Well the OP did say her pup is 2 years old & has bad tartar build up...plus he won't let her brush his teeth. So I'm assuming that his teeth are not in tip top shape. Mimi had her 1st dental cleaning when she was 2 years old. I didn't brush her teeth everyday like I do now, so yes she needed a dental cleaning back then.
My vet has an anesthesiologist that monitors the anesthesia throughout the whole procedure. Administers iv, he's there to monitor the heartbeat, temp & whatever needs to be monitored. Overlooks the vet tech that is certified in cleaning teeth. Is there in the room to do any possible extractions, etc. So I trust him & they do a good job. I think dental care is very important for their health.
Not everyone is comfortable w/feeding raw meaty bones. I wish I can, but I don't want to risk them breaking a tooth or puncturing their stomach or choking. It can happen & I am just not @ that level yet & not sure if I ever will be. Momo is a gulper & Turbo is a strong chewer, I think I'll have a heart attack while watching all 4 loll! Sometimes I give them dehydrated fish skins (Beams from THK) to chew on b4 their bath, but even that I need to watch them like a hawk & take it away when it gets down to about 2". I do feed them a premade raw diet & brush their teeth every night. They ea/ have their own toothbrush.
