Replied by Keira (Beverly Hills, CA) on 03/03/2009
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.Replied by Sandy (Dallas, TX) on 03/03/2009
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. (Replied by Susan (Fairfield, CT) on 03/03/2009
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!Replied by Keira (Beverly Hills, CA) on 03/04/2009
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.Replied by Marilyn (Fairfield County, CT) on 03/04/2009
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.Replied by Sandy (Dallas, Tx) on 03/04/2009
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.Replied by Susan (Fairfield, CT) on 03/07/2009
Thank you for all of the wonderful responses! This is an amazing site! Marilyn - I will email you. Thank you. SusanReplied by Julie (Dallas, Texas) on 07/27/2009
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.
Replied by Lorraine (Los Angeles, California) on 09/06/2009
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.
Replied by Deirdre (Earth Clinic) on 09/26/2009
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
Replied by Colette (St Paul, Mn Usa) on 02/16/2011
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.
