Question about rawhide

[Lil' Rudy]

I would appreciate your experience/feedback using rawhides instead of nylabones or natural bones for dental health. 5 months ago my 4 yr old Rottweiler broke his upper canine tooth (which was very painful to him) so I took him to the University in WI the next day to see a dental specialist who in turned performed a root canal and capping. The surgery went well and he was his happy little self again when I picked him up. The after care directions were to brush his teeth daily and only use Kongs for toys and CET chews which is a rawhide with a chemical in it to help keep teeth clean and to help prevent tarter build up. His teeth were in good condition, this is just to help keep them that way. Reasons for not using Nylabones or natural bones are so that he cannot break his cap on his tooth. I threw out all his nylabones (that is not the reason he broke his tooth). I do brush his teeth daily but I notice a small amount of buildup comming back. When he chewed on nylabones it kept his teeth clean. He does have to go back on a yearly basis for x-rays and dental but I would like to keep them clean during the year. He only likes his Kongs for the treats in them but not to chew on them. Before I even think of purchasing the CET chews or other rawhides, have any of you had bad experience with them such as intestinal issues or are they so filled with chemicals you wouldn't want to use them? I am very particular about the health of my dog so any feedback will be much appreciated.

[AngelBunny]

I used to give my dogs rawhide, pig's ears, and hooves as treats. I haven't for years. If they aren't 100% manufactured in this country, you're taking too much of a risk feeding imported products. Chemicals can be used in their production that aren't permitted in this country and they don't have to be listed in the ingredient list.

Given the fact your dog has a cap on one his major front teeth, you'd be taking too much of a risk it will break if you fed him anything hard enough to prevent tartar buildup. Brush and scale his teeth and leave it at that.

[Lil' Rudy]

Angel Bunny thanks very much for your reply. Your reply makes very good sense. It is one of those things that I felt iffy about and that is why I haven't purchased any until I asked you experienced folks. I will be on the safe side and keep his teeth clean by brushing and scaling. Thank you again.

[AngelBunny]

Moot point now, but why did you go for a root canal/cap instead of having the tooth extracted??

[Nishasmom]

How do you "scale" your dogs teeth? Do you use one of those scrapers like at the dentist? Where do you get one?

[Lil' Rudy]

The root canal was decided against extraction of the canine tooth because of it being less traumatic, less healing time. The surgeon said he rather keep the tooth if possible. It was going to have to be extracted if the fracture was vertical but it wasn't. He also made mention that sometimes when a upper canine is removed the upper lip tends to rub against the lower canine and causing ulceration. The day before his surgery I read and read about root canal vs extraction of the canine tooth and it seems that what I read was about the same as the specialists recommendation.