Is it safe to put my dog under to get his teeth cleaned?

My Yorkie is 2.5 years old and he is like my son....he has REALLY bad breath though and Yorkies are known for bad teeth, so I want to really get his teeth professionally cleaned. I understand this means putting him under? I don't know how comfortable I am with this...I mean, I don't want to sound stupid here, but is there a chance of complications where he wouldn't wake up? I could never live with myself....

Is there some kind of cutting edge teeth cleaning thing the vet does that isn't dangerous for the dog?

TIA!

Re: Is it safe to put my dog under to get his teeth cleaned?

I think they have to put them under to clean their teeth. You could buy a doggie toothbrush and try it yourself...

Re: Is it safe to put my dog under to get his teeth cleaned?

I worry about this too since Bella is going to need dental surgery. I would talk to you vet about all options but from what I have been told, they are put under.

Re: Is it safe to put my dog under to get his teeth cleaned?

I would say its safe, but sure, I would worry too, since it feels more like a choice than life or death.

but according to my vet, the teeth need to be clean.

We use some chew things from the vet to take away tartar and only dry food to cut down on tartar.I am bad, I havent done much else for my dogs in that regard (the girl dog got her teeth cleaned when she was fixed at one year old though).

Re: Is it safe to put my dog under to get his teeth cleaned?

Scruff (yorki-shu) was getting fixed when the vet saw he should have a tooth removed. he was already under so he called to ask permission to remove the tooth. so i guess its safe

Re: Is it safe to put my dog under to get his teeth cleaned?

I just had Sandys done 2 weeks ago.
She came through with flying colors. I thought she would be out of it or in pain (she had a tooth out also) but when I picked her up she was all happy to see me & was playing with her toys that night. I was really upset dropping her off etc but it was much worse on me that it was on her.

Re: Is it safe to put my dog under to get his teeth cleaned?

What does your Yorkie weigh? The only time I really worry is when a dog under 5 lbs is getting put under, because the anesthesia affects them differently.

Definitely talk to your vet about the pros & cons, and see what alternatives to surgery there may be. Dental issues can lead to serious illnesses in pets. Definitely get it checked out

Re: Is it safe to put my dog under to get his teeth cleaned?

Posted by MsMBV

What does your Yorkie weigh? The only time I really worry is when a dog under 5 lbs is getting put under, because the anesthesia affects them differently.

Definitely talk to your vet about the pros & cons, and see what alternatives to surgery there may be. Dental issues can lead to serious illnesses in pets. Definitely get it checked out

Re: Is it safe to put my dog under to get his teeth cleaned?

I did this with my dog when he was 10. I was incredibly nervous about it but he was fine and his breath and teeth were much healthier for the last 4 years of his life.

Re: Is it safe to put my dog under to get his teeth cleaned?