Larry needs a dental cleaning

[BryanAndLarrysMama]

At our last vet visit our vet said we should consider having Larry's teeth cleaned. I do brush his teeth but there's no doubt there is tartar. He'll be 3 in July and in excellent health.

Has anyone else taken their doggo for a cleaning? Any tips or warnings?

Thanks!

 

[Sharon7]

Faith has had her teeth cleaned; so far the other two are OK with just brushing and the scraping I do occasionally with a dental instrument. It's really not a big deal especially at a young age. They are under anesthesia so that they can get under the gum line to clean, avoiding gum disease is key to their keeping their teeth for their lifetime. Also, any bacteria that accumulates on the soft tartar can affect their hearts and kidneys eventually.

Larry will likely be absolutely back to normal in 24 hours or less.

 

[Sandy in CT]

Have you had the boys tested for the MDR1 gene? If not, I would suggest. I assume they were neutered so must have been put under before so that may have already been done. Brodie is just a tad younger than your boys so I assume my vet will be talking to me about this soon. I've never had a dog that needed a dental, but did have 1 cat that had horrid teeth and required them. Good luck for Bryan!

 

[Chris]

All ours have had multiple dentals over the years.

 

[Piper's mom]

I’ve been fortunate in that none of my dogs have needed a dental yet and Piper is 7. They get a bone every day as well as kelp powder in the food daily.

 

[Ron Atkinson]

The smoked cow leg bones I get from my butcher keep Teddy's teeth nice and clean. He has not had any dental issues and he is 3. He gets a new femar 3 times a week.

 

[BryanAndLarrysMama]

Have you had the boys tested for the MDR1 gene? If not, I would suggest. I assume they were neutered so must have been put under before so that may have already been done. Brodie is just a tad younger than your boys so I assume my vet will be talking to me about this soon. I've never had a dog that needed a dental, but did have 1 cat that had horrid teeth and required them. Good luck for Bryan!

Hmmm...I don't know if they've been tested for that. I should find out. You're right, they were neutered and did okay being put under. Larry did pass out on the way home after being fixed, but recovered eventually and was groggy longer than his brother. I had a cat that needed dental work too! I'm thinking we'll schedule his cleaning on his birthday. Ok, maybe shortly after so he can enjoy some dog-safe birthday cake.

 

[BryanAndLarrysMama]

I’ve been fortunate in that none of my dogs have needed a dental yet and Piper is 7. They get a bone every day as well as kelp powder in the food daily.

Oh, I've read about kelp powder! Did you find it affected Piper's digestion at all? I swear anything new sends both these guys to the yard with poops.

 

[Piper's mom]

Oh, I've read about kelp powder! Did you find it affected Piper's digestion at all? I swear anything new sends both these guys to the yard with poops.

It’s never bothered him at all, or any of my other dogs for that matter. They only get 1/4 tsp once a day with their food so not much. I’ve bought at a health food store and last time on Amazon.