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Originally Posted by Raymond's Mom  AS INFREQUENTLY AS POSSIBLE. If the anesthesia doesn't kill the dog during the cleaning that's not going to be the issue. The issue IS the fact the repeatedly intubating the dog will severely damage the trachea. Teeth cleaning is a very high mark-up procedure for vets so they lovvveeee to recommend it but they don't warn you of this danger. And once the trachea is damaged there is no repairing it. Collapsing trachea is a horrible way for a dog to die. Like with over vaccinating pet owners feel that they're doing to right thing and the best thing for their dog when they have the teeth done frequently when in truth it's often just the opposite.
Instead brush the teeth weekly and try scraping the tarter off. Do what it takes to, as best possible, prevent the tarter buildup. |
I do totally agree with this post. There is always a risk any time a dog is anesthetized, and as Yorkie owners we do have to be worried about mishaps with intubation.
The intubation tube has to fit the trachea exactly during a dental and surgery to prevent water and fluids from entering the lungs. So using a smaller trach tube to prevent tracheal collapse is not an option.
Avoidance of needing dentals, then, would be our safest line of defence, by practicing good oral hygiene.
I add coconut oil to their food, as it coats the teeth and has antibacterial properties, which work to fight tooth and gum decay. I also add it to their tooth paste for those same reasons.
Either way, bad teeth are a health risk, as they are so close to the blood supply, and a dog can become irreversibly septic from an infected mouth, and can die from the infection alone.