# Why Anesthesia is a Must for Your Dog‘s Dental Health: Lessons from the Wolf‘s Mouth

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/why-anesthesia-is-a-must-for-your-dogs-dental-health-lessons-from-the-wolfs-mouth/
- Published: 2024-03-10
- Author: Savanna Read
- Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/)

---

As a dog lover and veterinarian, I‘ve seen firsthand how important it is to prioritize our furry friends‘ dental health. It‘s easy to assume that dogs‘ teeth are naturally self-cleaning, especially when we think about their wild ancestors like wolves. But the truth is, our domesticated canine companions have very different dental needs that require regular professional care – including cleanings under anesthesia.

In this article, we‘ll take an in-depth look at why anesthesia is so crucial for maintaining your dog‘s oral health, and what we can learn from the way wolves keep their teeth clean in the wild. We‘ll also explore the risks of neglecting dental care, the latest research and statistics on canine periodontal disease, and practical tips for keeping your pup‘s pearly whites in top shape between vet visits. So let‘s dive in!

## The Wolf‘s Guide to Dental Hygiene

To understand why our dogs need regular dental cleanings, it helps to start with a comparison to their wild cousins. Wolves are natural predators whose teeth and jaws have evolved over thousands of years to tear through raw meat, crunch bones, and shear tough hides. This abrasive diet acts like a built-in toothbrush, constantly scraping away plaque and tartar buildup.

Wolves also spend much of their time chewing on sticks, bones, and other hard objects, which stimulates blood flow to the gums and provides a natural flossing action. And thanks to their hardy immune systems, they‘re less prone to infections and inflammation from the bacteria in their mouths.

But perhaps the biggest factor in wolves‘ dental health is simply their shorter lifespan. In the wild, wolves rarely live past 8 years old, so they don‘t have as much time to develop severe periodontal disease. Contrast that with our pet dogs, who are living longer than ever thanks to advancements in veterinary care and nutrition. The average lifespan of a domesticated dog is now [10-13 years](https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/how-long-do-dogs-live), giving dental disease much more time to progress if left unchecked.

## The Perils of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is the most common health problem in dogs, affecting over 80% of pets over age 3, according to the [American Veterinary Dental College](https://avdc.org/facts-about-veterinary-dentistry/). It starts when plaque (a film of bacteria) hardens into tartar on the teeth, eventually spreading under the gum line and causing inflammation, infection, and loss of the bone and soft tissue that hold the teeth in place.

If untreated, periodontal disease can lead to a host of painful and potentially life-threatening problems, including:

- Tooth loss
- Abscesses and infection
- Fractured jaws
- Nasal discharge and chronic sneezing
- Heart, liver, and kidney damage from bacterial spread
- Increased risk of diabetes, stroke, and other systemic diseases

Advanced periodontal disease is also incredibly painful for dogs, making it difficult for them to eat, play, and enjoy life. But because they‘re masters at hiding discomfort, many owners don‘t realize there‘s a problem until it‘s too late.

## Putting the Risks of Anesthesia in Perspective

Whenever anesthesia is mentioned, it‘s natural for dog owners to feel nervous. We‘ve all heard horror stories about pets who have had bad reactions or even died under anesthesia. But while no medical procedure is without risk, modern veterinary anesthesia is actually very safe, with a mortality rate of less than 0.1% according to a [large-scale study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27762564/) published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

To put that number in perspective, the risk of a dog dying from an anesthetic dental cleaning is about the same as the risk of a human dying from a lightning strike. And when you consider the much higher risks of untreated periodontal disease, the benefits of anesthesia clearly outweigh the potential downsides.

Of course, that doesn‘t mean you should take anesthesia lightly, or agree to it without doing your homework. It‘s important to work with a veterinarian you trust, who follows modern safety protocols and takes steps to minimize risks, such as:

- Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and physical exam to identify any underlying health issues
- Individualized anesthetic plans based on your dog‘s age, breed, and health status
- IV catheter and fluids to maintain blood pressure and hydration
- Advanced monitoring equipment to track vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels
- Pain control before, during, and after the procedure
- Dedicated anesthetist to monitor your dog and adjust levels as needed

## What to Expect from an Anesthetic Dental Cleaning

So what exactly happens when your dog goes in for an anesthetic dental procedure? While every animal hospital is a little different, here‘s a general overview:

1. **Pre-anesthetic exam and bloodwork**: This is typically done a few days before the scheduled procedure, to make sure your dog is healthy enough for anesthesia and identify any necessary precautions or modifications.
2. **Fasting**: Your vet will instruct you to withhold food (and sometimes water) for a certain period before the procedure, usually overnight, to reduce the risk of vomiting or inhaling stomach contents under anesthesia.
3. **Premedication**: When you arrive for the procedure, your dog will receive a sedative injection to help them relax and reduce the amount of anesthetic needed.
4. **Anesthesia**: Once your dog is calm, they‘ll be given an injection of general anesthetic to render them completely unconscious and pain-free. An endotracheal tube is then placed to deliver oxygen and anesthetic gas, and IV fluids are started.
5. **Dental exam and cleaning**: With your dog safely anesthetized, the vet will do a thorough oral exam, noting any problems on a dental chart. They‘ll then use an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and under the gum line, followed by polishing to smooth any roughness.
6. **X-rays**: Intraoral x-rays are taken to check for problems below the gum line, like tooth root abscesses, fractures, or bone loss. This is a critical step, as over half of dental disease is hidden from view.
7. **Additional procedures**: Depending on the exam and x-ray findings, your vet may also perform tooth extractions, gingival surgery, bonding, or other treatments as needed.
8. **Recovery**: After the cleaning is complete, the anesthesia is turned off and your dog is closely monitored until they‘re awake enough to have the tube removed. They‘ll then be transferred to a quiet kennel to rest and recover, with pain medication and antibiotics administered as needed.

Most dogs are able to go home the same day as their procedure, although they may be a bit groggy and uncoordinated for the first 12-24 hours. Your vet will give you detailed instructions for aftercare, including any dietary restrictions or follow-up appointments.

## The Cost of Dental Health

There‘s no question that anesthetic dental cleanings can be expensive, especially if your dog needs extractions or other additional treatments. According to a [nationwide survey](https://www.thesprucepets.com/average-cost-for-dog-teeth-cleaning-4799129) by Veterinary Practice News, the average cost of an anesthetic dental cleaning is $321, but can go up to $1,200 or more for complex cases.

However, this cost pales in comparison to the long-term expenses and heartache of treating advanced periodontal disease. A single tooth extraction can cost hundreds of dollars, and if your dog develops systemic complications like heart or kidney disease, you could be facing thousands in veterinary bills – not to mention the toll on your pet‘s quality of life.

That‘s why it‘s so important to invest in preventative dental care, including regular anesthetic cleanings as recommended by your vet. Many animal hospitals offer dental health plans or wellness packages that can help spread out the cost, and some pet insurance plans cover routine dental care as well.

## Keeping Your Dog‘s Teeth Healthy Between Cleanings

Of course, professional dental cleanings are just one part of the equation when it comes to keeping your dog‘s mouth healthy. Just like humans, dogs benefit from regular at-home dental care to reduce plaque and tartar buildup and keep their breath fresh between vet visits.

The gold standard is daily tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste (never use human toothpaste, which can contain xylitol and other ingredients that are toxic to dogs). But if that‘s not realistic for your lifestyle, there are plenty of other options to help keep your pup‘s pearly whites in good shape, such as:

- Dental chews and treats (look for the VOHC seal of approval)
- Water additives
- Prescription dental diets
- Dental wipes or gels
- Chew toys designed to promote oral health

It‘s also a good idea to get in the habit of regularly inspecting your dog‘s mouth for signs of problems, like red or swollen gums, loose or discolored teeth, and stinky breath. The earlier you catch and treat dental issues, the better the outcome for your furry friend.

## The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, our dogs are not wolves – and that‘s a good thing! While we can certainly learn from the way wild canids maintain their dental health through diet and lifestyle, the fact is that our domesticated pets have different needs and challenges when it comes to oral hygiene.

By working with your veterinarian to create an individualized dental care plan, including regular anesthetic cleanings and at-home care, you can help ensure that your dog enjoys a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums – not to mention plenty of tail-wagging, face-licking joy. And that‘s something to smile about.

## Sources

1. [American Veterinary Dental College – Facts About Veterinary Dentistry](https://avdc.org/facts-about-veterinary-dentistry/)
2. [WebMD – How Long Do Dogs Live?](https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/how-long-do-dogs-live)
3. [Frontiers in Veterinary Science – Risk Factors for Anesthetic-Related Death in Dogs and Cats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27762564/)
4. [The Spruce Pets – Average Cost for Dog Teeth Cleaning](https://www.thesprucepets.com/average-cost-for-dog-teeth-cleaning-4799129)
5. [Veterinary Oral Health Council – Accepted Products](http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products.html)

---

Source: [Why Anesthesia is a Must for Your Dog‘s Dental Health: Lessons from the Wolf‘s Mouth](https://33rdsquare.com/why-anesthesia-is-a-must-for-your-dogs-dental-health-lessons-from-the-wolfs-mouth/)