getting a dog's teeth cleaned

[e-man]

Need some advice...

I've never taken my dog to the vet to get her teeth cleaned, but I figured I probably should.

If you have done so in the past, how often do you do it?

About how much did your vet charge you?

Thanks.

[r1lee]

Need some advice...

I've never taken my dog to the vet to get her teeth cleaned, but I figured I probably should.

If you have done so in the past, how often do you do it?

About how much did your vet charge you?

Thanks.

One of our dogs had this done 2 years ago for the first time (he's 12 years old), your dog will probably be sedated.

From what I can remember, it was about $250. You do it when it looks like it needs to be done. There are ways to clean your dogs teeth so that the visits don't have to be regular. Brushing, Denta Bone and we feed them T/D prescription diet food. Our other dog has no problems with perfect teeth (she's 8).

[penipitcher]

I agree they usually charged $200 something for it and it's highly likely your dog will be sedated. There's not really set in stone schedule. Regular maintenance is more important. Brushing them yourself with proper pet toothbrush and toothpaste, deer antler, (if you got a small dog a set of 2 small ones or 1 for a larger dog available at Petvalu. I think it's about $10.), and the bones in a raw diet. It's also dependent on genetics. Some ppl have dogs they've never taken to the vet, don't have a special diet and the dogs have white teeth. Small dogs are more prone to dental problems as well.

[bionicbadger]

Its a pain. Buy greenies even though they are expensive and give at least one a week.

[penipitcher]

The work comes with the territory. A word on greenies though, there's been reports of intestine blockage with this product. Whether it's true or not, I personally wouldn't want to risk it.

http://www.totalrecallinfo.com/freerecalls.php?id=11445

There's an older article on CNN about this. The company claims they have changed the formulation, but still, I wouldn't trust it.
http://articles.cnn.com/2006-02-14/us/dangerous.dogtreat_1_joe-roetheli-greenies-dog-owners?_s=PM:US

It's the same reason why I wouldn't recommend rawhide either.

Of course with all dog chew items, there still needs to be a certain amount of supervision just like you would with a child.

[e-man]

whoa. one vet (not my regular, but one I've considered switching over) said it would be $600 - $1600!

[Siye]

Sinewy Frozen Bones.

Toss one to your dog while it's out in the yard and you'll never have to worry about dental problems. I give a big bone to my dog 2-3 times a week.