Dental health, gingevitis ugh!

[Sally]

OK so Duncan is only 15 months old and for the last few months his breath has been HORRIBLE. I stopped giving him bully sticks about a month ago and we switched to the deer antlers. I thought that would help. NOPE! And lately when i look in his mouth there is a dark red line where the gums reach the teeth and a dark black line right at the gumline on some of the teeth. The front ones. He seems fine otherwise so I don't think his gums are infected but i'm wondering if he is getting some gingevitis so young. I brush his teeth 3x a week AND I give him dental chews AND he eats dry food AND he chews on lots of chew items (like the antlers). Could it be genetic? I feel like I've asked this before and he's due to the vet for some routine shots etc. next month so I'll DEFINITELY be asking the vet to peer into his mouth.

I'm obsessed. He's mopey today and I've conjured up this crazy notion that his teeth are causing him not to feel well. (It's probably that it's pouring out and we've been couped up in the house all day).

A few pics from his st. patty's day parade outing. It's hard to believe that such an adorable pooch could have such foul breath:)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oh, I love the St Patrick's Day shirts! Where did you find them? He certainly is handsome. I had the same bad breath question a little while ago in the Food Group. The dental spray was recommended, which I tried and find it works great. It is expensive but I only use it every couple of days and it seems to do the trick.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I keep the spray in the same cabinet as the treats. When he sees me go to that cabinet he comes running. I grab the bottle and spray quickly. You do have to be fast because if he sees the bottle he'll run. Unfortunately, no food right after getting sprayed. I'd love to immediately give a treat but you have to wait a while for the spray to actually work on the gums before they can eat.

[Sally]

the shirt was a dollar at that store Christmas Tree Shop. Believe it or not this is an Xtra Large. If his teeth are fine and i have to live with a bad breath pooch i'll get him some spray. HA.

[Camilla and Darwin]

He is adorable, I love the shirt! Jane, what is the brand of dental spray you use?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, I'm going to try to get the the Christmas Tree Store...these shirts would be awesome for St. Pat's Day. I use Petzlife Oral Care Spray, and I ordered it online. It actually removes plaque and tartar, so in addition to improving their breath it helps to protect against gum disease. One warning...it causes the zoomies. I think it's that minty taste.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Oooh thanks Jane I am going to get for Taquito. If he gets a zoomie...oh well!

[Lee Seidman]

I found this review on Amazon.com for
Petzlife Oral Care Spray
The thought was that it caused alchoholism in his dogs.....................

Customer Review

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
Beware, has grain alcohol, December 9, 2008
By Joel T. Laskin

I bought this for my chihuahua and Chinese Crested girls. I used it for awhile then brought them in for their annual blood tests. Their ALT's (liver enzymes) were high. So, I started checking everything they were getting to see what could cause it. I read about liver enzyme levels and discovered that high ALT's is often a sign of alcoholism. That's when I noticed that a primary ingredient (1st or 2nd) in this product is grain alcohol. Did it cause the liver problems? I dont know for sure. Then years later, in case it wasn't to blame, I tried it again, just a tiny bit, much less than they recommend, on my chihuahua whose teeth were bad. she's a bit old, and I didn't want her to get a reg. teeth cleaning. That night she was woozy, disoriented and swaying around during her walk. That's it. I threw it away and will never use it again. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Report this | Permalink

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

An anecdotal story by one person in Amazon reviews is not a reliable source. But it definitely bears looking into through more factual and impartial sources.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sally, I would definitely speak to the vet about this, but one thing I can tell you is that a tendency to develop gingivitis, tartar, and other dental problems is heavily genetic. Even more so if the diet and oral hygiene are adequate.

[F, Calla & Luca]

It sounds like Duncan's gums may be irritated. I'm wondering if you might be brushing too hard or something. Smaller dogs certainly develop more dental problems. Elevated liver enzymes can be a sign of liver disease from alcohol or other causes like hepatitis. There can be many other causes including muscle damage, medications, etc. The level of elevation is important to know as well. I seriously doubt that liver damage would be caused by the amount of alcohol in a breath spray. I would not take this report too seriously but do talk to your vet.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I can add that my vet is a proponent of the breath spray. She recently did a TV segment locally, and noted this spray as a great way to prevent gum disease. Guinness only gets one spray every couple of days, so I'm really not that worried. This is a good point though, and when I'm at my vet's again next week I'll ask her views on the grain alcohol content.

[Pat & "Tucker"]

I use CET Oral Hygiene Rinse- active ingredient is chlorhexidine ( antiseptic). This was recommended by my vet.
Love the St Patty's Day Spirit!
http://www.virbacvet.com/cet/product/cet_oral_hygiene_rinse/32/