Dogs Don’t Need Dentures, But All Pets Deserve a Healthy Mouth!

Hello Dog Lovers!  It’s an honor to have Dr. Heidi Lobprise as our guest today.  She has been in veterinary practice in the Dallas Fort Worth area for over 30 years, with most of that time as a dental specialist. Many of her patients are referrals from general practitioners, with a large percentage of them in their ‘senior’ years.  She is the author/co-author of three dental texts, has written many chapters and articles and has lectured internationally.

I think that you wanted to focus mainly on why we shouldn’t ignore our Senior Dog’s Teeth right?

Are there any differences with older dog’s teeth?

More extractions?  What if someone doesn’t want to put their dog through extractions?

With teeth missing, some might think it will be hard for their dog to chew food.

I think a lot of people might not get dental cleanings done on a senior dog because of anesthesia concerns.  What are your thoughts on that?

Are there any risks?

What preanesthetic evaluations are recommended in senior dogs?

Which anesthetic protocols will minimize anesthesia risks in older dogs?

Are there different anesthetic drugs?

Is it true that oral tumors are seen more commonly in older dogs than in younger patients? And that many times these tumors cannot be detected on an awake patient, because the dog will not permit a thorough oral exam?

What can we do at home to care for our senior dog’s teeth (really for any age of dog)?

Do you want to talk about how a health or unhealthy mouth effects your dog’s overall health?

What are your thoughts on anesthesia free dental cleanings?

What are some signs of gum disease?

Is it true that small-breed dogs are at the highest risk of dental disease? Why is that?

Water additives, chews, toys that clean teeth?

Resources mentioned by Dr. Heidi on products to care for your dog’s teeth at home:  https://avdc.org/  and http://vohc.org/

Dr. Heidi, where can everyone find out more information about you and your practice?  http://www.mainstreetpets.com/

We appreciate our sponsor: Wolf Spring

Just go to WolfSpring.dog and be sure to use the code WOL to receive 20% off of your order

Thanks for Listening!

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Special thanks to Dr. Lobprise for being on the show. Catch you next time!

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The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is no substitute for professional care by a veterinarian, licensed nutritionist or other qualified professional. The host as well as guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experience and conclusions, and Wag Out Loud LLC neither endorses or opposes any particular views discussed here.