Age For Teeth Cleaning?

[shais_mom]

What is the age that puppies or dogs should get their teeth cleaned? Is it around the age of 1 or 2?
Thanks!

[Logan]

Staci,
Honey and Lilly are over 3 years old and they have never had their teeth cleaned. I depend on Dr. Robinson to tell me if they need it when he gives them their annual exam, and so far, he has been very pleased. Maybe chewing on everything in sight has kept the crud off of their teeth!! LOL!!!
The cats are different. Mimi's have been cleaned twice in the past several years, but she is an old lady, and doesn't have the beautufl teeth that she once did. And I had Butter's teeth cleaned earlier this year because he had horrible breath!
I would just let your vet guide you.
Logan

[Dixieland Dancer]

You will need a professional cleaning when the tarter starts to build up. To prevent this in my dogs, I give them things to chew on such as hard bones and about every week I actually brush their teeth. They make special pet toothpaste. The one I use is beef flavored. I should do it more often but don't. Both my guys have beautiful teeth.

I guess I should add that Dixie is 4 1/2 years old and has never had a professional cleaning yet. I don't like the idea of them having to have anethesia just to get their teeth clean so I try and keep up with it!

[lovemymaltese]

I would ask the advice of your vet, see what he/she thinks.

[Rachel]

Hannah is 6.5 and Tucker, we are not sure but probably a little younger. I specifically asked the vet when they got their shots and had their check up a couple weeks ago. Dr. Sage said they probably would need to have it done in a year or two, but not yet. It really isn't the age as much as the amount of tartar on the teeth and the condition of the gums. A dog eating canned dog food might necessitate teeth cleaning sooner that one who eats dry food. Also I think a particular vet can be more or less inclined to recommend this procedure.

[anna_66]

Well, I must say, Angus is almost 11 and never had his teeth cleaned. Ever since we've changed his food his teeth have looked great, and almost no tartar at all!