Dental Disease in Pets, the Silent Killer – Part 1

This is a subject very close to my heart. Ever since I graduated, I always struggled with educating my clients about the importance of dental hygiene in their beloved pets.

As soon as I noted some tartar or plaque build-up on their pet’s teeth and before I could discuss my recommendations, they would defensively react by saying:

“Look the previous vet said my dog is too old to undergo a general anesthetic and I agree with his/her opinion”.

At that point, they were not even open to listening to any advice with regards to managing their pet’s dental disease whether medically with pulse antibiotic therapy or dietary support to help prevent further progression. In all honesty, I could not blame those owners for reacting the way they did especially when my colleagues had further fueled their fears.

Yes geriatric pets pose a higher risk of anesthetic and there is no two ways about it. However…