Clean Teeth

**Tollers-n-Dobes** · 06-07-2007, 10:27 PM

Kibble tends to stain teeth, and you'll probably never get them perfectly white again but feeding raw bones a few times a week will definitely help a lot. I don't brush my dogs' teeth, as it really doesn't seem to do anything. I just give them raw bones, and their teeth are all pretty clean.

**Seravieve** · 06-07-2007, 10:57 PM

I know that our two big chewers (Bunny and Eli) tend to have whiter teeth than Zeke.. Ive always thought that had to do with how much they chew on rubber bones and kongs. =)

**Giselle** · 06-07-2007, 10:59 PM

Yep, I feed Giselle and Ivy half raw half kibble so they still get the teeth-cleaning benefits of raw. They also get a lot of chews such as Bully Sticks and raw meaty bones.

Unless Zoee's teeth are really bad, you should be fine with a bunch of chews, teeth brushing, and/or raw bones. However, only feed raw bones if you're absolutely comfortable with it and well aware of the risks, such as intestinal blockage, cracked teeth (molars, especially), viruses, etc.

And give a couple kisses to Zoee for me

**Taz_Zoee** · 06-07-2007, 11:15 PM

Thanks for the responses!!
Yeah, I am a little leary of feeding raw bones...even more so after what you just said Sophie!!

LOL
She does have a rubber bone thingy that she chews and chews on. I just got her a new one, because we lost the first one.

Although, she doesn't seem to chew on it as much anymore.

Another question: How often should I have her teeth cleaned at the vet?

**Giselle** · 06-07-2007, 11:43 PM

Oh, don't let me scare you. Feeding raw is rather safe for the most part, but there are definitely risks and it's always good to expect the unexpected

As for dentals, do it as much as is necessary. Giselle got her first dental in Feb because it was oral health month and they were handing out promotions. With the exam and bloodwork, it costed a total of about $500. Lucky needs a dental so he'll be getting his soon, but I don't think Ivy will ever get a dental in her life. It's too pricy to do "just because" =P

**mruffruff** · 06-08-2007, 08:33 AM

Holy Cow!!! $500 will get me complete annual exams and shots for three dogs with two dentals.

I know I get a good deal at my vet's (Boy I love her

) but I know I only paid about $50 plus bloodwork when Scruffy had his teeth cleaned. He's 13 or 14 so bloodwork is required.

I have a lot of teeth-cleaning toys for my two to chew on. They have little rubber nubs to clean their teeth as they chew. Bella has only had to have a cleaning once in 5 years, Scruffy two or three times in his life.