My vet says my 3-1/2 yr old female GSD needs to have her teeth scraped and cleaned because there is a kind of bacteria on her teeth that can cause serious problems to her. She needs to be put under for this. Is this true? Is there no other way to really clean a dogs teeth than to anesthetize her?
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
Quote: Michael Reis
My vet says my 3-1/2 yr old female GSD needs to have her teeth scraped and cleaned because there is a kind of bacteria on her teeth that can cause serious problems to her. She needs to be put under for this. Is this true? Is there no other way to really clean a dogs teeth than to anesthetize her?
.... after some heavy-duty research, I have to give two thumbs-down to it. This is JMO, of course.
I wanted to find that it was a good option, believe me, when I first started looking (this was years ago, when general anesthesia for dogs was MUCH scarier than it is now). I really really wanted to go that route.
But I read a step-by-step description of a "real" dental work-up (and then years later watched a video of one) and I saw how much of it was doable without general anesthesia ..... not much.
But what convinced me, really, more than the extremely bad reviews by vets who were, after all, in the business of providing much more expensive dentals, were the details of a work-up under anesthesia and my common sense telling me how many of the important parts would be impossible without anesthesia.
And here's a thread about G/A (general anesthesia) and dentals:
Cathy Goessman Webboard User Reg: 12-03-2007
Posts: 1231
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
Offline
Quote: Michael Reis
because there is a kind of bacteria on her teeth that can cause serious problems to her.
Does she have tartar build up or other indicators that she needs a cleaning? If the teeth and gums look good I'd get a second opinion. Some vets push for it every year whether the dog needs it or not.
Michael Soldwisch Webboard User Reg: 02-21-2012
Posts: 146
Loc: Michigan
Offline
I give my GSD a large raw cow-bone every once in a while. He likes to chew on it as long as the cartilage still soft. That cleans his teeth pretty good. My Yorkie on the other hand has really bad teeth and is reluctant to teeth brushing, she needs a $250 cleaning at least every two years... In order to avoid that I would have to apply enzymatic toothpaste at least every 2 days.
Anne Jones Webboard User Reg: 04-29-2004
Posts: 3825
Loc: Northeast
Offline
Some dogs, like people, are more prone to tarter buildup. Dogs fed an all raw diet seem to do better then kibble fed dogs as far as tarter buildup. The multiple daily chewing of bone 'scrubs' teeth & massages & stimulates gums to help curb or pretty much eliminate periodontal disease in most of these dogs. Especially dogs that have been raw fed all their lives form weaned pups.
Michael, I would expect that you have a dog that has a lower tendency toward tarter build up, just because he just does, as opposed to the 'occasional' bone to chew on making THAT big of a difference. I am assuming that you are referring to a knuckle bone. They are fine for pups to munch on...but be careful giving adult dogs large bones to chew on. They can fracture teeth. If you do, I would take it away as soon as he chews off the cartilage. But I always err on the side of extra safety. I have always had GSDs that are aggressive chewers.
Michael Soldwisch Webboard User Reg: 02-21-2012
Posts: 146
Loc: Michigan
Offline
Quote: Anne Jones
They are fine for pups to munch on...but be careful giving adult dogs large bones to chew on. They can fracture teeth. If you do, I would take it away as soon as he chews off the cartilage. But I always err on the side of extra safety. I have always had GSDs that are aggressive chewers.
Yes you are right! Mine is not a good eater with an extremely low food drive. He is very careful, what and how he eats. And yes, he mostly chews the cartilage off the bone.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
Quote: Anne Jones
Some dogs, like people, are more prone to tarter buildup. Dogs fed an all raw diet seem to do better then kibble fed dogs as far as tarter buildup. The multiple daily chewing of bone 'scrubs' teeth & massages & stimulates gums to help curb or pretty much eliminate periodontal disease in most of these dogs. Especially dogs that have been raw fed all their lives form weaned pups. ... I would expect that you have a dog that has a lower tendency toward tarter build up, just because he just does, as opposed to the 'occasional' bone to chew on making THAT big of a difference.
Individual dogs have different saliva production, too, which is a factor in plaque buildup.
Not only does the raw diet scrub the teeth with bone chewing but there are also natural enzymes in raw that help control plaque.
now that my two GSDs no longer floss with a protection sleeve they also spend most of the day chewing their kongs.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
care of teeth
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
