Even though large dogs like labs reportedly don't need to undergo dental cleanings at the vet with anesthesia as often as small breeds tend to need, I would think such vet visits for thorough cleanings and exam of the mouth are necessary. I was just wondering how often other lab owners take your labs to the vet for such procedures? I have an English Lab who is now 12 and in good health. The last dental cleaning with anesthesia she had was about 2 1/2 years ago, and we're supposed to go again this week. I so hate having her put under anesthesia, and she always takes SEVERAL days to act her normal self again, being out of it for 3 whole days usually. I don't see any glaring signs of issues in her mouth other than a bit of bad breath now and then, but I'm having this done anyway because peace of mind has no price (even though the procedure has a pretty high monetary one LOL). Love to hear your input. Thanks!
My answer does not answer your question directly. Why not teach her to accept an electronic toothbrush or sonic variant? Cleaning can be done as a start button behaviour. If cleaned properly you avoid the need for anaesthesia.
I have had 4 dogs all live to over 13 and have a current lab age 7. None of them ever had teeth cleaned at the vet, nor have I ever cleaned their teeth. They all have had brilliant clean teeth which we put down to having fresh rabbit in the spring and summer. My vet calls it natures toothbrush. Far easier than a general anaesthetic, cheaper too as it is freely delivered by our cats!! I sure you could get some from the butcher though.
Hi, my cats kindly leave shares out for breakfast, but where I live most butchers stock rabbit spring and summer !
Buy rabbit and feed. In fact a raw diet of beef, turkey, chicken quarters, previously frozen fish does a dog good both in health and in nice white teeth.
