Since I am unable to examine and evaluate your dog’s dental problem, I can only give you some general advice that I hope is helpful. First off, I will say that I do not agree with the recommendation to administer antibiotics “for the rest of your dog’s life” as an alternative to dental cleaning. That’s a Band-Aid at best!

If proper dental cleaning requires anesthesia, I would proceed unless there are known risks (other medical problems) that could result in complications. You and your vet will need to weigh out the “risks vs. benefits” of doing the procedure. If the benefits are higher than the risks—as they often are—you need go ahead with it. Age alone is not a significant risk factor to avoid anesthesia.

Untreated dental disease is risky too. Vets don’t recommend cleaning teeth just for a better smile Infection and pain from teeth that need to be extracted can be a serious cause of ill heath in senior dogs—and people too! Next, you need to have confidence in your vet. Ask how your dog will be monitored while under anesthesia. Find out if your vet uses this medical equipment:

• A pulse oximeter is a medical device that indirectly measures the oxygen saturation of a patient’s blood. Important to determine if your dog’s tissues are receiving a good supply of oxygen.

• Heart monitor or EKG unit to measure your dog’s heart rate and watch for any possible arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats).

Be sure your estimate includes an IV catheter to administer intravenous fluids while your dog is under anesthesia. This is standard procedure for any pet undergoing anesthesia—keeps the blood pressure up and maintains proper hydration.

Another option you have is to consult with a veterinary specialist who has been board certified in animal dentistry. This may be considered a luxury for most, but if your stress level is high enough you can be sure your dog will receive state of the art dental care and careful monitoring.

And lastly, remember that dental care is ongoing. You need to do your part to slow down the progression of periodontal disease. Your vet should provide instructions for daily home care and demonstrate how to properly brush your dog’s teeth. A children’s sized toothbrush with soft bristles works well.

Once again you show how much you place pet health above personal gain. The truth telling in this article is priceless and speaks volumns of your integrity and promise to do no harm. It is above and beyond and I give honor to you. My lovely girl Maile who is a “poi dog” but mostly golden lab thanks you for educating me.

On a personal note. Maile is doing well with the introduction of AHCC and Omega 3.6.9. oil daily as you recommended in a previous article. She has increased energy, the stiffness in her limbs is almost non-exsistant, she frolics like a pup again and her eyes look so bright. With the addition of a capsule of kelp she appears to be shedding the inches too. We are reordering as we are almost out of the 1st months supply. I cannot thank you enough for your advice and caring of Maile’s problems.

Our pets depend on us to do no harm with over vaccinating, feeding them unhealthy foods, etc. Your e-books and this newsletter have done more for her increased well being than anyone else ever has. That is priceless.

One last thing which I think is important. You were very kind to tell me not to “beat myself up” for falling in line and allowing for her to be over vaccinated for many years and feeding her unhealthy pet food because I didn’t know better. I do now thanks to you. Maile is on a home diet of mostly protein with some fruit and carrots for treats. I promise you no biscuits until she is at her best weight again and then it will be limited and homemade.

Mahalo Paula, there is a special place in God’s heart for you.

Malama Pono, Nani and Maile