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Post by Dotti on Oct 8, 2005 6:27:09 GMT -2
After having 9 teeth pulled, we are being real diligent on Sam's teeth cleaning. Aside from brushing the teeth, I had read that the Greenies (they are like a compressed green bone shaped thingie with heavy greens in them) would help with teeth and breath.
He eats them, fairly fast. (within an hour or less I would guess unless I take it away, which he does not like) Which isn't a problem I gather, except they are not so cheap.
I am using the regular size, does anybody else use the greenie bones, and how often do you do them? I was thinking of getting smaller ones, but then he might try to swallow them whole?
Thanks,
Dot
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Post by Milkbones on Oct 8, 2005 9:54:41 GMT -2
Dotti, if you get the Drool, you know that some people have had their dogs swallow too-large chunks from greenies and had their dogs undergo surgeries to remove the chunks. I would think that smaller ones would not be a great idea for a basset. I only gave greenies a couple of times around here, then I figured it wasn't worth trying to monitor three dogs eating three different greenies. I had been warned beforehand about the chunk/stomach problems beforehand, so I was very apprehensive while they were chomping away. I don't give rawhides for the same reason. Sorry I can't be much help with this.
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Post by Jenn on Oct 8, 2005 20:23:46 GMT -2
Dotti, if it takes Sam a litle less than an hour to finish his greenie, he is not eating them slow. Sophie will finish hers in less than 10 minutes and we try to give her one every week or every other week, but we aren't too firm on that. Vet says that hers and Basil's teeth are fine though, so I guess it is okay. Sorry I can't help you with that part.
We also feed the regular size. They cost $1.99 apeice at Petsmart, so with tax it's about $5/week.. $20/month for dental care, which isn't anywhere near as much as buying Frontline monthly. They actually chew on it though, they don't gulp them down. They hold them between their paws and chew like they would a bone and I think that as long as they are doing that, then they should be fine, but if they are gulping, then you should probably look into alternate methods.
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Post by Houndkeeper on Oct 18, 2005 17:58:20 GMT -2
I am a big fan of letting the hounds chew on big beef long bones or knuckle bones. Uncooked! Cooked makes the bomes splinter. I have 2 power chewers and the cannot break off pieces.....really great for the teeth and they really adore it. You can get the butcher to give them to you for a very nominal fee.
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Post by Buttercup on Oct 23, 2005 15:42:47 GMT -2
I give mine Greenies on occasion and I use the large. I used to feed them several times a week but I did have a problem with Rosie swallowing a large piece which did get through her system but it slowed things down for her and she wasn't feeling well for a few days. Now when they get one I watch to make sure they don't swallow too big a piece and will it away if when it gets small enough that I think they may swallow it whole.
I talked to a vet at the animal shelter and he has had to remove pieces of greenies from a few dogs but said that he's never in his 20+ years seen a problem with rawhide. He also recommended a rawhide chew called CET dental chews, said that they not only have an abrasive quality but there are chemicals that help remove tartar too. The hounds LOVE them!
I think the key is to keep an eye on them to prevent any large pieces from going down, no matter what you give them to chew on. I may have to try Houndkeepers suggestion to, I bet they'd go absolutely nuts over a knuckle bone!
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Post by jennypenny on Oct 24, 2005 3:57:50 GMT -2
I give Penny knuckle bones and she adores them.
I also give her Greenies almost daily...she eats them in 10 minutes but she always chews thuroughly... and I use the Large ones.
Also, I use rawhides.
And amazingly, she has really great breath, aside from white teeth.
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Post by Dotti on Oct 25, 2005 19:32:50 GMT -2
I had read some stuff that letting them chew real bones could cause fractures in their teeth. Sam used to chew on a sterilized bone but now I am wondering if it didn't cause more damage than good? (He is the one with 9 teeth pulled) So I threw the bone away... I have heard from vets that rawhide if swallowed too whole can cause problems and obstructions as well. So I am still in a quandry, myself. I wish he even took a remote interest in a nylabone or such but no luck.
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Post by jennypenny on Oct 26, 2005 2:03:20 GMT -2
AWW... Sam...
I guess anything is potentially dangerous Dotti...just a matter of watching carefuly and buying appropriate sized items... I wish I had some advice that could really help you.
Have you tried any of the PeaNutz that Greenies make?
They are not too firm...but firm enough to enjoy chewing if not a super power chewer.
Just a thought?
Jenny
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