sometimes give them "ice" cubes I have made of a mixture of one can pumpkin, one tub plain yogurt - keeps their stool firm, and helps those glands express naturally. The first time my little girl had that odor I could not believe something that disgusting came from her - I was totally unaware of the anal gland thing - had lots of dogs before, never had the problem. It's a yucky one, to be sure.:p

[tanza]

What kind of toothpaste do you all recommend?

As already noted.. this IMO is one of the best
http://www.petzlife.com/item/Petzlife-Gel

[Kona]

As already noted.. this IMO is one of the best
http://www.petzlife.com/item/Petzlife-Gel

So I can use this as a substitute for brushing their teeth all together?

[Basenjimamma]

I have been looking at this, but am stumped as to whether I should get the gel or the spray? Do you brush this (the gel) on or just put a dab in their mouth. The website for it wasn't very clear.

[nobarkus]

I have been looking at this, but am stumped as to whether I should get the gel or the spray? Do you brush this (the gel) on or just put a dab in their mouth. The website for it wasn't very clear.

I have the gel and you can dab it/coat the teeth.

[Basenjimamma]

Thanks Dan..

[tanza]

I have been looking at this, but am stumped as to whether I should get the gel or the spray? Do you brush this (the gel) on or just put a dab in their mouth. The website for it wasn't very clear.

I brush with the gel, spray the teeth on the days I don't brush

[renaultf1]

As already noted.. this IMO is one of the best
http://www.petzlife.com/item/Petzlife-Gel

+1 - this is one product that really, really works! I use the gel and sometimes brush it and sometimes I just use my finger.

[nkjvcjs]

So, from someone who has never had to brush. How do you do it? Is it like human brushing, 2 mins, 2x/day? Straight back and forth, or circles?

I've seen the 2 headed brushes at the petstore. How do you use those? Big head on the big back teeth and small head on the small front teeth? Or am I way off? Are those even necessary?

Interesting discussion. Thanks.

-Nicole

[Kananga]

I have the gel and you can dab it/coat the teeth.

Yep. I put a dab on my B's tongue. Really quick and easy. I do it right before I goto bed, after he's had his bedtime snack (20-30mins after). Kills the bacteria overnight. Fresh breath in the morning. :D

I used it as maintenance. I still brush his teeth with an enzyme toothpaste once or twice a week (usually on the weekends).

I use the gel during the week usually 3-4 days per week. It's been a solid routine.

[tanza]

I use either a very soft childs tooth brush and use a back and forth motion. I also use a battery operated toothbrush (Oral B) with the small round head...great for the gums...

Also, if you are new to brushing your dogs teeth, there is a finger tip brush you can buy (on most dog sites) that you slip on your finger and just brush with that...

Again.. here is the reason for early good socialization that dogs get used to people opening their mouths and rubbing their fingers around the teeth and gums.

[nobarkus]

I buy the 4 pack soft tooth brushes from Target for $4. When they get too ragged from him biting, I toss em. I just use water and get the brush wet. I keep a cup of water next to me and swish the brush in there as I'm brushing. He likes that wet brush. He's very young and his teeth are very white so he does not need the gel yet.

[Basenjimamma]

Guys and gals thanks for all your input. I am very much getting this stuff and some brushes. It is mainly our dauchshund Gus (5) that is in more of a dire need, the other dogs are so young still, regular enzyme paste and brush is good for them, with occasional petzlife.. for maintenance, again thanks

[Kananga]

I buy the 4 pack soft tooth brushes from Target for $4. When they get too ragged from him biting, I toss em. I just use water and get the brush wet. I keep a cup of water next to me and swish the brush in there as I'm brushing. He likes that wet brush. He's very young and his teeth are very white so he does not need the gel yet.

I like the cheap toothbrush idea. The toothbrush i'm using on Kananga currently (canine toothbrush) is really starting to look beat up.

[nobarkus]

I like the cheap toothbrush idea. The toothbrush i'm using on Kananga currently (canine toothbrush) is really starting to look beat up.

The pet store will charge you too much for a tooth brush. It's basically the same soft brush you can get at a department store.