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Originally Posted by Ellie May  Why did the vet want him to see a dentist? Usually general vets do dentals unless they are concerned that there is something in there that will require extensive work.
Tartar on two teeth does not necessarily mean that a cleaning is needed. A lot more goes into recommending one like the looks of the gums. Since his vet seems concerned, it's something I'd ask about putting off before deciding to do it. A few weeks shouldn't hurt; however, if the vet thinks there is a problem in there, then just a reduction in tartar may not be adequate.
BTW, some dogs can get away with only a couple-few dentals in a lifetime. The more home care, the less cleanings... It is very common for them to be requried yearly though. Expect to pay between $175 and $400 a year just in case and if nothing major goes wrong in there. |
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Originally Posted by Ellie May There is a very good price for a veterinary dentist consult. If they are board certified, that means they had about 8 years of school plus 3 more years of training is this area. They could be (and debatably should be) charging much more.
There is nothing wrong with your regular vet taking care of things as long as they are comfortable with it though. |
The only thing I can add is that untreated dental issues can lead to very expensive health issues in a pup later on in life. Better to spend a few dollars now than to have a pup with cardiac or renal issues. I suggest you start putting a few dollars away each month towards a dental for each year...and the years that perhaps a dental is not needed, let it sit there for other things like emergencies.