What's safe to chew?

[PITCREW]

One of my girls just had her largest tooth removed due to a "slab fracture." The dental specialist who removed the tooth said that even raw bones can cause a slab fracture and she recommended Kongs instead. On the one hand I worry because I don't want tartar to build up on my dog's teeth - but on the other hand I don't want any more broken teeth

Any thoughts?

[kazuo]

Hi Pitcrew,

I found this link online after searching around.

http://www.dentalvet.com/patients/homecare/brush_my_dogs_what.htm

That site looks like it has a lot of good information and pictures. After reading a few of the articles on there, I think I'm going to start brushing Lilo's teeth a few times a week.

Kaz

[EmmeAndCharley]

How is the tooth brushing going, Kaz? I brush my dogs teeth, too!

[kazuo]

The tooth brushing is going pretty good. Lilo is still a little resistant, but she is starting to let us do short sessions to get her teeth clean. She just lost her last 2 puppy teeth last week, so I'm going to try to stay on top of cleaning her teeth periodically.

[pocketpit]

Kongs are great, but like a lot of pits out there, my dogs destroy them. It gets expensive and I have to be careful because depending on who's doing the chewing, pieces can be swallowed. I had a dog once who would stand of sit behind the chewer waiting for pieces to fall off so he could hoover them up! You don't want your dog to go through surgery for a foreign body. Kong make cool "blue" kongs which have an ingrediant that makes them show up on radiographs, but I don't know if they're a tough as the "black" kongs. The one I got lasted almost as long as the black kongs do though.
I don't brush my dogs teeth anymore, but I do provide chew hooves, bully sticks ect for them and they are always chewing on tree branches and sticks that fall into the yard. They are all very good at having their mouths handled so I purchased a tooth scaler from a pet supply catolog. If it looks like they are getting any tatar build up, I gently scrape it off before it becomes a problem.

[chewalotopus]

my pup is totally hooked on those edible parsley nylabones! she goes thru them like nothin', and it's getting to be an expensive habit, but at least they won't cause any internal problems...we also brush her teeth at least once a week with CHX gel...she's starting to like it kinda

HATES having her nails clipped - any suggestions?

[aliwishus]

Hi Chewalotopus,

You have three options regarding the nail clipping.

1) Use a slow and thorough training desensitization program
2) Switch to using a Dremel tool (still requires desensitization and training, but maybe less)
3) Take the dog on runs on concrete to wear down the nails (may not work on all the nails, and definitely not the dew claw).

Regarding nail clipping here is an article on getting your dog to tolerate it:

http://www.clickersolutions.com/article ... imming.htm

The thing to remember is that slow and patient in the beginning pays off in the long run. (while you are desensitizing to the clippers, maybe runs on concrete can keep the nails manageable.) Also, use extra special treats for nail trimming.

Regarding using the Dremel tool, here is a site that describes how you do that:

http://www.greytalk.com/~jrosenberg/dremel/dremel.htm

But, be really slow and careful abount introducing the dremel. Use the same approach as in the first nail clipping article, just substitute the dremel for the clipper. You'll have an extra desensitization step with the dremel because you'll want to introduce it first when it is off, then introduce it on.

Remember, if you go too fast, you'll undo all your desensitizing work because a scared/freaked out dog doesn't learn well if at all.

-ali

[Mutt blood]

Just a note about Kongs... I usually give my dogs the black kongs because they are tough, but my pitbull/whippet mix is determined to systematically destroy any toy we provide him with. I guess that's stimulating for him. Anyway, Kong used to boast that their toys were even pit bull proof, so I would just bring the shredded Kongs back to Petsmart and show them, then they would give me a new one and take my broken one. It really cut down on the re-purchasing. I'm not sure if they still do this because after Buddy(the mix) destroyed his last Kong, he decided he like sterillized cow shinbones better; so I have not gone to get this one replaced. Worth a try though, if you still like the Kongs!

[Diane Jessup]

Slab fractures are a part of eating raw bones. I'm wondering why the tooth had to come out. Most broken teeth in dogs do just fine. Was there a problem?
D

[PITCREW]

This tooth seemed to really be bothering her Diane - I noticed a real change in her behaviour: didn't want to play with the other dogs, didn't want to chew bones, and became very growly towards the other dogs. It just wasn't like her at all. Once the tooth had been removed and her mouth had healed - she was back to her old self.

Our old Bull Terrier/Pittie girl Brew has soooo many bad teeth (3 broken canines + many questionable ones) that I don't want to put her through the surgery unless she gets problems with infection or something.

[chewalotopus]

thanks Ali! the dremel technique souds perfect - my boyfriend LOVES using his dremel tool!

[kendall]

My dog never has had trouble with Kongs. He loves them, and so far, hasn't eaten them. I would try one... if your dog destroys it, then go to something else. But about the tartar buildup... they make a Kong with ridges in it, which is what my dog has. The ridges rub their teeth and acts as a tooth brush of sorts. Good luck.