There is no Tooth Fairy for pets
By Christie Keith
November 9, 2006
Most pet owners are afraid of having their pets anesthetized for any reason, but especially for “elective” procedures such as dental cleaning. They feel that in most cases, the risk of anesthesia outweighs the risk of dental disease.
Vet tech Nancy Campbell worries that people are getting the equation wrong – that in many cases, it’s the exact opposite. And she’s also worried that unqualified people are playing off your fear of anesthetizing your dog or cat by offering “anesthesia-free teeth cleaning.”
My biggest complaint about this “anesthesia free” dental cleaning, is that it isn’t a real dental cleaning. They use the example of how it’s like a routine cleaning that you get at the dentists. THAT IS NOT TRUE! Any dental technician who cleaned your teeth without getting under the gums would have a very short career. Getting under the gums, HURTS. IT HURTS IT HURTS!!! That is why your pet has to be restrained. This is why a professional cleaning by a veterinary technician is done under anesthesia.
More here.
Just a heads up, there is a new drug being tested to help with gum disease in dogs. I believe the results are anticipated within a year or more.
I remember when you gave a dog a bone…good strategy for teeth and gums.
Comment by DL Guerrero — November 16, 2006 @ 8:10 am