The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

Clancy and Riley had their teeth cleaned today. Riley's cleaning went fine but the vet had to pull 12 teeth from Clancy. I didn't realize his teeth were so bad. He had several very loose teeth and some gum problems. I have never gotten around to brushing teeth. I guess this will be changing.

Here are some pictures from Fort Funston.

Claire, do not fret...some dogs are just prone to problems with their teeth. Some dogs never have their teeth brushed and never have a problem, others are brushed and still have problems. 12 is alot of teeth, and I'm assume he's a older boy?

Claire,
I am so sorry to hear about the teeth pulling! If you don't already know, warm water on top of there food, seniors, especially those with bad teeth love it! Unfortunetly I understand your pain, last June, when we boarded Indy, and our 13 year old senior, Jenny, with Indy's breeder, Jenny who had been having problems before, had to be put down because of liver failure. Indy was so stressed he foamed at the mouth it even stained his mouth until the fur grew out, (Green!) and the stomach bile destoyed his teeth. Needless to say I brush his and the pup's teeth twice or once daily. People always ask why I have three toothbrushes in my bathroom. Also I second what Debbie said, and once a week should be enough, or better than nothing.

He is only five years old.

5 yrs old? Well he is definitely PRONE to bad teeth. I doubt you could have done much to avoid it.

Clancy is screaming for ICE CREAM! You're a great Mom. Clancy would have lost more if you didn't go to the Dr. for the teeth cleaning. Lets plan a trip to Fort Funston together.

I would be upset too, Claire. But some dogs are more prone to dental issues. I am glad you and your vet are proactive about the cleanings, and dental work, that will help prevent some problems down the road healthwise. It is just a good reminder to clean the teeth. I had been wanting to try that dental rinse that goes in the water? Will definately get some now.

I'm no expert, but I would say that to lose that many at that young an age, he must be prone to bad teeth, though brushing etc will definitely help with the ones he has left. Don't beat yourself up! Henry had to have 4 out at 7 years old, and George has only just now had to have a couple out at 10, and they always had the same tooth care as each other, so it is a variable thing from dog to dog.

Diesel just had 10 teeth pulled last Friday. He is 11. Right now he is totally enjoying the soft food!

Two of my rescue dogs had to have lots of teeth pulled also. It's no fun, but they do not really seem bothered by it. One was only 1.5 years old and had to have five pulled. :(

So sorry, but you know, dogs do fine without a lot of teeth. In fact a dear friend of mine just adopted a dog without any teeth at all, and he eats dry food with no issues.

Pirate has horrible teeth. Brother to Snow White who has beautiful teeth. The get everything the same. He's had seven extractions in total, five lower incisors and the two very back molars (the tiny insignificant ones) and he's had two teeth cleanings in the last six months. Needless to say he's having his teeth brushed every day now. So far so good, the plaque is not returning.

I've tried everything out there, but bottom line is nothing has worked as well as actually brushing them.

Claire, You are a terrific mom so don't beat yourself up over Clancy's teeth. Dogs are different just like people have different health issues. Everyone knows you love your babies!

Claire, I feel your pain!

When Louie was about 8 years old, he had 13 teeth pulled because they were bad. I cried when I found out!
In addition, he has since lost several of his front teeth, due to who knows what!
The vet said that because of all of the teeth he has had removed, his dental ligament may be damaged or weak, causing his teeth to fall out.
Now, several months ago, he had another teeth cleaning, and they pulled 7 more, and said he only has 13 left.
Louie is now 10 years old, and he still inhales his food and chews on toys.
Being short on teeth doesn't seem to bother him!

Word about dental plaque preventatives and plaque removers. My elder terrier is on thyroid meds and has Addison's disease. Some of these water additives, or powders you sprinkle over food contain a lot of iodides which can mess up thyroid meds or meds for dogs with Cushing's or Addison's. Read the labels carefully and consult with a vet if you have any questions prior to using them.