Exercises To Prevent Jaw Bone Deterioration?

[Kitt]

Hi all,

My greyhound, Deanna, recently had the last of her teeth removed. The specialist warned that the removal of all teeth can cause the lower jaw bone to deteriorate (i.e., get shorter, and maybe even droopy). The specialist suggested that tasks that require Deanna to grasp and pull with her mouth will be beneficial in delaying problems.

Deanna doesn't play tug. She chases and picks up toys occasionally, but she is very submissive and always "gives" toys rather than tugs with them. I suppose I could clicker train her to tug, but I was wondering if anyone could suggest any other activities that might require her to use her jaw. She does like to eat her meals from her Kong toy, but that involves use of her tongue, and doesn't seem to require much use of the jaw.

If anyone could share ideas of activities that will require Deanna to grasp and pull with her mouth, I would be grateful.

Thanks very much,

Kitt.

[Guest lavendergirl]

Hi

How about something like this - called the Tug a Jug Treat Dispenser (In case the link does not work) :D

http://www.worldforpets.com.au/products/product_detail.asp?ID=5139

Looks like the dog has to pull on the rope to get the treats out - might help.

[luvsdogs]

How far post op is she. My JS pup had to have one tooth out & I was told to not give raw bones etc for at least 6-8 weeks. There's the worry of jaw fracture without the teeth roots which form a large part of the jaw.

[Rebanne]

my vet never mentioned this to me when my cat and my greyhound both had all their teeth removed. Both lived for nearly another 12 months after having their teeth out and certainly never got any jaw droop.

[Kitt]

my vet never mentioned this to me when my cat and my greyhound both had all their teeth removed. Both lived for nearly another 12 months after having their teeth out and certainly never got any jaw droop.

The specialist said that it might not happen, and it certainly won't happen immediately. But it is a possibility and he said he makes sure he lets everyone know. He mentioned one client who reacted very badly when their dog's jaw did deteriorate. So I'm aware that it might never happen, but would like to take preventative steps.

It's good to know that your cat and greyhound were fine after having all their teeth out.

Thanks for your reply.

[Kitt]

How far post op is she. My JS pup had to have one tooth out & I was told to not give raw bones etc for at least 6-8 weeks. There's the worry of jaw fracture without the teeth roots which form a large part of the jaw.

Thanks luvsdogs. Yeah, I certainly wouldn't want to give her anything too tough. She had surgery approx. 7 weeks ago.

[Kitt]

Hi

How about something like this - called the Tug a Jug Treat Dispenser (In case the link does not work) :D

http://www.worldforpets.com.au/products/product_detail.asp?ID=5139

Looks like the dog has to pull on the rope to get the treats out - might help.

Thanks lavendergirl. I completely forgot about this type of toy! I think that it won't require much pressure so might not be very effective, but it certainly won't hurt. Thanks for the reminder about these toys :-) Deanna does love her treat toys, so this will be great.