[YEA]  05/24/2010: London from Sandusky, Ohio: "My dog has AWFUL teeth, they are rotted and horribly decayed, she's 10 years old. Finally one morning her whole face was swollen and deformed, and her gums were bleeding and oozing pus. She was so sick, and lethargic we were looking into crematoriums, and making plans to put her down.

She, ofcourse, was unable to eat dry food, so my mother started hand feeding her wet food, and we put about 2 TBSP coconut oil in there mixed in. Within a week, she was dramatically improved and the swelling went completely down. In 2 weeks she was better than ever, (completely healed)and full ofyouthful energy. We continue to feed her wet food now, and she had one other minor flare up, since then, and we gave her coconut oil and in 2 days she was good as new.

Remember guys, Brush your dogs teeth!!!!"

03/01/2011: Kimberly from Akron, Ohio replies: "What type of dog do you have? I have a lab about 125lbs. Just wondering on the dose of coconut oil"

08/29/2012: Cate from Alta Loma, Ca: "How much colloidal silver should I add to my dogs bowl to treat his peridontal disease? is it safe to use?"

[YEA]  07/27/2010: Meredith from Hamilton, New Zealand replies: "I've also had what I consider to be amazing results with using colloidal silver in my dogs drinking water. Our 10 year old French Bulldog has awful teeth, having had several rotten ones removed over the years. I was told by the vet due to Frenchies having very crooked teeth and big jowels to hide germs and food scraps that they would always need attention. Her mouth has always smelled AWFUL. I recently bought some colloidal silver and decided to try it out and saw results within a couple of days. Now her breath is not smelly at all. I've also noticed her general well being has improved- she's more active and bubbly. I use 1 tablespoon colloidal silver to a bowl of water refreshing both water and silver daily. I've been doing this for 4 days now and will stop after 7 to see how things go. The amount of colloidal silver may be on the high side for her body weight but she had a significant problem so I'm treating it as an acute infection."

[YEA]  11/28/2012: Kathryn4 from Lanham, Maryland, Usa: "I have discovered a remedy for my cats herpes like sore she gets now and then on her mouth. First of all I swtiched to a better cat food, and secondly use Lysine cat treats that you get over the internet. Every day give some and they work like a charm to keep those sores away!"

01/03/2009: Stacey from Knoxville, TN: "Please help: My rotty/lab mix has worn her teeth almost all the way down. Is this a vitamin problem? Do they suffer the same way we do when they have teeth problems. She doesnt have problems eating, She still has all her energy but she loves a rope tuggy and really doesnt play with it anymore. what can I do to help? The vet didnt really reccomend anything at our last visit but I always prefer herbal treatments to actual medication. Thank you"

04/30/2009: Bagofnuts from Metairie, LA replies: "Hi, I too have a dog that his teeth are almost completely worn down or gone. He was a super frisbee, ball playing dog. Vets don't seem to react to teeth missing or worn down. My dog is now 10 yrs. and he eats fine and still plays ball but I stopped the frisbee. Evidently they don't have the same nerve endings in their teeth as humans! A few years ago I was ready to bring him to special vet for giving dogs new teeth!"

09/11/2009: Callista from Penang, Malaysia replies: "re: Teeth problems in pets

To any pet owners who are looking for safe and effective toothpaste for their pets, there is a company that makes oral gel and spray using all natural ingredients: grapefruit seed extract, grape seed extract, neem oil, thyme oil, rosemary oil and peppermint oil. You may try googling it. Please, I am in no way associated with this company. It's just that I've been looking for safe toothpaste for my dog, and so far all the products I've looked at have questionable ingredient(s), until this one. So I'd really like to spread the word."

[WARNING!]  12/10/2010: Katrinika from Morehead City, Nc Usa replies: "Collapsed trachea emergency solved -- Update on Gidget... If I hadn't been very ill with a antibiotic drug reaction, my Gidgi-poo would have been put down. I figured out what was wrong, and she's almost completely well. One night, not being able to sleep with the Keflex rash and too weak the two days before to bring her in to be put down, I lay listening to her heaving for breath - at least once she passed out. She had been so much worse that day that even at the highest dose the vet's medicine was no help at all... I thought, "what was different about today?" and it hit me... I thought that since she was dying anyway her weight didn't matter, and little by little over the course of the week I had given her all the treats/chews I had... Then I ran across a few Dentley's dental enzyme dog chews and gave her one. That evening and night she struggled, heaving and strangling for breath. The CET enzymatic dog toothpaste works so much better than the regular.. I thought these dog chews would be good for their teeth.

So I went online and researched collapsed trachea in dogs. It is a common weakness in toy and miniature dogs, some more so than others. Its cause is unknown, but the action is that the rings of the trachea somehow soften.. The rings are made of cartilage... Dental enzyme, plaque, calcium... Cartilage, calcium...!!! She always had a weakness for the symptoms of trachea trouble, hoarse coughing when she got excited, probably because she was under-nourished as a puppy, but these were her first attacks. She had had her first attack of trachea collapse in July and I took her to the vet, gave her the medicine and she got better. Well, I now realize that first attack coincided with the first time she had been on another brand of dental enzyme chew, Sentry HC Petrodex (Seargent), for a couple of months, I ran out while she was getting the meds.

It wasn't the vet meds that made her better, it was running out of the enzyme chews. When I got more in, after a couple of months again she went down - this time the vet meds did no good. With the addition of the Dentley's occasionally during the day and my recent increased use of the enzyme toothpaste.. I almost killed her. While I suspect that there will be residual damage from the spell of collapse before I discovered my mistake, two days without enzyme chews and she is almost back to normal. Warn everybody."

[WARNING!]  01/22/2011: Malteseandme from Tulsa, Ok.,74137 replies: "On the toothpaste gel for pets, I would be caution about giving my maltese something with grape seed extract since grapes are very toxic to them. (09/11/2009: Callista from Penang, Malaysia replies: "re: Teeth problems in pets)I just wouldn't want anyone's pet harmed."

11/18/2012: Jholl from Louisville, Ky - Kentucky replies: "I think this is a case of mistaken identity. The supplement is grapefruit seed extract. No worry about the grapes. Of course, grapes are toxic to all dogs. Grapefruit seed extract is anti-bacteria, anti-viral and anti-fungal. It is used in some hospitals as an antiseptic. It is very bitter and MUST be diluted. Many people use it on their toothbrush to eliminate bacteria

There are pet sites that sell it, so I believe it is safe for pets. I have used it for myself and for my dogs with good results.

Also, oil of oregano is great for dogs and healthy teeth. Just a drop or two and like the GSE, it must ALWAYS be diluted."

03/03/2013: Tango from Tijeras, Nm, US: "I was wondering if there was something topical that I could put on my cats gums. Can I use clove oil or is that toxic for cat's. I have read that it is, so I'm a little scared to use it. He is 16 years old and I don't know if that would make him more sensitive or not. He is on a very good Diet and also on Vitamins too. If anybody else has any suggestions for something topical that I can put on his gums, that would be great. I feel desperate to make him comfortable because he's been through a lot in the last three years. 3 Operations and he is doing well but now his gums are red and he's uncomfortable again. Also has Herpes Virus. Poor guy has been through a lot. Thanks so much."

03/26/2013: Sunsmile from Sunnynv, Us replies: "Hi, I'm aromatherapist, my kitty has the same gum problem. DO NOT USE CLOVE OIL on cats or dogs. Its Highly toxic. All u can put straight on its gums is Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil, and its nice also to mix it with his food. And Coloidal Silver water to get rid of the infection. Use only High quality organic raw products-Cold pressed oils are raw."

[YEA]  06/12/2011: L from Whitefish, Mt: "We have 3 big dogs - a chocolate Lab, a chocolate Newfoundland, and a Great Pyrenees/Bernese Mountain. We just had their regular vet visit and he was is awe over our dogs teeth. All of them are between 4-5 yrs. Old and their teeth are gleaming white, with no tartar at all. He asked what we did. We feed them half their food (high end kibble with no corn) am and then other half at noon. But at night we always give them a raw marrow bone to chew. We have a butcher that cuts them at 3" and we freeze them and give it to them frozen so it lasts longer. It also keeps them occupied at least a 1/2 hour, another bonus!

After reading so much on this site, however, I am going to start moving them and our 2 cats to an all raw diet.

Hope this helps someone with high vet dental bills!"

[YEA]  09/13/2011: Gracieuse from Ut, Netherlands replies: "Yes! I've had my puppy, now six months of age, on a complete raw meaty bones diet, supplied with organ meat once a week. She's blazing with health, with pearly white adult teeth, doesn't smell.

For more info see www.rawmeatybones.com

Also worked wonders with a cat suffering from various ailments (sneezing, bad teeth, bad coat, urinary issues)."

02/14/2013: Jessica from Pittsburgh, Usa: "My pekingese, Shadow, is 12 1/2 years old. He has been blind for a year. It has been quite the adjustment for him, but he is now on track and doing well. With this new found sight loss, he has also become a messy eater. Shadow was always a steady 11 1/2 pounds. He has bad arthritis and for over a year has held a steady 9 pounds. The vet said the weight loss is common with how bad his arthritis is and his age. However, in the past few weeks I've noticed a huge change in his weight. He is down to 7 pounds!!! It is very noticable on him because he is already a small dog. He looks like a sick stray dog that hasn't eaten in weeks. That being said, I made an appointment for the end of the week to have him put to sleep. This absolutely breaks my heart, but I can't let him suffer. This week I watched him eat (messily as always), but noticed food falling from his mouth. So, the next time, I measured his food, watched him attempt to eat for about 40 minutes, measured it again, and it was the exact same. Putting all of this together, I am assuming his weight loss is because he is getting no food.

I have since then cancelled the appointment to have him put down and instead have made a new one to have things checked out. I know that blood work and other things will be done to ensure that there is no underlying issues such as cancer, but should all come back well, then the problem definitely lies in his mouth. The new vet I will be going to even said he feels this is probably the case. If he needs to have dental work done, I most definitely will do this, but I know the bills are going to be astronomical. He's almost 13. I just don't know if I can handle thousands of dollars as I did for his eye issues.

If there is anything I can do to help clean his mouth, and maintain whatever I have done professionally, it would be greatly appreciated. This little guy needs to get eating so we can get his weight back up. Also, he is on glucosamine for his arthritis. Since he can't eat, he's not getting the glucose and now he can't even get up. =("

02/16/2013: Cc from Wellington, New Zealand replies: "Hydrogen Peroxide - H2O2

Sorry to hear of your dogs health issues. This is great for teeth issues.

Ted from Bangkok says use 1 cap of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide per litre of water.

I recommend you read the posts on Hydrogen Peroxide as they may be the starting point for you.

Don't give up hope, your little dog is trying to eat so that's a great positive. I wish you well."

02/28/2013: Bob from Newtown, Pa replies: "Try a diet based predominately on raw meat and raw meaty bones. Should chop or grind the meaty bones to small enough to swallow portions since at age teeth are no longer strong enough to chew. Our two 8yr old mini schnauzers are doing great on such diet (now over a year for us). Also found quick improvement to our neighbor's 12yr old mini even in a month."

03/18/2013: Kathryn4 from Owings, Md. replies: "Does it look like a mouth sore? If so could be just needing Lysine. I get enisyl lysine treats off the internet. I have to give to my cat ever day or she gets mouth sores."

08/21/2012: Renee from Orlando, Fl replies: "My dog has the same thing. I am using Sutherlandia OPC liquid, (Sth. Africa), and Insitol 6 a high immune booster. I am going to add in shark cartledge powder, I was told to use this for shrinkage of tumor on gum line also. I can keep in touch if you like. I'm only two months into this with my 10 1/2 yr old black lab. I had his tumor removed a year ago, benign, and now it has returned and it's larger, upper gum line. Let me know how your dog is. R"

09/11/2012: J from Southern, California Usa replies: "Andrew, NJ and Renee, FL: I would urge you to focus mostly on if your dog is able to eat, smell etc. My dog had a small bump on his nose, noticed Christmas 2009. A few months later it grew. So we had all- angle xrays done. It was a mystery-the tumor not on bone, not on tissue, but Vets said we would monitor it... 3 months later it had doubled in size and vet said Sorry its Cancer and now it would come thru gumline. We could opt for surgery but that would impact his quality of life as they would have to remove half his mouth and vet said he would look deformed. By April they gave him 6 months to live. I was working at a health food store and vendors felt sorry for my pooch so they would give me anything to try to shrink tumor. We used musrooms, GSE, silver, essiac tea, etc. It made me feel better but unfortunately it was too far gone. Key is prevention but alas it is a curse of the canines, We ended up hand feeding him and bottle feeding him water. In my mind as long as he ate he had a will to live. Looking back I see he was just hanging on for us. Although I swore I would never do it, we let him go Nov 2010. He lived a good quality year since his diagnosis. Cancer takes everything out of you but dont ever give up. By the way even though we didnt get the surgery he ended up loking deformed anyway as that tumor doubled each month. Message is. Prevention!! But if its too late -Still dont give up."

07/10/2012: Anne from Wyndmoor, Pa replies: "Hi, my 16 year old cat has gone through the same thing. Took her to the vet, was told she needs to be put to sleep for dental work (tooth removal due to decay). This was about 4 years ago. I found out about GSE (grapefruit seed extract). I literally use one drop diluted in 2 ounces of water, and spray my cat's teeth about 3 - 4 times/ day. (just a couple of spritzes will do) I also use a pinch of baking soda into 2 ounces of water and alternate. For example, I spray her mouth with the GSE dilution 2 x's/ day, then the third time I'll use the baking soda dilution, then back to the GSE. I follow this regimen for my cat because she has food allergies, is VERY sensitive to chemicals and medicines, and I fear she may have an adverse reaction to anesthesia--especially at her age, so the vet-removing-teeth- thing is not an option. If you diligently adhere to the plan and spray intervals, you should notice your cat is feeling better in a couple days and eating comfortably. Additionally, you can find an all natural probiotic powder to sprinkle on kitty's food by using one of the search engines. It keeps their teeth clean. The GSE and baking soda are really good bacteria fighters as well. Best wishes for you and kitty and Happy Healing!

Please note: GSE is concentrated and MUST be diluted. Do not even think about putting drop directly on mouth, it will burn, and make it very raw. Also, please keep in mind to literally use just a pinch of the baking soda, as cats do not have the ability to rinse n' spit and too much baking soda can upset the pH balance of the stomach."

01/23/2012: Lizzy from Henderson, Nevada replies: "This is for hunter and his grammie and anyone else to whom it may help, and trust me it will!! My little 11 year old yorkie was always getting diarrhea and vomiting on and off for years, she had bouts of pancreatitis as well. I did not ever give her any treats or human food or let her get into anything outside. I finally found a food she could handle digesting and loves it. ( it is wellness canned chicken and sweet potato)

But the miracle was when my husband who is a doctor told me to try giving her doggy pre and pro-biotics. WOW!!!!! The probiotics work great if that is all you can find but if you can find them with the pre-biotics too it works even better!! My little yorkie has vomited maybe 2 times in the last 2 years, and when she does the pre/pro-biotics clear it up right away. I give it to her every other day, I open up the capsule and sprinkle it on her food. She gobbles it right up every time. I now can give her some other treats as well as I could not before.

Pre and pro-biotics aid in healthy digestion and kill bad bacteria in the stomach by replacing it with the good bacteria and live enzymes, people can take these too in a capsule form which I take or in the form of yogurt or dan-active. It is the same thing, not harmful to your dog, but just the opposite- sooo helpful!!! You can buy them at the pet store (petsmart, or petco) I buy mine at whole foods or online. The brand I like are called arknaturals gentle digest for dogs and cats, pre and pro biotics. Trust me when I say that this will 100 percent work wonders for your pet or any pet who has problems with vomiting and diarrhea for any reason at all, you will be shocked at how well this will help your pet and wish you had heard of it years ago like me!!

Also pet meds can be soo hard on your animals organs and stomach sometimes and often making them sick and even sicker than they were before you gave them meds. I stopped giving meds to my dog for anything and gave her the pre and pro biotics and it changed her life forever. It makes me mad that vets do not tell us this stuff when they know it. Even if we like our vets, they are going to sell you meds before they ever offer a natural way for your animals recovery.

I also want to tell you I give my llittle yorkie, goldy all natural pills and liquid for pain in her joints, and it works wonders!! When the vet gave me pain meds to give her it made her lethargic and was harmful and harsh on her organs. After trying many things I stuck with a pill called winstons pain formula, she eats this pill every time I give it to her(I think she must like the taste as she gobbles it up always)and she is picky with pills. Also she has never 1time got sick from it, and as I said before she has a sensitive stomach.

The other thing I give her is something calle HyaFlex for dogs and cats. I just order it from their website. This works Amazingly!!! It is hyaluronic acid which helps cushion around the joints and also helps with eyesight problems or just to keep the eyes healthy. It is safe and hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in animals and humans alike to help cushion the joints but as we and animals get older we do not produce as much if any, so the cushioning in between our joints becomes nonexistent which causes pain, stiffness, soreness and lack of mobility. This is great for humans as well, as I ordered me some from the website as well, they have liquid and it comes with a dropper and I just put into my little goldys food. It is odorless and tasteless, as I can attest.

Well anyway these are my helpful tips for anyone in need of all natural answers for their favorite furry ones!! Please know I have spent many hours online looking for answers as you all have and hope you will read this and have to look no further, as I have found the answers. Good luck to you and your furry friends!!!"

03/18/2010: Theresa from Glendale, Az, Usa replies: "My Amos passed away yesterday mrning now in dogie heaven. I posted on here for help but no reply. Anyway on February 26, he ate slow and not jmping around. As the day went on I knew something was wrong.

On March 3 I took him to my retired vet and Amos has swollen lymph nodes. TOok him for blood work was great except the white blood count was high.

February 26th he threw up some food with flem. 27th found 3 small piles of dog food March 3rd took him to my retired vet and he said he had swollen lymph nodes gave him a shot for pain and medication so help him relax and eat.

March 8th he spit up some flem, March 9th, 10th,11th,12th. On the 13th he spit up some flem. he was still eating as long as I feed him.

On March 14th he passed gas which I thought it was the chinese herbs and liquid medicine for throat.and soft bowel movement. On March 15th 16th,17th not eating, passing gass liquid bowel movement.

I washed him several times and he held on to me. He passed away on March 17th a.m. while I was goggle do dogs get cancer from swollen lymph nodes. They get Lymphoma? My dog by the 17th of March had all these systems.

My retired vet who I know 7 years should have told me this was serious not just like a swollen throat. Read about this.

I was giving my dogs in their water 1/2 dropper of Immune Support, Silica for teeth and eyes and Multi Minerals to help them by Eidon. And I gave them organic ACVienegar to fight and build immune system up.

But I got chinese hebs which helped my other dogs with a hind leg problem and in the survey to them told them what he had, they should have given him something for cancer and pervented it. and now they will not take the jars back and I'm a repeating customer and I tell other about this.

They said that they spend a lot of time on the phone helping me and their is no charge. Well" they do it for free with everyone.

I should have learned when his mouth was closed he would not eat. He was in no pain as he walk and barked until 2 days before he died. As I prayed for him to go in his sleep. I felt bad I was on the computer and found Tansfer Factor to give every day to keep cancer cells awya and also if they have it.

Even ordered which they took back es for cancer in dogs. His Mommy Gidget has internal bleeding 10 years ago when I found out from a a Dr. at vets when she put her to rest and the vet had no clue what was wrong. She lost the ability to walk, eat pain all over.

I told the people that own the chinese herbal company what the vet said he has, my vet. When I went to another vet referral not about money and exams the first time free. He said that Amos had Cancer.

What I have learned is to goggle the day you find out what you pet has and always ask, "Can this caus cancer in my dog. I feel if I did this March 3 , 5 days into Amos not feeling good, I could have made up the formula that the posted forgot name did for her cat and can use for a dog.

Or to get Transfer Factor and ES for dogs with cancer. He would have been here and I would have treated him before the weekness.

My vet of 13 years called me at 9:30 at night and said I'm calling on the transfer factor. I told him Amos passed away. Also I goggle if dogs get cancer with swollen lymph nodes..And found out my dogs had all the signs by the 17th.

He said if those things cured dogs then it would be bottled and sold. I thought right!! all natural things aren't passed by the goverment as you can't make money on it. He said he was to far gone even if I did something March 3rd he would have passed. And he wasn't to me.

I said he lived a good life. He did say to me that I was pro able right on what the dog had. He knows I was right. And he always tells me or will ask for information I find.

It took me to research only to late as I tried everything and overnighted the rest of the stuff.The night before he died, he came up to me drank water and layed down. Angleo found him in the morning outside the doggie door and he pushed him in , I had to feed him water in a dropper. He lost wiegh, no appetite .

Remember High white blood count, swollen lymph nodes are signs of theis disease. also lethargy, not eating leading to death if not treated. LYMPHONA. ANd I.m not a vet or Dr. Anyone I told what he had wshould have know what to do.

Thank you for reading this, as time goes on I will be ok, and I will always research that day I find out. and not put my trust these people who knew what was wrong.

But!! the last day I washed his bottom he looked at me as if to say I love you but have to meet my mommy. Still feel bad as I was researching and found something for him. Went back to see Amos and he was asleep and his sister sherlie next to him and I wanted to hug him, to late.

Love Ya Amos.

Terry ajctcb95@yahoo.com..please e-mail me on this and your thoughts please. Best of health to you and your pets."

02/16/2011: Colette from St Paul, Mn Usa replies: "Theresa, if you are not getting answers from your vet, and your dog is going downhill, you MUST go to another vet for another opinion.

It is very painful for a dog to be nauseated and not eating, as well as constant diarrhea. You can't let this go on for long at all.

The chinese herbs and other supplements may have been aggravating this not improving it. With vomiting and diarrhea, always discontinue use of ALL supplents and herbs, etc unless you fix the problem.

It also is important to realize that if the quality of life is failing, and your dog is not able to eat, throwing up, diarrhea, etc that it is so important to come to a decision earlier rather than later about humane euthanasia. Letting the dog linger only means more pain and fear for the dog.

If lymphoma is a problem, this may be getting passed on through breeding genetically. You should consider spaying and neutering and not breeding these dogs, as the disease may just continue to affect later generations and cause more pain and suffering.

Pain medications from a vet are also very important for all dogs that are suffering like this. Herbal remedies don't cure severe pain."

02/18/2011: Diamond from Merrimac, Ma. replies: "I found that all animals have the same DNA as humans do, therefore vets. Are giving the same meds(treatments) as we get, one of my cats has thyroid problems, so I give him the same thyroid meds I take only a lesser dose. Try putting the Apple Cider Vinegar on the back of the animals neck."

02/18/2011: Diamond from Merrimac, Ma. replies: "Colette; All animals can bare pain more than humans can. I have learned that animals do not think about their pain and/or conditions as humans do, I constantly think about my pain which enhances that pain further. Also animals do not do well as humans do with"OUR"conventional meds. being experimented on them. I just landed in the hosp. for three months, from an experimental med. & still trying to get back on track. I'll stick with my herbs, I have found over many years they work 100% better. We as humans vs animals have always been self healers we just get too busy & locked up in our own little world to take care of our selves, so we dump it in the doctors lap. I do my best to stay away from them. Good luck...... Keep searching"

10/06/2011: Lisa from Vancouver, Wa replies: "Does anyone have a remedy for Tartar?? I started feeding Raw Meaty Bones 3 weeks ago, but they still have tartar.... I'm not good at brushing their teeth...Anyone?"

02/06/2012: Stanster from Wilmington, Nc Usa replies: "My older dog had bad breath for months. I only brushed his teeth maybe once a week and I NEVER visually checked the back teeth at the gum line! I never gave him raw meaty bones or anything to chew on. I should have learned more about how to care for his teeth naturally.

Suddenly he stopped eating and got lethargic, sleeping all day. After 2 days it became an emergency, I took him to the vet. The vet showed me how his gumline was swollen and pink around his back teeth! The blood tests showed HIGH WHITE BLOOD count. That means he has an infection. The infection was a result of his gum infection!

They prescribed antibiotics and I gave them to him for 2 weeks. He was MUCH better in 2 days time. As much as I believe in natural cures, this was an emergency and the antibiotics saved his life!

Now I have to get his teeth cleaned and THEN I will begin a natural preventative program.

If your dog doesn't eat or drink for 2 days, RUSH them to the vet and get blood tests. The antibiotics saved my dog's life. Hope this helps someone :)"

03/03/2009: Keira from Beverly Hills, CA replies: "Susan, I am currently researching dental health remedies for my dog too. He's an aging german shepherd and I smelled an infection in his mouth recently. I nipped it in the bud by brushing his teeth with regular pet toothpaste and then ending with brushing his teeth and gums with a solution of diluted hydrogen peroxide (1/2 h202, 1/2 water). I try to do this every day. He loves the poultry toothpaste, but not the peroxide! I also give him a small dental bones to give him once a day. For food, I started to add turmeric to his food (1/8 teaspoon). It all seems to be working."

03/03/2009: Sandy from Dallas, TX replies: "I truly understand your concern with dental procedures for Iggies. I have 4 babies and I have a lady that comes to may house and cleans their teeth. She is a dental hygenist and she does not put them to sleep. They do great with her and their teeth are so white after she is through. You might check in your state to see if anyone does this work. I lost one during a dental, so I am not going to take that chance again. ("

03/03/2009: Susan from Fairfield, CT replies: "Thanks Sandy and Keira for your replies!

Sandy, how did you find your dental hygenist? A friend of mine who lived in California went to a vet that didn't use any anesthesia to clean her dogs teeth. It's worth the research to find someone who would come to my home or would clean her teeth without drugs, just not sure how to start. For the last few years, even a visit to the vet for a nail clip would make Lili shake like a leaf. I would just prefer not to put her through it. (Her best doggie friend was put down at that vet.)

Keira - I'm glad to hear positive news on hydrogen peroxide and turmeric. I looked for the hydrogen peroxide at Whole Foods today and all they has was a foaming mouthwash. hahaha! No turmeric either. I will find some and add both to her care. I've never been able to brush Lili's teeth. But she will let me put my finger in her mouth to do the oral gel. But she's been on a raw food for as long as I've had her (8 yrs.), so that's a plus too. I think that's part of why she seems younger than her years.

Some other suggestions I found in my search... CoQ10, Myhrr, Apple Cider Vinegar. Does anyone have any experience with any of these as related to gum/teeth issues?

Thank you!"

03/04/2009: Keira from Beverly Hills, CA replies: "Susan, I used the cheap 3% peroxide from the drugstore. Don't bother with food grade. Good luck! Some Whole Foods sells little containers of turmeric (look in the bulk spice section) for about $4. Indian stores will have it and I am sure you can find turmeric online in bulk as well. Try Amazon so you can read the reviews."

03/04/2009: Marilyn from Fairfield County, CT replies: "Susan, Oh poor puppy. I would see my vet who is within 20 mins of Fairfield. Also, whatever you do, do not buy those Greenies to help clean teeth. They are very dangerous. Susan, please feel free to contact me if you have an interest. My most hyper dog experiences are long gone as she is incredible."

03/04/2009: Sandy from Dallas, Tx replies: "I adopted my italian greyhounds from a rescue group here in Texas and they put me in contact with this lady that cleans the rescue babies. They highly recommend her and she agreed to come to my house. She is excellent and does a great job, even with one of my nervous babies. The lady said that this is big in California, but I don't know how many dental hygenists cleans animals teeth. She does this on the side while still working full time. You could contact some vets offices or rescue groups in your area and maybe find someone doing this same things. I wish luck in your search and I truly know how you feel about their care."

03/07/2009: Susan from Fairfield, CT replies: "Thank you for all of the wonderful responses! This is an amazing site! Marilyn - I will email you. Thank you. Susan"

07/27/2009: Julie from Dallas, Texas replies: "Wow! I have used the ACV on my cocker spaniel the last two days. Putting it on the back of his neck. It has greatly improved his eyes from all the green egg boogies. Also, I am adding it to his food 1 tablespoon in the morning and he seems to have more energy as well.

Looking for someone in Dallas to have my dogs teeth cleaned without putting them out. Can anyone help? Sandy from Dallas had mentioned someone here in DFW that does this. Sandy can you forward me her name. I would greatly appreciate it."

09/06/2009: Lorraine from Los Angeles, California replies: "Sandy, I have had no luck finding a dentist in So.California that cleanes teeth without anesthesia. Can you find out from your friend who the Vet. is ? Thank You."

EC: Lorraine, 2 friends of mine in Los Angeles have a mobile doggie dental hygienists (?!) come to their houses for their dogs. Does not use anesthesia. If you are interested, I will get her name for you. I was only able to try her out once before moving to Atlanta, but she was fantastic. Booked up two months in advance! She was the only one at that time (3 years ago) doing this sort of thing, but maybe there are more mobile pet dental hygienists by now.

09/26/2009: Deirdre from Earth Clinic replies: "My friend finally got back to me with the name and phone # of the fantastic, no anesthesia, mobile (i.e., she comes to your house) pet dental hygienist in Southern California... She wasn't taking any new clients when I left in Los Angeles 3 years ago, but I don't know about lately...

Smile Pet
Kathy Klein
(866) 628-9745"

02/16/2011: Colette from St Paul, Mn Usa replies: "Susan from Fairfield , it is probably an abscess from a bad tooth. The bacteria gets into the sinus cavity and causes an infection near the eye and causes a bump of infection that will open up if not treated. This is dangerous and very painful.

The dog MUST be put on antibiotics and more than likely the tooth will need to be pulled. It is probably an abscessed molar. You must go to a vet ASAP. No herbal treatments will cure this, only prolong the pain as the infection worsens.

This is a common problem with purebreds as breeding has led to jaw malformations and tendencies to tooth problems."

06/04/2012: Sandy from North East, Tx, Usa: "In search of a Natural Cure or at least a bit of help or advice. My Iris probly has http://www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/HealthConditions/SmallAnimalTopics/SalivaryMucocele/ .

We just need to save the money to get the test to find out for sure. But yes the bump is on the right side of her neck, not in the throat. We cannot afford $5,000 or more for surgery so I already have a place for back up to give her to who will give her the surgery of corse she'll be lost to us forever. Iris is part of the family and also has the job of getting us across the streets and driveways safely. She loves her job and looks foward to it everyday. Please help find a way to avoid surgery and get her back to normal. There has to be at least a person if not more who'll answer this honestly. If you find it in your heart to write anything Bless You."

06/07/2012: Lilly from Margate, Florida replies: "I have a 4yr old pit w/the same lump on her head, just behind her ear. I tied it off w/a string to cut off the blood flow. When it died or popped open I poured hydrogen peroxide on it, let it bubble. Then poured baking soda on it. Never took off the string. After it was gone and healed, the string fell off. Her black fur turned brown in that area but soon turned black again, never to return, she's almost 6 now. Thats what I did. good luck."

06/19/2012: Nh Gardener from Small Town, Nh, Usa replies: "For Sandy from East Texas re. Iris--I posted above, recommending you try food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) mixed with her raw apple cider vinegar-dampened food, starting with 1 tsp. Once a day, increasing gradually to 1 or 2 level or rounded tsps. 2 X/day. DE absorbs and eliminates toxins from the body, and is inexpensive. Check internet for sources. Gently melted coconut oil is helpful, starting with 1 tsp. Once a day in food, increasing to 1 tsp. Twice a day. If she likes it, no need to melt it. It's probably already melted this time of year in Texas anyway. If she were our dog, I'd also order calcium bentonite clay from a certain company website, also in Texas, and apply it to her neck as a poultice, if possible. The clay is very fine and draws toxins out. You hydrate the clay with a 2:1 mix of water to clay. Add clay to the water and let sit for several hours or overnight. Stir well. Make a slab 3/4 inches in depth, apply to swelling; cover with an herb leaf such as comfrey, or a tree leaf, then cover that with self-adhering plastic wrap, wrapped around Iris's neck to keep damp and hold in place. Change once or twice a day. Along with that, pray. All good wishes be with you and Iris. I think DE will help a lot."

06/24/2012: Sandy from North East, Tx, USA replies: "Thank You So Much! Iris thankfully went from a huge opening that was probly about 3 inches, you could even see her swallowing inside her throat, to a little tiny scabbed up hole. Since this can happen again to her I am printing out the note so I have it. I cant believe I cleaned her wound up to 6 times a day with hydrogen peroxide (just like I would me), switched her food to no grain or gave her homemade food, Iris loves Organic Coconut Oil! Now she has bacteria in her ear. I would rather deal with that though. Thanks!"