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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 suppose it depends upon the vet, but I have never been advised to do a dental when it was not needed. I also have had dentals done on my pups yearly or every other year for over 15 years now and have never had one develop CT because of the intubation during a surgical procedure.
I have had yorkies with CT but it did not start following any surgical procedure. Not saying it is impossible. I just don't want people to think that avoidance of a needed dental because of the fear of intubation is reasonable. IMO it is not. Again....risk vs benefit. Dogs can die due to the ill effects from dental disease.
As for scaling the teeth yourself, that is extremely irritating to a pup. I don't think there are many that would sit still for it. Brushing is great, but it is simply not going to remove all tartar and/or prevent the need for dentals.