My dog had her teeth cleaned under anaesthetic about 9 months ago, and also had 3 teeth removed. Already there is a big build up of plaque behind her front bottom teeth, and her breath stinks. I brush her teeth twice a week with Beaphar toothpaste but I feel like I’m wasting my time.
She’s nearly 9 years old so I don’t want to start chicken wings and bones, but can anyone suggest a toothpaste or something that actually works ?
She wouldn’t tolerate me picking at the plaque like I’ve seen suggested before.
TIA.

I use plaque off powder in my dogs food and it does the job.

> I use plaque off powder in my dogs food and it does the job.

Mmm - interesting.   I was prescribed a gel for my Basset but I can't remember the name.

Does it get rid of plaque that’s already there ? I assume so by the name, or is it preventative.

St.Domingo:
One of mine has exactly the same problem but I did start her treatment after a rather costly dentist bill.  I buy it from the internet and sprinkle it on her food daily - ta dah - no further plaque build up over the last year.  Nil-Plaque in a 100g tub - cost about £10. 100% natural

I use an EmmiPet toothbrush and the accompanying toothpaste. It's excellent. It softens the plaque and then you can just pick it off with a descaler. I clean teeth for maintenance once a week now.

My dogs have zero plaque or discoloration, even my 7yo.

I would add that I think feeding raw is important too. Carbs get turned to sugars in the mouth by enzymes in saliva. I feed raw and in the summer (when it's not wet and horrible outside) they get a raw meaty bone out there once a week. In the winter they get natural chews from JR Pet Products.

> Does it get rid of plaque that’s already there ?

Apparently so! It works by creating some sort of enzyme that comes out in the saliva which softens the plaque over a period of time allowing either chews or brushing to remove it easier.

Has anyone tried the dental care bones from plaque-off ?

I'm afraid the best way to clean the teeth is with a raw meaty bone.  You can make this a safe activity.  You want any frozen and then defrosted bone that has meat and sinew on it, for a small breed a knuckle bone is idea because they can't clamp their teeth on it.  The front teeth tear off the meat and the meat and sinew act like floss.  Hold on to the bone and let her tear off the meat etc.  It has an amazing effect on mental stimulation as well as cleaning up teeth\gums and freshening breath.  Those emnipet sonic toothbrushes work also, noise less and vibration less.

Have you tried an Emmipet? I know many rave about them, many groomers are now trained to use them, might be worth considering and getting someone trained to try and see what results you get and if good you could purchase one for home. They aren't cheap to buy which is why I would suggest trying a groomer who uses them to see 1st.

I’m assuming I’d ask a butcher for a knuckle bone, and from which animal  ? Do they have to be frozen for a certain amount of time ?
I’ve ordered some plaque off, so I’ll give that a try.
Her groomer has the Emmi Pet and she’s down to have it next time. She did say that she thinks it’s more prevention than cure.

Mine have beef knuckle bones.  I get them from my raw food supplier but if you have a good butcher that is even better.  I always freeze for 7 days and defrost for a couple of hours, remove any marrow in the bone which is easy to do once defrosted (too fatty).  The results are incredible and the dogs love them.