My 14 month pup has started getting a small build up of tartar on her teeth, I have regularly used dog toothpaste but it doesn't seem to be doing anything for this.

Has anyone any suggestions as to anything better. (Don't want to get into the raw feeding).

I am off to Richmond tomorrow so could buy something there on recommendation.

Thanks

Sandra

fragaria is a homoeopathic remedy which is supposed to dissolve tartar on teeth. Available from Dorwest Herbs who will probably be at Richmond.

I have heard of that, but has anyone tried it, can't see how it works as it is a tablet, but would love to hear that it does, sounds too easy.

Sandra,

If you stop at one of the booths that specialises in grooming supplies you can probably buy a tooth scaler. I used to use it when I showed dogs, if your dog is used to having its teeth brushed then it should not have a problem tolerating it.

I do not think brushing a dog's teeth is particulary effective, it may help a little but it does not entirely prevent the build up. If you thing about it, same is true for humans, brushing does not entirely do away with tartar build up.

Stacey

Thanks Stacey,

I have got a scaler which I use on my older dog, I was just hoping not to resort to this on such young teeth but is is probably the only way to go.

Sandra

What seems to work for my dogs is a constant supply of hide chews. I can get twisted hide 'sticks' from my pet shop which are about 1/4 - 1/2 in diamater and about 10 inches long. Chewing one of these a day seems to do wonders (for my dogs, not me!), and they're not that expensive when you get the smaller ones. They also have a huge one every so often! Also have you tried smoked bones or specially cooked marrow / knuckle bones (available at pet shops, and apparently safe)? They give the dogs a good gnawing experience too.

Given that you've already had some tartar built up, have you tried scraping it away with your fingernail? This works too, as long as it is not too built up or stuck on. I've also used some 'toothbrush chews' - not sure if that is their real name. They are green circles about the size of a reel of selotape. They are green, smell minty and have a consistency similar to sandpaper! I think the green minty stuff helps loosen the tartar and the abrasiveness helps scrub it off. Can't remember brand name, but if you ask about them at a good pet shop they should know what you are talking about. Remember to give them outside though, as they make a real mess when they have been chewed and pulled to bits!

Hope you find something that works. Imp :)

Thanks for that, she does have the hide chews which help a lot, it is just the back ones on the outside that the tartar is begining to build up on. I have bought the homopathic tablets at the weekend, they say one a day for 30 days and one a month there after. Will let you know how I get on with them, just need to remember to give them!

Both my dogs are fed simliar foods and the older one has great teeth, think it depends a lot on the dog, like humans.

Sandra

Hi Sandra,
We've got Fragaria 6, use for 30 days, then once a week - haven't noticed any difference with dogs teeth though!
Hilda