Anonymous
07/27/2013 14:25
Subject: Re:Do I really need my dog's teeth cleaned?
I did that once. Her teeth looked slightly better after. Then back to bad a year later. Some fell out and that really helped. The dog lived until 15 years old.
Anonymous
07/27/2013 14:15
Subject: Do I really need my dog's teeth cleaned?
Poor dental hygiene can lead to heart problems. We rescued my dog as a senior and by the time we got him he had to have all but about 4 of his teeth pulled. He had terrible heart problems - though I can't prove a complete link, the vet said it definitely contributed. Mind you, this wasn't a little bit of tartar, they were rotting out of his head. But the same is said about people - bad dental hygiene can cause strokes, heart attacks. Just something to think about. They can do quite a bit of scraping for the plaque before reaching the point where they have to anesthetize.
Anonymous
07/20/2013 14:10
Subject: Do I really need my dog's teeth cleaned?
depends. at some point, many dogs do need a teeth cleaning as the tarter build up can lead to rotten teeth and poor gums. i have never had to do annual cleanings, but maybe we were lucky.
thy this first, it has worked for us so far:
1) use your thumb nail to take the plaque buildup off the teeth.
2) give your dog a raw beef marrow bone at least once a week. he will chew on this quite a bit and it helps to keep the teeth clean. store bought teeth cleaners are a waste in my opinion and marrow bones work great - dogs love them too.
thy this first, it has worked for us so far:
1) use your thumb nail to take the plaque buildup off the teeth.
2) give your dog a raw beef marrow bone at least once a week. he will chew on this quite a bit and it helps to keep the teeth clean. store bought teeth cleaners are a waste in my opinion and marrow bones work great - dogs love them too.
Anonymous
07/20/2013 13:07
Subject: Do I really need my dog's teeth cleaned?
All dogs are placed under general anesthesia for the teeth cleaning. $250 sounds about right unless they find teeth that need to be extracted, but that probably won't be the situation in a 5 yr old. I've done the cleaning a few times with my dogs but never kept up with the brushing. They are seniors and I can tell it affects how they eat (slower at chewing).
Anonymous
07/20/2013 09:02
Subject: Do I really need my dog's teeth cleaned?
How much do you pay, PP? I know my dog needs it but I'm afraid of the cost.
Anonymous
07/19/2013 21:03
Subject: Do I really need my dog's teeth cleaned?
Does your dog have visible plaque on his teeth and/or red gums? My dog needs annual cleanings because his teeth are visibly gross and his gums look irritated. If we don't do a dental annually he ends up having teeth pulled - which, if left untreated, would mean he could gradually lose his ability to eat comfortably. My understanding is this is NOT common in most dogs, so it probably depends on whether your dog actually needs it.
Anonymous
07/19/2013 20:55
Subject: Do I really need my dog's teeth cleaned?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:They're not upselling you, if that's what your asking.
It's just like people: Ignore dental hygiene and it could affect their general health later in life.
Yes, but when I go to the dentist they don't use general anaesthesia which carries risks of it's own.
What specifically are the impacts it could have on their general health?[/quote
Dog gums can get infected just like human gums. Infected gums and teeth aren't just a problem in the mouth -- the heart, kidneys, intestinal tract, and joints may also be infected. The tartar and any infected areas of the mouth contain a multitude of bacteria than can 'seed' to other parts of the body.
Anonymous
07/19/2013 20:52
Subject: Do I really need my dog's teeth cleaned?
Anonymous wrote:They're not upselling you, if that's what your asking.
It's just like people: Ignore dental hygiene and it could affect their general health later in life.
Yes, but when I go to the dentist they don't use general anaesthesia which carries risks of it's own.
What specifically are the impacts it could have on their general health?
Anonymous
07/19/2013 20:47
Subject: Do I really need my dog's teeth cleaned?
They're not upselling you, if that's what your asking.
It's just like people: Ignore dental hygiene and it could affect their general health later in life.
It's just like people: Ignore dental hygiene and it could affect their general health later in life.
Anonymous
07/19/2013 20:41
Subject: Re:Do I really need my dog's teeth cleaned?
We have been told this several times about our two dogs and just never got around to doing it. Both dogs are now elderly (very), and have never had any dental problems. I know this is anecdotal but it has been our experience.
Anonymous
07/19/2013 20:40
Subject: Do I really need my dog's teeth cleaned?
I took my 5 year old mutt to the vet today for a checkup and shots. The vet said everything looked good, but he needs a $250 teeth cleaning under general anaesthesia.
Is this something he really needs? What would happen if I just left it alone?
Is this something he really needs? What would happen if I just left it alone?