The American Beagler Forum

Any idea what it would take to get a dog's teeth healthy and white again.
Is it a sign of aging or poor health ? Would a particular diet cause a hound to have bad teeth ? Any answers or suggestions is always appreciated. Thx

If they are not white, they need cleaning. The thicker the build up the easier it come off! My vet can break it off with his finger nail but he is a tougher man than me! I use a dental pick/scaler or a small screwdrive with the end end bent at a sharp angle. Some beagle with let you clean their teeth and others have to be sedated in order to submit to it. I have one that seems to enjoy me doing it - strange one huh?

My 3 hounds I had since pups are snow white and healthy. I have 2 older dogs that I got, and the male (6) his teeth have some brown, the little female is 3, she does too. They are otherwise healthy and happy dogs but I was wondering if it's due to their diet in the past? I had a mutt for 13 years and hers were snow white. I think that is why I wondered if it meant poor health.

It is not a sign of poor health but can lead to health issues such as tooth/gum disease or scenting issues which are never good in a scent hound. Feeding dry ration helps keep them clean but they will need to be "scaled" now that they are built up. Your vet would probably do it for a small fee unless they have to be sedated. I usually rquest that they clean the teeth anytime the animal is sedated for a surgery or other treatment. Where are you located? Someone nearby might be willing to show you how to do it yourself! Good luck!

I think I will do just that Chuck, take them in. I have a ole friend that's a retiring vet. And the vet college here specializes in beagles.
I know the older dog had some removed last year. Got some denta bone and a doggie toothbrush with paste. Both will let you at their mouths.
Maybe they just never had the chance to be chewers, LOL! I know my other 3 are and their teeth are sparkling. (I got a scaler too that I forgot I had, I'll hunt that up)

Jane,

How old is the dog? A lot of older dogs 6 and up will develop periodontal disease. They have Pockets that collect food and other debris which gives them HORRIBLE breath. My 9 year old dog "Rhett" has this problem and we have his teeth cleaned professionally every 6 months but, as he advances with age I hate to sedate him so, I have resorted to brushing his teeth.. He is NOT impressed! LOL so, my suggestion is to get your dogs teeth scaled and then keep up on brushing and offer bones to chew as well.

Leah

I picked up a tooth brush yesterday, LOL! and paste. It felt odd to do it for a dog but hey, if it works I'll do it.

Jane wrote:I picked up a tooth brush yesterday, LOL! and paste. It felt odd to do it for a dog but hey, if it works I'll do it.

It doesn't help with plaque already there but, it does help after a good cleaning to keep those pockets clean and to keep food from building up and more plaque forming. There are also some products available to help with plaque formation. I'll have to search and find some links.

Leah