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Posts: 1
From:Pekin,Il. 61554
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 09-21-2003 07:33 PM         

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HELP... I have a 4 lb.20 month old toy dog.He looks like he is getting plaque build up on his teeth.Between the gum and his canine tooth it looks like a black line. I am wondering if he could be losing his tooth. I am scared to have his teeth cleaned since they have to give him anesthetic. My brother lost his dog several years ago while having his teeth cleaned because the vet gave her too much.How old are they when they get their permanent teeth?

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Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 09-21-2003 10:14 PM         

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I beleive it is 6 - 8 months when they have all their permanent teeth though it may vary by breed or size. I understand your concerns about having her put under anesthesia but it would be best to discuss these concerns with your vet.....you can also have pre-anesthetic blood work done prior to having her put under to dicrease the risks of anything happening to her while she is under. Ask your vet about this and be sure and mention what happened to your brothers dog.

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Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 09-21-2003 10:16 PM         

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BTW, If she will allow you to, you can brush her teeth every couple of days to reduce future tarter build up.

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Posts: 64
From:
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 09-22-2003 07:28 AM         

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This is very common in the small breeds. They have very tiny mouths and form a lot of plaque and tartar. My Poodle is only 3 1/2 pounds and has this problem too. I brush her teeth at least once a week but try to do more. I also bought one of those picks like a dentist uses to scrape off the tartar. My Vet said it was fine to use this. Make sure you have a dog toothpaste too. Once you get your dog used to it you should be able to do it yourself. Otherwise you may have to go to the Vet to get it done. I understand your worry though because I have a tiny one too. Also, he definitely should have his permanent teeth by now. Sometimes the little ones can retain some baby teeth and have to be pulled. Mine did. Then you could get the teeth cleaned at the same time. Have your Vet check for retained baby teeth.

[This message has been edited by Lacey (edited 09-22-2003).]

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Posts: 1179
From:,Calif. U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 09-22-2003 01:11 PM         

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I scrape the tartar off of my dogs teeth too. I had their teeth done once and it looked just as good as I do. It accummaltes quite quickly. Use a metal dental tool.

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Posts: 401
From:Tennessee, USA
Registered: May 2003

posted 09-22-2003 06:56 PM         

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They make dog (or dental) bone for dogs. Try some of thse. I'm guessing you can get them at petsmart or a palce like that.

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