Guest kelli123 Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 Ive been seeing talk about scaling your dogs teeth, How do you do this with out scraping there gums? I have a people tooth scraper would this work. Can you explain to me just how you do it ? My Gracie's 2 big top teeth have plaque build up, I have started to use the petzlife but the plaque is not coming off on its own yet. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FastDogsOwnMe Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 Well, I go up under the gum and scale down, careful not to shove any junk up into the gum. I also then flush the gums with chlorhexadine rinse. I use a variety of tooth scalers and dental picks for this process. It does require your dog hold perfectly still and be quite tolerant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kelli123 Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 So you actually go under the gum and they let you? I will see if she will let me at least try . Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Furmom Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 A vet years ago told us a spoon - that way you are only getting what is loose because we really aren't dentists Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kelli123 Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 A vet years ago told us a spoon - that way you are only getting what is loose because we really aren't dentists That sounds safer for the first try . Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45MPHK9 Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 A vet years ago told us a spoon - that way you are only getting what is loose because we really aren't dentists Quote Tricia with Kyle, our senior mutt dog Always missing Murray Maldives, Bee Wiseman, River, Hopper, Kaia, and Holly Oaks Holly“You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.“ -Bob Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FastDogsOwnMe Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 Yeah I in no way suggest anyone do what I do... I was just answering the question Yes my dogs let me. Some of them sleep! They are used to it. Took time for some of them, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BorzoiMom Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 And mine let me do it first try. But then, I was used to using the tools too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverfish Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 A vet years ago told us a spoon - that way you are only getting what is loose because we really aren't dentists That sounds safer for the first try . Thanks And a vet told me to use my fingernail or a small coin for the same reason, for the first try - but they didn't know that I'd worked as an animal nurse and had been given dentals to do. I use a scaler, but a special dog version. The people ones are usually too pointy. OK for getting between teeth, but you don't want to be sticking the pointy end up under the gum. The dog scalers have a broad, flat end. Quote The plural of anecdote is not dataBrambleberry Greyhounds My Etsy Shop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest eaglflyt Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 I wouldn't scale unless advised by your vet. Scaling scratches the enamel which leaves grooves ... great places for bacteria to inhabit and tartar will return much more quickly. We use Petzlife Oral Care Gel (scroll down for best price on 12 oz. bottle) and brushing and it has removed tartar even on elderly and bad mouthed dogs in as little as 2 weeks to 30 days. This product actually works and does not damage the enamel. Just use as directed, no more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerlinsMum Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 My vet showed me how to scale the hounds' teeth and she suggested I do it to reduce the frequency of dentals and get rid of all the tartar deposits on their teeth. She showed me how to do it the last time I was there and recommended a certain scaler - she said some are much better than others. She did it on Sagan and I was amazed that he let her do it without pulling away! I hate doing this kind of thing (it feels like chalk against a board - uuuugh!) but if it means I don't have to put my dogs "under" as frequently, then I'm all for it. Quote Kerry with Lupin in beautiful coastal Maine. Missing Pippin, my best friend and sweet little heart-healer 2013-2023 Also missing the best wizard in the world, Merlin, and my sweet 80lb limpet, Sagan, every single day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KennelMom Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 I would personally never take a metal implement to my dogs teeth. You can create small grooves and crevices that can make the situation worse. On track dogs I've used my fingernail to fleck off big chunks of build-up off their teeth, but I leave tooth cleaning to the people with D.V.M. after their name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 (edited) I would personally never take a metal implement to my dogs teeth. You can create small grooves and crevices that can make the situation worse. On track dogs I've used my fingernail to fleck off big chunks of build-up off their teeth, but I leave tooth cleaning to the people with D.V.M. after their name. Ditto. It's very easy to knick the teeth and allow bacteria to grow. Edited August 25, 2010 by cbudshome Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinyMityMo Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 I use a nickel and I don't scrape it on the teeth. I put the edge of it on the tooth up at the gum line and then flick down hard to break off bits of tarter. Murphy won't let me do it and I haven't tried on Molly yet (she doesn't need it). Bailey used to let me do it though. Quote Maureen, Sean, Molly (Garnett Madonna) and Sully (Starz Top Style) Visit LongDog Leather Works for adjustable leather martingales, wrap around leather tag bags, breakaway tag necklaces and cool leather people gear. Check out our Etsy store! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest eaglflyt Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 I certainly have nothing to do with the company, but dentals aren't really necessary with use of the Petzlife Dental products. Really, it's true. No need for metal instruments in the mouth at all ... whether awake or anesthetized. We told our vet about it after he asked how we keep all our dogs teeth so perfect. He now carries the Vet version of Petzlife ... it's called Vetzlife. He recommends it to all his clients after seeing our 14 year old Aussie and elderly dachshund with perfect teeth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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