7/1/11 Dental treats question-Chuck OTJ

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Chuck and Susan

Chuck and Susan

Member Since 2010
After Chuck's bad time last month, and our much-needed vacation, a dental was definitely in order. He came through it with flying colors -- no extractions and his teeth cleaned up beautifully. His bloodwork was also very good -- BG was 163 at the vet. Tested him this morning (normal monthly test) at 119. Still a bit higher than I'd like to see, but at least it's not the 300's anymore!!

We adopted a civvie kitten a couple of weeks ago, and that may be contributing to the slightly elevated BG's. I know my blood pressure is up!!

Thanks to everyone for their support and advice during Chuck's recent illness. The topical pain meds worked great, too.

Now, does anyone have any suggestions for helping prevent tartar/plaque buildup? I know there are dental "treats" - how bad would a couple of those a week be for Chuck and how much would that help? I could always try brushing his teeth, but am not sure how that would go at his age (16)...
 
Re: 7/1/11 --Update on Chuck (OTJ 3 years, 1 month and 27 d

Don't know about those treats, but I'll give you a bump, and a congrats for 3 years OTJ!

Try adding something to your subject line about dental treats or prevent tartar. I know several people here brush their kitty's teeth with various utensils. :-D
 
Those crunchy dental treats would be bad. To be honest, I can't imagine they do anything. (It would be like our eating a crunchy cookie or cracker. I don't think they get tartar off our teeth!) Dr. Lisa's site has some info about any kibble type product (I'm thinking treats fit in this category) and dental issues.

How about brushing Chuck's teeth?
 
I'm willing to try brushing his teeth, but not sure how it would go over. Probably have better luck brushing the kitten's teeth (6 weeks vs. 16 years)... I have one of those finger brushes and some cat/dog toothpaste. Wish me luck!
 
Has anyone seen those commercials on TV for a spray that fights tartar in pets? I wonder if it works.

I also wonder if it comes in Tuna Flavor. confused_cat
 
You could try the CET dental treats. They're ok for daibetics. Other bands, such as Feline Greenies, are too high in carbs


Chuck and Susan said:
I'm willing to try brushing his teeth, but not sure how it would go over. Probably have better luck brushing the kitten's teeth (6 weeks vs. 16 years)... I have one of those finger brushes and some cat/dog toothpaste. Wish me luck!
Click to expand...

Squishy Merlin was 12 when I started brushing his teeth. Suprisingly, he let me brush what few teeth he had left :smile: I used the CET poultry falvored toothpaste and the mini CET cat toothbrush.

I brush both my civies' teeh, too. They're not quite a year old. NO problem with brushing their teeth, though I have to sit over Emma with her squished between my knees to keep her still.

Here's a video of how to brush a cat's teeth: http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/pet/f ... hing_teeth
 
Kathy and Kitty said:
Has anyone seen those commercials on TV for a spray that fights tartar in pets? I wonder if it works.

I also wonder if it comes in Tuna Flavor. confused_cat
Click to expand...

I did a little research on this since I saw the infomercial for it. The reviews were very bad -- people said their dog's teeth fell out after using it for a short time. Didn't see a single good review...
 
Both of my kitties are 10 years old and they get: Vet Solutions Enzadent Oral Care Chews for Cats

They are this 1 inch cylinderical chews that I cut in half and squish down to flatten them. They contain enzymes that are in a kitties mouth which help prevent tartar buildup. I try to give them 2 per day...am and pm.
 
I was looking for the toothbrush I use. This is the link.

The chews that Tena suggested contain propylene glycol. The FDA prohibits it's use in cat food products.
 
I have no feedback on dental treats, but I wanted to stop in and say "Hi! Great to see you and Chuck again." I'm glad the dental went well.
 
Thanks, Libby and Lucy!! Got to tell you, I was worried!! But, as usual, his teeth clean up great, and the vet said no more "dead" breath smell. Plus, his blood work numbers were so good, she said if she didn't know he was 16, she would have thought he was much younger. His phosphorous, one concern due to age and possible affect on kidneys, has actually dropped. All his results were in the normal range, except his BG, probably due to vet stress. Overall, the vets are very happy with his health, weight and managed diabetes... (me, too!)
 
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