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There was a breeder I looked up who insisted when you took over one of her pups not to give wet food to the dog ever, even as it grew up, because it will create dental problems. There seems to be some contention or contradictory information on this matter. But I'm just telling you what a breeder has told me.
Let me guess... you eat crackers, chips and cookies to clean your own teeth?
When I was growing up, dogs and cats didn't get cleanings. They seemed to survive just fine.
Right? What did animals do in the wild? But then again, wild animals have cruddy teeth. As domesticated animal owners, of course the vet industry would love to have your pets have human-like dental health (though there may be animals who have better dental than humans these days, lol). A lot of it could be due to the processed food as well, both wet and dry. But one thing in common with good dental health or hygiene in both humans and animals, there's some correlation with overall health and well being of either.
Let me guess... you eat crackers, chips and cookies to clean your own teeth?
I'm just telling you what I've been told by a reputable breeder, meaning she's been in business for while.
From personal experience, my first dog of 17 years had good teeth until we resorted to soft or wet food, so it required more maintenance but I'm guilty of not keeping up with the brushes.
So you gave a different opinion, please volunteer what you feed your pet, and how you take care of their teeth. I'm always open for better suggestions.
Yes, but I don't get sedated and it doesn't cost $700.
You'll be surprised, if you check your insurance benefits for yourself (not your pet), you'll see how much dentists or doctors charge for their services, including teeth cleanings. It may not seem like much because you are part of a large network which provides discount or even no cost for routine procedures like cleaning. I have not put my pet insurance to the test yet, nor do I want to, but my pet coverage just covers unexpected health issues, even if it is congenital health issue associated with the breed, as long as it wasn't a pre-existing condition, it is covered.
For example, shih tzu's tend to have hip issues, as long as he didn't have the hip issue when I originally signed up and he develops one later, any care or surgery associated with it is covered.
It is breed dependent I think. We had a small terrier for 15 years. He ate kibble and a little wet
Only got his teeth cleaned once, never had an extraction
Our Shih Tzus teeth were a mess on the other hand
Could be. Mine are Cocker Spaniels. Only eat dry food except for treats.
Yes, but I don't get sedated and it doesn't cost $700.
Yearly anesthesia, for a cleaning? Not a chance. I would never put my pet under for a preventative dental.
Granted I do scrape my dogs teeth myself when needed, but raw fed as well, so rarely necessary. The never get dental chews, and I brush their teeth on occasion for fun.
My 13 year old ended up with 2 cracked teeth that became an issue, and she went straight in for a dental, ultrasounds, extractions, etc.... a yearly cleaning would not have prevented it. As he aged hers held more tartar. Genetics may have played a big part there.
I had dogs that lived to 15, 17, and 14, and they never needed cleanings (just scraping by me) and they were all kibble fed until they hit 12 or so.
I had a Sheltie as a kid, and I brushed his teeth because his mouth smelled so bad. In those days he sure could have used a dental, but who knew. Still... he made it almost to 18. And I brushed his teeth with human toothpaste!
I agree with you @simplepeace and @bookspage. Routine checks should help unless it is way more serious. Anesthesia is expensive but not as high as $700. It’s time to visit some other vet for consultation who can be more helpful and a little less expensive.
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