Connie and Anne,

Thank you for great advice on calling around and doing these phone interviews with different vets to find one that is a better fit for me and my dogs.

I appreciate you both for giving me your standards for finding one that you can work with.
Maybe I could talk to my current vet about his teeth cleaning policy and see if he will consider my views, and why I feel the way I do.

He has had no issues with my feeding raw and has said nothing to me personally about vaccine updates. So perhaps there is a possibility for a conversation about it.

But if not, I will definitely be doing what you both suggested.
Much appreciated.

I have found that sometimes, the vet staff just 'spouts' what they have been scripted to say to all owners with no exceptions. It is possible that in earshot of other clients, they would not be able to discuss any possibility of making exceptions either. It is possible that a dialog with your vet himself/herslef may bring some other outcome. It is worth a try. BTW, if they are so set in their ways as to NEVER make exceptions to anyone about things, I don't think that I would want to work with someone so ridged in their way of thinking for either my dogs or myself.

I am fortunate that the vet that I use(the wife)...she & her husband own the practice. About 3 years ago, I had occasion to use one of their other vets, who although not onboard with my raw feeding or vaccine protocal(saw the note in my dog's chart), remarked on how unbelieveably fit & healthy my dog looked. And she didn't even TRY to talk me into any shots...go figure. Also how well trained & behaved, as to sit there & allow sub-Q fluids (I was sitting holding up the saline bag), blood draws etc done while sitting on the floor unleashed without even batting an eye for almost 2 hours. I also went in with her to have her jump up on the table & lay down for an x-ray & stayed in there with her, 'cause I wasn't going to allow them to sedate her for it. Gotta love it when your dog speaks volumns for you. It definately gives vets food for thought.

I will also add, that the day that they no longer allow me the right to choose the way I raise & care for my dogs, is the day I start making calls to new vets.

Joyce, keep the faith. You will find one that works.

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I have found that sometimes, the vet staff just 'spouts' what they have been scripted to say to all owners with no exceptions. It is possible that in earshot of other clients, they would not be able to discuss any possibility of making exceptions either.

I think this is exactly what happened. I will for sure have to have this talk directly with the Vet and he can tell me himself if he won't allow exceptions.

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BTW, if they are so set in their ways as to NEVER make exceptions to anyone about things, I don't think that I would want to work with someone so ridged in their way of thinking for either my dogs or myself.

I couldn't agree more with you here, it is exactly how I feel as well.
This too:

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the day that they no longer allow me the right to choose the way I raise & care for my dogs, is the day I start making calls to new vets.

Very well said Anne, thank you for your advice! I agree 100%.

Anne,

Oxyfresh makes a oral hygiene solution that you pour into your dogs water. It is colorless,odorless and tasteless. You add one teaspoon per quart of water.It breaks down new plaque on the teeth.

Something to consider if you didn't want to have them professionally cleaned.

I admit to thinking dogs did not need dental cleaning when on a raw diet, unless there was an obvious issue. What is the proper/recommended protocal for dental cleaning for a dog on a raw diet?

All 4 of my dogs have white, shiny teeth and three of them are 8-9 years old. They have never had their teeth cleaned their entire lives. I did not think raw fed dogs needed their teeth cleaned.I thought that was one of the benefits?

 Quote: lisa harrison

All 4 of my dogs have white, shiny teeth and three of them are 8-9 years old. They have never had their teeth cleaned their entire lives. I did not think raw fed dogs needed their teeth cleaned.I thought that was one of the benefits?

This was my thought as well Lisa but something in this post made me think perhaps I assumed incorrectly! Perhaps it is a unique situation with a particular dog, but I just wanted clarification if I had missed something... it sure wouldn't be the first time I had done so!!

Lisa and Barbara,
I think that you meant the post for me, Anne was just giving me advice about finding a Vet.

Mostly both my dogs have clean, white teeth from their raw diet.
But I have noticed just a bit of plaque forming in the lower, smaller teeth.
Mine seem to chew their bones mostly on those back large cutter teeth( my word for them) I guess they are what? Molars?

Anyhow, definitely, the raw diet is great for their teeth and breath, but seeing this plaque forming, I was just asking about getting them cleaned.

I think it depends on the dog and when they look like they need cleaning. I am not sure of any protocol, but just if and when they look like they need it.
The Vet Tech said she didn't think they looked like they needed it yet, so I guess we are doing pretty good.

 Quote: Joyce Salazar

Lisa and Barbara,
I think that you meant the post for me, Anne was just giving me advice about finding a Vet.

Mostly both my dogs have clean, white teeth from their raw diet.
But I have noticed just a bit of plaque forming in the lower, smaller teeth.
Mine seem to chew their bones mostly on those back large cutter teeth( my word for them) I guess they are what? Molars?

Anyhow, definitely, the raw diet is great for their teeth and breath, but seeing this plaque forming, I was just asking about getting them cleaned.

I think it depends on the dog and when they look like they need cleaning. I am not sure of any protocol, but just if and when they look like they need it.
The Vet Tech said she didn't think they looked like they needed it yet, so I guess we are doing pretty good.

Thanks Joyce,

My question was for anyone who knew the right answer!! LOL! Its good to hear your dog didn't need anything extra at this point!

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

I respectfully ask about the vet's POV on pain management, vaccinations, and raw feeding. Also, on whether I can accompany my dog for non-sterile procedures

Connie, could you please describe what specifically do you ask about pain management? What do you like to hear and what disqualifies the vet? I am looking for a new vet and don't know what to ask in addition to raw and vax.