Dental Fresh

[PsyOps]

Our dogs have pretty bad breath; as I'm sure every dog does. One of our dogs wont let us brush his teeth. So we bought this stuff called Dental Fresh made by Synergy Labs. You add it to their water and is supposed to help with plaque, tartar, and bad breath. Does anyone know if this is safe?

 

[migtig]

I've never used it. However, I had heard before that kids' mouthwash (you know the kind they can swallow) was okay to add to water (just a spoonful to a big bowl). I tried it with the big dog, but it really wasn't any major improvement and I didn't continue the use.

However, I also discovered chewable breath mints for dogs and tried it and liked it much better. It's a treat. Also try giving Greenies as a treat - chewing on them helps clean their teeth too from build-up.

 

[TurboK9]

I've never used it. However, I had heard before that kids' mouthwash (you know the kind they can swallow) was okay to add to water (just a spoonful to a big bowl). I tried it with the big dog, but it really wasn't any major improvement and I didn't continue the use.

However, I also discovered chewable breath mints for dogs and tried it and liked it much better. It's a treat. Also try giving Greenies as a treat - chewing on them helps clean their teeth too from build-up.

Just rinsing with basically a chemical wash... well, it may help prevent future buildup but really isn't going to help whats already there. Like people, they need cleaning below the gum line.

Raw beef bone, chew toys that have nubs or stuff that 'scrub' the teeth, stuff like that can really help. The buildup needs to be physically removed.

 

[PsyOps]

I've never used it. However, I had heard before that kids' mouthwash (you know the kind they can swallow) was okay to add to water (just a spoonful to a big bowl). I tried it with the big dog, but it really wasn't any major improvement and I didn't continue the use.

However, I also discovered chewable breath mints for dogs and tried it and liked it much better. It's a treat. Also try giving Greenies as a treat - chewing on them helps clean their teeth too from build-up.

I read that Greenies are bad because dogs don't digest them well and can cause blockages in their intestines.

 

[PsyOps]

Just rinsing with basically a chemical wash... well, it may help prevent future buildup but really isn't going to help whats already there. Like people, they need cleaning below the gum line.

Raw beef bone, chew toys that have nubs or stuff that 'scrub' the teeth, stuff like that can really help. The buildup needs to be physically removed.

We get their teeth cleaned everytime they get groomed. But their foul breath comes right back. So it's more for the breath than plaque. I'm reluctant to give them treats because one of our dogs gets very demanding when he knows he will get treats; he starts begging and it's very annoying. Giving them chewies (like raw hide) causes the problem of possessiveness. The male dog will take his in his cage and guard it rather than chew on it.

 

[TurboK9]

We get their teeth cleaned everytime they get groomed. But their foul breath comes right back. So it's more for the breath than plaque. I'm reluctant to give them treats because one of our dogs gets very demanding when he knows he will get treats; he starts begging and it's very annoying. Giving them chewies (like raw hide) causes the problem of possessiveness. The male dog will take his in his cage and guard it rather than chew on it.

Oh you so did not just say that...

Giving treats or bones doesn't cause issues... allowing aggressive behavior for any reason causes issues... and once it has been 'accepted' it becomes so much more difficult to break, as with any 'bad habit'.

I hate to say it, but if your dog(s) have food aggression or toy aggression issues, it isn't the toys or treats that cause it... it's the fact that they are allowed to display such behavior. Personally, I'd curb it, ASAP. If allowed to behave as such, it could lead to problems with other things... from say, that stick one dog found and decided was really cool... or even affection from you. :shrug:

 

[frequentflier]

We get their teeth cleaned everytime they get groomed. But their foul breath comes right back. So it's more for the breath than plaque. I'm reluctant to give them treats because one of our dogs gets very demanding when he knows he will get treats; he starts begging and it's very annoying. Giving them chewies (like raw hide) causes the problem of possessiveness. The male dog will take his in his cage and guard it rather than chew on it.

They might get their teeth brushed every time you get them groomed but an actual teeth cleaning usually happens through a vet's office under anesthesia. Sometimes the quality- or lack of- in the foods and treats they eat can add to bad breath. Probiotics might help because they help maintain the good and bad bacteria in the gut.
Also certain breeds of dogs are more prone to dental issues like Poodles and the Chinese Crested.

 

[migtig]

I read that Greenies are bad because dogs don't digest them well and can cause blockages in their intestines.

The same could be said about anything you give a dog. :shrug: However, Greenies are made with more digestive ingredients than say a rawhide (or a stuffed toy). As long as you supervise your dog while eating one to make sure he is actually eating it and not swallowing it whole, there shouldn't be a problem. Lots of times people give things like that to their pets and walk away. Dogs are just like little kids, they should be supervised.

 

[PsyOps]

Oh you so did not just say that...

Giving treats or bones doesn't cause issues... allowing aggressive behavior for any reason causes issues... and once it has been 'accepted' it becomes so much more difficult to break, as with any 'bad habit'.

I hate to say it, but if your dog(s) have food aggression or toy aggression issues, it isn't the toys or treats that cause it... it's the fact that they are allowed to display such behavior. Personally, I'd curb it, ASAP. If allowed to behave as such, it could lead to problems with other things... from say, that stick one dog found and decided was really cool... or even affection from you. :shrug:

Okay, this thread is about my dogs' bad breath. I'm completely aware of the aggression issues and how to resolve it; and it's a work in progress. We adopted our dog at age 7 with all the bad habits thereof. If our male dog displays his aggression we correct it immediately, but for the sake of this discussion I do not intend to resolve their foul breath problem with treats and chew toys at this point. I like to focus on each thing independently. Thank you very much.

 

[PsyOps]

They might get their teeth brushed every time you get them groomed but an actual teeth cleaning usually happens through a vet's office under anesthesia. Sometimes the quality- or lack of- in the foods and treats they eat can add to bad breath. Probiotics might help because they help maintain the good and bad bacteria in the gut.
Also certain breeds of dogs are more prone to dental issues like Poodles and the Chinese Crested.

I should have been clearer. We do get their teeth cleaned during vet visits as well, but those are even more infrequent because of vet visits. Even after a vet cleaning their bad breat returns very quickly. I'm certain it's their food. And these are poodles, one a toy and the other a cockapoo.

 

[PsyOps]

I appreciate everyone's input. We've done our homework on dog supervision, giving treats, aggression, and such... I really just wanted to know if anyone knows if this dental fresh stuff is safe.

 

[ICit]

They might get their teeth brushed every time you get them groomed but an actual teeth cleaning usually happens through a vet's office under anesthesia. Sometimes the quality- or lack of- in the foods and treats they eat can add to bad breath. Probiotics might help because they help maintain the good and bad bacteria in the gut.
Also certain breeds of dogs are more prone to dental issues like Poodles and the Chinese Crested.

Bloodhounds have a high acid content going on in their mouth that results in nasty and funky breath and yucky teeth. :shrug:.... and they brush once a day .. sometimes twice