Should a 15 year old dog have dental surgery?
Porter Legros
2025-08-02 15:47:44
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: 16
Age is not a disease. If a dog's 12 or if a dog's 20, I want to treat them in a way that's going to maintain their quality of life for as long as possible. No, age is not a limiting factor for dental cleanings in dogs. In fact, older dogs often need dental care the most. When we're dealing with an older patient that may have some other health conditions, we need to weigh what sort of quality of life the impact the dental disease is having, which in many dogs can be pretty significant if they have painful or loose teeth. For older dogs, it's essential to ensure their heart, kidney, and liver functions are in good shape before dental cleaning. As long as we don't have any significant health condition that could make anesthesia essentially deadly, I think it's at least worth considering looking at the procedure and looking at how this might benefit the patient. Veterinarians take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of older pets during anesthesia, and treating dental issues in older dogs can prevent prolonged pain and infection.
Nelda Brekke
2025-08-02 15:00:46
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: 19
Old age is not a disease, whilst senior dogs are more susceptible to certain health conditions and their bodies have certainly seen more wear and tear than the average puppy, age is not a disease and technically speaking, no dog is ‘too old’ to go under anaesthesia and have their teeth cleaned. What really matters is your dog’s state of health.
Periodontal disease could be the reason your pet is ‘slowing down’ Many pet owners underestimate the impact that poor dental health can have on their senior dog’s health and quality of life. Veterinarians are more than capable of managing the risks of anaesthesia in older dogs. As always, the best person to consult regarding whether your senior dog is a suitable candidate for teeth cleaning is your veterinarian. They will have a good idea of your pet’s general health and will be able to perform a thorough dental exam to assess the state of your pet’s teeth.
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