Scale and polish for an older dog

C
Christelle65 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone

I adopted a small spaniel on 29th January who currently weighs around 24 lbs.

She turned 12 yesterday.

Ever since her first visit to the vet, they've been constantly encouraging me to get her teeth cleaned (a scale and polish).

I’m really worried about the general anaesthetic, so I keep saying no.

But at the last visit, he almost convinced me, saying there were more risks with tooth loss and dental infections than with the anaesthesia itself.

I’ve booked the appointment for Thursday, but my fears have come back and I’m ready to cancel again.

I’d like to know if there’s any other way to clean my little dog’s teeth without a general anaesthetic that’s still effective enough to prevent dental problems.

I also know the risks involved if the tartar stays because I had another little dog who suffered from lots of dental infections and lost her teeth... so I know that doing nothing can also be dangerous.

I feel so lost and I'm scared for my little girl.

Does anyone have any advice or know of any less risky but effective methods?

Translated from French
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    @ Christelle

    I descale my dogs' teeth myself using this product:

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E6JATM0

    It works a treat, though it just depends on whether you think your girl will sit still for you. Mine really didn't get on with PlaqueOff at all.

    Translated from French
    C
    Christelle65 Icon representing the flag French
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    Overall, she’s in good health.

    That said, she’s a little girl who’s getting on in years, so she has some joint pain and the odd bit of limping.

    She also suffers from skin allergies. She was actually found as a stray, covered in fleas and with no ID. The allergies she still has are down to the fact that she was once covered in fleas.

    Even though she doesn't have any now and is kept up to date with flea and tick treatments, she still scratches. The vet mentioned that with the time of year, it's likely seasonal too.

    She’s currently on one tablet a day, but as soon as the treatment stops, she starts itching again.

    Thanks for your reply.

    Translated from French
    Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
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    Maybe get a second opinion from another vet to see if they agree; two heads are better than one! ^^

    For the tartar, I give my dog PlaqueOff (have a look on Zooplus) – it’s quite good, but if the tartar is too built up, it won’t have much of an effect.

    How is your dog’s general health?

    Translated from French

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