I Need Your Help . . . Anesthesia to Clean My Dog's Teeth?

September 18, 2008

Dirty teeth and stinky breath . . . no thanks! North lets me brush his chompers (since I got him used to it when he was just a pup) so he's never gone in for a professional cleaning. But one furry family needs our help with this matter – I'm calling on you to share experiences with getting your pets' teeth cleaned by a doctor using anesthesia.TeamSugar member, moco is concerned about having her eight-year-old Cocker Spaniel rescue "go under" for this procedure as recommended by the vet. While she understands the necessity of this treatment, her boyfriend is against it because he's worried about their beloved, Lola simply not waking up.

What do you think about this? Please share any advice and thoughts in the comments below.

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45 Comments

ZaBeth 1 year 39 weeks

Hi, I'm brand new to this board. I'm glad I found it though. I recently (July 18th, 2011) lost my beloved Beagle, Buddy, when I took him in to get his teeth cleaned. It's been incredibly hard to go on! Buddy and I shared a very special bond. He had his teeth cleaned almost 3 years ago, with no problems. He was older though, around 10, when I had his teeth cleaned this last, and fatal, time. I'm interested in communicating with ANYONE who has been through this same situation. I do see quite a few posts, where some owners went through what I did, losing their dog, when they took him/her to have their teeth cleaned. Several of the posts, I can not reply to, due to not being able to click on a name. Please, anyone who has been through this, contact me. I don't care if it happened yesterday or 15 years ago. I think it will help me to be able to talk to others who have been through exactly what I went though, and that is, losing the LOVE of my LIFE! Here are both my e-mail addressess. Please use either/or! Lamborghinigal@bellsouth.net OR mindfreak@bellsouth.net Beth

2 years 3 weeks

My 8 year old dog underwent teeth cleaning a few weeks ago. He was fine even though i was very afraid. He had to get blood work beforehand because he takes medication. My dog was a little frightened and out of it when he got home, but overall he is fine. He was a little frazzled but he is fine now.

2 years 30 weeks

It saddens me to read about the pets that died while being under anesthesia for teeth cleaing. I cannot even begin to imagine :( My husband give anesthesia to "humans" for a living. So, when he wants our dogs teeth cleaned and knows that they will be receiving anesthesia I just assume it's OK. Our Dog, Claire (5 yr old Brittany) went for a teeth cleaning today along with her 4 year old sister, Bailey(Shih-Poo). They were taken off of food at 8:00PM last night as directed. I was called this afternoon and told that Claire did not have an empty stomach and aspirated when they went to putting the tube down her throat. They didn't do the teeth cleaning as there is a possibility that food went into her lungs and this could possibly lead to pneumonia. She was given 2 shots of antibiotics and I was sent home with one to give her orally. I'm so glad the news wasn't worse. I asked him how long it should have taken her stomach to empty. He said 3-4 hours. I'm not sure why she still had food in her stomach but he said the next time she will need to be without food prior to coming in for 24 hours. There won't be a next time for teeth cleaning as far as I'm concerned!!! I would have never dreamed of complications and reading all these stories is really scary. I have gentle dogs and think their teeth should be cleaned while they are awake. I know the warnings and complications for putting someone to sleep for surgery. I feel like unless it's ABSOLUTELY necessary, for a dog to be put to sleep to clean their teeth, then I personally wouldn't do it!!! My husband is still at work and I haven't been able to share this terrible event with him. But, I felt I needed to share my story as others have done. Also, some of the prices that I have seen for this procedure are HORRIBLE. Just for comparisons sake...I'm giving our charges. Anesthesia was 55.00 and the scaling and polishing procedure was 48.00. (Central Texas) We all love our pets and they trust us to take care of them. I hope more people read and educate themselves before any elective service!!!

2 years 34 weeks

I am torn! I have a 7 year old male toy poodle, who the vet just informed me needs to be put under anesthesia for a teeth cleaning. His breath is very bad and just by looking at his teeth I can see he is in desperate need of a cleaning - I have tried all of the over-the-counter teeth cleaning remedies & none have really worked.. I am scared for his health and starting to fear that the anesthesia is my last option. I dread doing this to my dog. I do not know much about it, but even before researching into it I thought "what if he didn't wake up?" - And now, after reading all these postings, I understand that it is a real concern. I have no clue what to do. I am so scared for him to undergo this treatment.

3 years 6 days

After my girl gets home, I also stress out. It's horrible to not allow her hardly any water but a sip or two. She walks around looking for her water bowls for hours. She even goes and looks at the toilet, poor thing. I think she is trying to figure out how she can get the lid up and stick her mug in there for a really long drink. The whole ordeal really stresses me out!

3 years 6 days

Wow, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who freaks out in regard to having my dog's teeth cleaned. I have had her teeth cleaned for the past three years under general anesthesia and stress out each time. She just had them cleaned today and she is 15. Therefore, her first cleaning took place at 13 years old. My vet has a very large and busy practice. She probably puts more dogs under in a week than most vets do in 6 months or so. I would not let anyone else put my dog under. I have heard the horror stories of healthy pets dying at the hands on inexperienced vets. Don't go to a vet that doesn't have 20-30 years experience. Next year, providing my girl is still healthy and living, I do want to find an alternative though, because I really don't want her put under at 16, unless it's life or death.

3 years 8 weeks

I forgot to mention...Fargo had all bloodwork done, always on heartworm pills, had a full exam with vet checking his heart and the vet even commented how great his heart sounded, so he was extremely healthy. We even had a necropsy (autopsy) done by another vet for our own peace of mind to see if there was an underlying problem. There was no reason this should have happened to Fargo, except for taken under too quickly.

3 years 8 weeks

Unfortunately most veterinarians have their techs do the job. Even if specifying you want 'him' to do it from start to finish, does not guarantee he will, as in my case. I don't remember the name of the specific anesthesia they used on Fargo, but it was one that took him down fast and these vets should never use that kind. This is what causes cardiac arrest. In my personal opinion, no vet should ever have to take a dog totally under to clean the teeth. If extractions are necessary, then maybe...I don't know. It is a hard decision either way, but I know I will never put my almost 2 yr. old working german shepherd in harms way to clean his teeth. I currently use petzlife, but Fritz does not like it although he lets me use it when brushing his teeth. I am going to look into other options. I forgot to put my name on my last post of 2-26-10. Hugs to you all who have lost your dear companions to this horrible practice.

3 years 8 weeks

My beloved Yorkie who was given to me by my deceased boyfriend nine years ago crashed while under anesthesia last Monday for a dental cleaning and extraction of two teeth. My friend's neighbor gave him to my boyfriend and never gave an age and he was already neutered. I had him for nine years this month and I assume he was at least nine and a half years old. He went to his local vet for a booster of the new dog influenza shot and she said that his heart was beating a little slow but she was adamant that he needed a couple of teeth pulled and a dental cleaning but she wanted 400 dollars! I called around and our local vet emergency clinic who is a regular vet clinic in the daytime had the same procedure priced at only $185 dollars and that included presurgical bloodwork. I also took my 13 yr old Siamese wedgehead in who has had a number of dental cleanings before with success. I boarded both of them so they could withhold fluids and foods from them and prep them for the procedure the next morning. I got a call about 9:30 am saying my 22 lb(yes, 22lbs) Yorkie had crashed and they were working on him with CPR and other meds. He did not make it and it has just devastated me. They said they think he had a reaction to the anesthesia but it could have also been because he had a slightly low heart beat. The everyday vet convinced me he was in a lot of pain from needing the cleaning and extractions but I wish that I had ignored her. I miss my little doggie and he was the last thing of my deceased boyfriend that I have left. Don't be convinced to get your dog's teeth cleaned under anesthesia! I am so thankful that my 13 yr old beloved Siamese kitty will be ok and don't think I will ever put her or any of my other cats through that procedure again. My sis in law has a 20 yr old Dach who has never had a dental cleaning and all she has given her are hard dog biscuits daily and they have kept her teeth clean.

3 years 9 weeks

Wow, this is a hard decision. My dog owning buddy had her dog's teeth cleaned and it seemed so normal but that vet is gone and the new one who has a heavy heavey accent so that I could hardly understand him, mentioned the risk about 5 times. He left and sent the tech in with a list of things to use instead of the vet cleaning the teeth. It included antibiotics, greenies, water additive, toothbrush and toothpaste. I said there was a misunderstanding and asked for and scheduled a cleaning and now I am hesitating. She is 12 years old and healthy but is on cyclosporine for allergies, which is sure to be hard on the liver. Her breath is bad, but not too bad and she has mild dental disease. Of course if not doing the cleaning will mean that she will have worse disease later, it is better to do it now. She let me examine her teeth. Her teeth look pretty bad but the gums look pretty healthy In the past she did not cooperate with me cleaning her teeth. And the physical logistics are very tough for me so I just stopped trying. I am guessing that in very skilled hands with slow careful administration of sedative a dog will do better than if the staff is rushed or inattentive. I am very close to canceling the cleaning. Any advice?

3 years 11 weeks

Our sweet boy Max (who was a yorkie) that we've had since he was 7 weeks old died today from going in to have his teeth cleaned. He would have been 12 years old next month. I can't tell you how sad and shocked I am. He had his teeth cleaned about a year and half ago and had no problems. He had blood tests done and we've been at the same vet since he was a puppy. He's been healthy, happy and still sooo active - like a puppy. He went for all his checkups and up to date on all vaccinations. My family and friends are grieving and this is so horrible. At this point I would NEVER take another animal to do this again. Truly, I'm so devastated about this and loving our Max to get another dog. He has a "sister", who we did not take in because she's a small yorkie - 4 lbs and due to her size, and other issues did not take her, she is equally loved and the princess. Max was a little Prince, he was only 7 lbs but the doctor really recommended we do this. We stood firm for Diamond because they said they were concerned and said No problem for him. We even checked with them after the blood tests and they said he was wonderful. How and why this could happen to a healthy dog is something I don't understand. They said that his heart stopped beating 3 minutes after he went under...they tried to resuscitate for 44 minutes. We were there and it was miserable. I feel so guilty too taking him...he trusted us to take good care of him. He was running and jumping before in went in this morning. My husband said he's the one that took him by - we both feel wrong that we took him. I even hesitated and ask questions...but was reassured all would be fine...if you don't feel good about any procedure (for ANY REASON) - DON'T DO IT! I don't think I will ever get over this...my little girl will miss him too... We LOVED OUR MAX WITH ALL OUR HEARTS! We shares so many fun memories - don't risk loosing your "child" (and we had our own children who are grown) before their time.

3 years 11 weeks

I'm glad to come across these postings. Stormy and I have the most loving and tender-hearted 12-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Chonchi. He is in desperate need of a dental but we are so extremely terrified of putting him under. We made an appt for his dental and they attempted to do bloodwork, but for some reason they couldn't draw and didn't want to blow a vein. Therefore, we didn't get the cleaning done. I've had a couple days to think things over and I'm feeling that the cleaning didn't happen for a reason. I am now positive that I don't want to put him under, but also feel terribly guilty if we don't get something done for him. I feel like we run a risk either way. Chonchi is a pretty submissive dog and I'm hoping somewhere out there we can get him pretty cleaned up w/o anesthesia (no extractions) and let him ride out the rest of his life. Meanwhile, being in the dental field, I will do my best to examine him and clean him up. Any advice?

3 years 12 weeks

I am so grateful to have found this site! My dog, Korkie, is 12 ½ and I'm taking her to see the vet tomorrow for her 'senior care visit'. Korkie's breath recently is very bad, so I'm almost certain the vet is going to suggest having her teeth cleaned by them. Considering her age I decided to do some research today regarding this issue. My main concern of course being the anesthesia... something in my 'gut' is telling me at her age it's just not something that should be done. After reading about Gracie, Sam, Fargo and Izak I will definitely not allow Korkie to be put under anesthesia to have her teeth cleaned... I am sooooo sorry to those of you who lost your beloved pet because of that - but soooo very grateful that you took the time to share it with us here. I thank you, and Korkie does too... Dawn

3 years 12 weeks

I am so sorry for your loss of Gracie. These veterinarians continue to use the wrong anesthesia which takes them under too quickly and causes cardiac arrest like what happened with my Fargo. It is almost unbearable losing your dog...I still have my moments of just bursting into tears although it has been just over a year now. I know the pain you feel and the anger and am so sorry about Gracie.

3 years 12 weeks

This past Monday we took our sweet 9yo Sheltie, "Gracie", in for her fourth teeth cleaning while under anasthesia. The same vet performed all of her previous cleanings. The vet administered the sedation meds to insert the breathing tube. He then proceded to administer the remainder of the anasthesia, at which time Gracie went into Cardiac arrest and died. She was a VERY healthy, happy and vibrant dog. If hindsight were 20/20....I would never again risk it. I am missing her so much. Good luck to you all.

3 years 33 weeks

Well I read all the comments prior to mine and I must say I have had my 3 year old small mix breed put under once to have her teeth cleaned. I was scared to death to do this but her teeth where really bad and the odor was horrible! I was going to take her in again to have it done but have elected to try some thing else first. I purchased a product called: DentaTreat by Wysong. My little dog goes nuts over this stuff! I brush her teeth with my fingers with this powdered stuff on it. I give this to her twice a day by sprinkling it in a dish and she licks it up.I have seen in three weeks time the plaque and tartar falling off her teeth. I pick at them once in a while to help the process along. This stuff is super! I would highly recommend anyone to buy this. It really does work! I have bought a lot of other things like Petzlife Oral Care Gel and additives to the water. My little dog gags on the Petzlife and when she sees me grab that bottle she runs. The DentaTreat so far has been working well and I will continue to buy it. I paid $12.99 for a 3 oz bottle of this powder. I will be looking in to the treats they sell too! Google this DentaTreat to find it because we can't post links here. I won't be taking her to the vet to have her teeth done again, this DentaTreat is working good!

3 years 45 weeks

My dog Sam just died 2 days after being put under for a dental cleaning. He started vomiting blood. I was first told that it was just stomach upset due to the anaesthesia, pain meds, and antibiotics, and sent home. Five hours later he bled to death internally in an emergency vet clinic. May be conicidence, but I think not. I would never have done it had I known.

Katydid620 4 years 17 weeks

Ohhhh...the above post breaks my heart. This was such a hard decision for me. My dog needed her teeth cleaned desperately. I finally went ahead and did it. I think it was my neighbor that finally made my mind up. His dog had gotten a really bad abcess (spelling?) in his face. Clear right through his cheek. So I had Maisy's teeth cleaned right before Christmas. Thankfully she did great. I think the hardest thing for me was dropping her off at the vet for the day. She has serious seperation issues. My only problem now is that I'd love to be brushing her teeth so we won't have to have this done again, but she isn't having it...

Protector 4 years 17 weeks

I would never again allow any future dog I may own to go under anethesia for teeth cleaning. I purchased him at age 3 for protection. My 8 yr. old German Shepherd died on Monday, January 19, 2008 from overdose of anethesia. My dog had his teeth cleaned with this same vet before. Fargo had all the pre-bloodwork that morning and last week when we took him in for consultation our vet commented his heart beat was slow, although he was excited showing he was in great heart health. Here is the story the vet told us. He gave him the minimal amount of pre-meds and since it was not enough to get him to the point of grogginess, he put the mask on him for a few seconds. Immediately, he saw his chest pound once, then his heart stop, this happened again, then he went into cardic arrest-meaning his heart rate accelerated, then stopped for good. He then gave Fargo ephinephrine and some other injection into his iv. He did this again, as there was no response. He then did palpations working on him for a total of 20 minutes. He was gone. I am heartbroken and angry at the vet and will never put another pet through that at such great risk of death. There are alternatives to surgery that I am now aware of just by doing a couple searches on the internet. I only wish I would have known of them prior to this. The number of dogs dying from overdose of anethesia is 1 in 400 and can be as high as 1 in 200. For all of you who were 'lucky' enough your dog survived anethesia, I would hope alternatives to anethesia for teeth cleaning is something you would look into. Good oral health is extremely important. As for me, as I stated earlier, I will never put any future dog I may own at such high risk of death for teeth cleaning. Life or death situations for dogs=anethesia and nothing else. Thank you for taking time to read my story as I continue to grieve losing my absolute best friend.

fltaz15 4 years 26 weeks

I understand the worry on the risk of undergoing anesthesia with the elder age. Main thing to do is get bloodwork like "superchem" or a senior comprehensive. This to be sure the organs/body can handle to anesthesia. Also make sure that the dog is heartworm free, if the dog has heartworm, it can majorly affect the life chances of the dog. I've assisted with dentals on elder dogs and always made sure a full exam and bloodwork was done before the decision was made.

Katydid620 4 years 34 weeks

I am dealing with this exact issue right now as well!! My dog is 3 and has very stinky breath. The vet wants me to have her teeth cleaned and I really want to do it but I am terrified of putting her under. My vet was SOOO expensive but another local vet was half the price. He isn't my regular vet but Maisy was fixed with there. So they have seen her before. I just don't know what to do... Someone told me to try a spray called leba lll. It's like $50. Has anyone tried it? I'd hate to pay $50 for something that doesn't work...

prrrtykittie 4 years 35 weeks

My cat's had this done. It was far more distressing for me than for her, to be honest. She was 11 when she had it done and that definitely added to my worries. Luckily, she has a vet that feels very passionately about animals and so I know they will treat her well and also they did scans and bloodwork before putting her under to be sure she could handle it. I would absolutely recommend doing the scans and bloodwork first!!! But she came home that night and we could tell she wasn't feeling the pain because she was playing. She was obviously in pain for a couple of days afterwards, but it didn't seem too bad. Tooth infections can be pretty serious, so it is important to get their teeth cleaned if you can.

miriah15 4 years 35 weeks

As a VA I can honestly tell you that this procedure is routine and has next-to-no risks

lindseylee 4 years 35 weeks

My dog izak died while under anesthesia. He was a 4 year old cocker spaniel in perfect health. that is the LAST time we will ever put any of our animals under.

verily 4 years 35 weeks

I had my cat's teeth cleaned. He was fine.

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