There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each dog is different. Evaluating how your dog is doing on their current food and considering what might be missing in their diet is essential. It's best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the optimal food for your specific pet.

No, age is not a limiting factor for dental cleanings in dogs. In fact, older dogs often need dental care the most. Veterinarians take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of older pets during anesthesia, and treating dental issues in older dogs can prevent prolonged pain and infection. If you have concerns about your pet's age and dental care, consult with your veterinarian to discuss your pet's specific needs and health status.

It's impossible to know for certain if your dog will have a reaction to anesthesia until it is administered. However, veterinarians take several precautions to minimize this risk. Before anesthetizing your dog, they will perform a full lab workup, a pre-surgical EKG, and a physical examination to identify any potential concerns. If any issues are found, they will be addressed before proceeding with anesthesia.

Pain medications are prescribed to ensure your dog's comfort following any extractions or surgical procedures in the mouth. Antibiotics are less commonly prescribed, but they may be necessary if there is significant infection present or if an extensive surgical procedure increases the risk of bacteria causing problems. Antibiotics help prevent complications in these cases.

While anesthesia-free dental procedures do exist, they are generally discouraged because they can be stressful and potentially harmful to your pet. These procedures may involve oral sedation or no sedation at all, and your pet is physically restrained while their teeth are scraped. Anesthesia-free procedures do not allow for a thorough examination of the teeth or detection of issues beneath the gum line, so they do not effectively address most dental problems in pets.

Yes, dogs are closely monitored during anesthesia. First, they are given sedation medications, followed by an induction into anesthesia. An endotracheal tube is placed to protect the airway, and anesthesia is delivered through inhaled gas. A dedicated technician continuously monitors your dog's vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygenation rate, and EKG, throughout the procedure.

Anesthesia is necessary for a thorough dental cleaning in dogs because it allows veterinarians to perform various procedures that would be impossible with an awake dog. These include probing and checking every tooth, taking dental x-rays, and ensuring that the water used during cleaning does not get swallowed or inhaled inappropriately. Anesthesia keeps your dog comfortable and safe throughout the procedure.

Yes, your dog may need extractions during the dental procedure if the veterinarian finds problematic or painful teeth. Extractions are only performed when the teeth are causing more pain and problems for the dog than if they were removed. Veterinarians do not prefer extractions, but they are often necessary for treating painful dental issues.

If your dog is having a dental procedure, x-rays are necessary. Veterinarians use x-rays during every dental procedure to count the teeth, examine the crowns (visible part of the tooth), and assess the roots and any hidden issues beneath the gums. X-rays often reveal problems that wouldn't be apparent without them.

In puppies, it is important to monitor whether they are losing their baby teeth properly and if adult teeth are growing in correctly. For older dogs, common dental problems include fractures, tartar buildup, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, which can be quite serious for some dogs.