My shih tzu is going in next week for his first ever teeth cleaning. He is 5 years old.
The vet clinic did pre-screening bloodwork and everything was normal. They will also do a physical the day of the procedure.
It is my understanding that they use general anesthesia. Is there anything I should do to help prepare him for this?
2007-12-14 07:05:27 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Ask your vet if your dog should "fast" or not before going under, as well as anything else you can do to make things easier before hand. You may want to bring an old pillow case from you bed that smells like you and home for your dog to snuggle with while he is in a crate at the vets. It may help him feel less scared to have your sent with him when he is alone. You can also ask your vet about Rescue Remedy from Bach's Flower Remedies, you can buy it at most health food stores. I have used it to calm down cats and dogs, sometimes with great success, but ask your vet first. You can give it to him before you take him in, when he is back home or both.
Make sure you get all the info about what to watch out for when he comes home and how he will react to the sedation, so you won't be alarmed by normal inactivity but also know when to call if your dog seems to be taking too long to recover. Most vets will give you an after care sheet when you get dental work done with all the info you need. Make sure you have soft food for him to eat if his teeth are tender, and your vet may recommend one for him.
Any time your pet goes under it can be scary for their owners, but by getting dental work done you will add healthy years to your dogs life! Good for you! Just be calm around your dog, and give him no reason to see you worried.
Good luck and Happy Shiny Teeth for your dog :)
2007-12-14 07:18:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good for you on having your dog's teeth cleaned on a regular basis. We waited until our dog had an infection when she was about 12. The vet pulled a few teeth and cleaned up her tarter and plaque. She did very well under general anesthesia and was up and about in about an hour. The doctor used a special anesthesia, because its effects are completely over once the gas is turned off. You might check with your vet about this type of anesthesia, because it doesn't remain in a dog's system for a prolonged period of time. The best pre-cleaning preparation is to follow your vet's instructions about eating/drinking. Otherwise, follow your normal routine. Good luck. Your dog should feel and look much better once her teeth are clean and bright.
2007-12-14 11:16:22 · answer #2 · answered by Jen 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will be fine I had my black Labradors teeth done once a year as long as you are there when he is "put under" he will be fine all they do is scale his teeth and when he wakes up he is none the wiser. Honestly nothing to worry about.
2007-12-14 07:12:49 · answer #3 · answered by alan w 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO FOOD OR WATER AT ALL for AT LEAST 12 hours prior to surgery. Take it away at bedtime the night before, she'll be fine.
2007-12-14 07:09:17 · answer #4 · answered by WTFever 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can put hot sauce in his mouth and let him eat peanut butter then laugh and stare at him so he gets mad then give him a 10lbs chocolate bar
2007-12-14 07:12:49 · answer #5 · answered by Ben 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋