Question:
I wonder if people have their dogs teeth cleaned
on a regular basis? I've had dogs all my life but
have never had this done, have never had any
of their teeth pulled etc., How do I know when
this should be done?
Answer:
I can point you to about 20 million year of evolution. All dogs in
nature, every dog that ever lived save a few in the US, and every animal
from which dogs descended all at raw meat and bones primarily.
Feeding dogs dry cereal from a package has only happend in this country, and
in the last 30 years.
Actually, 10-13 year old dog with no previous history of anesthetic
complications is probably less of a risk than a six month old one with the same
history.
Just the fact that the dog lives to be twelve or thirteen years old is a good
sign that its body works well and is not likely to have a serious hidden defect
that would lead to sensitivity to anesthesia.
In fact, ask your vet which patients die most frequently from unexplained
anesthetic crises and you will find that virtually all vets will say that if
they have lost a patient it was during a spay procedure, an ear crop or some
other pediatric surgical procedure and very few can remember an incidence of
anesthetic death in an older pet.
Again, age is not a major factor in anesthetic safety. Preanesthetic
examination and labwork are likely to uncover any hidden problems that may
impact on anesthesia such as kidney disease or diabetes that are more common in
older dogs. As long as the exam and tests seem normal there should be no
significant increase in risk in anesthetizing an older patient.
And finally, small dogs are a higher risk for anesthesia complications only
because defining the exact amount of anesthesia with little dogs leaves little
room for error. Make sure your vet does enough surgery on little dogs (if yours
is a small breed) that he has a good track record. Ask how many dogs your vet
has lost during surgery in a year.
And if you are not getting anything else done at the time of dental work make
sure you make the surgery count. Tell the vet to take OUT any teeth that look
comprimised or unhealthy.
My own Chi had 10 teeth pulled at once at age 11. He had bad teeth and I didn't
even think to check them (that was 'before' Now I know MORE).
He has had NO trouble eating anything, including bones.
He is in excellent health at age 13 and VERY active and mobile.
small dogs are known for having problems with their teeth as they age. Find me
a toy breed dog that has good teeth past the age of 11 or 12 and I'll tell you
now that is a rare dog!
I've known people that brushed little dogs teeth daily, gave them bones and
dental bones and kibble diets and STILL the dogs teeth went bad.
It's genetics (like with people). If your parents needed dentures...start
saving now because saving your teeth is going to be an UPHILL battle!!
Ok, here's a hint; don't make your animal sick in the first place. MOST of
dental decay and gingivitis in dogs is caused by improper feeding.
Specifically dried grain based dog foods.
Short lived ones. How long did you have that healthy pup ? Three days ?
While it suffered and died in pain from Parvo because you are too tight to
take dogs to vets ? That pup should have been treated and live, or put to
sleep by the vet if beyond treatment.
