I have a 11 year old beagle, his teeth are starting to get yucky. It it OK to get them worked on?

Question

I am worried about him being so old and having surgery on his teeth. I brush them every day, but his canines sre really bad. He is eating fine. His breathe is AWFUL. What should I do?

Answer 1

By all means, get him to the vet. Bad teeth can kill him. He's in relative good health and there shouldn't be a problem. Beagles live a long time.

Answer 2

I think you should get your dog's mouth sorted out.

The dog's age in itself does not make the anaesthetic riskier, only the possible associated health problems that go with age. Your vet can take precautions to ensure any problems are identified and allowed for before the anaesthetic. He will check the dog's heart to make sure it remains healthy, and probably take pre-anaesthetic bloods - these check kidney and liver function and check the animal's glucose levels. Discuss all this with your vet so he's aware of your concerns, and you're aware of what they're doing to make the anaesthetic safe.

Your dog's teeth/gums need to be worked on - at 11 years old, there aren't many dogs who wouldn't have problems here. As explained by other users, bad teeth/gums can lead to bigger health problems like a kidney infection. The dog will probably need antibiotics to clear up any infection in the mouth. If you already brush them regularly, you should be able to keep them clean after the dental work so he doesn't have to have it done again.

Chalice

Answer 3

There are bones you can give your dog for his teeth and his bad breath. Ask your Vet. if he thinks the dog needs to have his teeth worked on and the age concern. Sounds like they are not bothering him if he is eating alright.
Make sure the bones you give him are not to hard for his teeth.
When dogs have bad teeth this can make their breath smell bad.. Check it out with your Vet.
Dogs can have health problems due to bad teeth not just weight loose! Head off any problems down the road have your Vet. take a look.
Good Luck

Answer 4

all surgery is risky but you can get pre anaesthetic blood tests to give you an idea about liver and kidney functions as they are the most affected by the anaesthesia and if the vet thinks the results are high there are still safer methods to use at the vets were i work we used isoflurane on a very sick cockateil and as soon as the machine was off it was awake it is a lot gentler on the liver. goodluck hope that helps

Answer 5

You can take him/her to a vet & just request you want a cleaning done on his teeth. I know a lot of vets will want you to have more done, just tell them you don't have the funds right now & all you want is a cleaning. As for bad breathe, go to your local pet store or regular store, & look for a treat there named "GREENIES" its a treat for dogs that takes care of their breathe! Good luck!

Answer 6

My 13 yr old poodle went to a vet and had 4 molars removed, his breath is fresher, and though he cant chew as well, i know that the teeth arent rotten anymore so they wont ever be able to hurt him anymore or poison his blood once the gum disease gets bad etc. Its well worth the money, it is your baby afterall.

Answer 7

Foul (not normal unpleasant doggie-smelling) breath could be a sign of gum disease.

Veterinary dentistry is fairly common these days, so a professional opinion would be in order. My brother-in-law's pooch had similar problems and he took her in for a thorough (anesthitized) cleaning and she's never been better.

Answer 8

Find a good canine dentist. Age shouldn't matter and you want to get them cleaned before the lead to infection.

Answer 9

take him the vet they will clean his teeth, i had the same problem with my dog