Doggie orthodontics—a cure for painful problems

Some dogs are born with serious teeth problems.

Canine orthodontics is becoming more common. Yes, there are dog dentists, but the purpose is not to give the dog a winning smile. Instead of being used for cosmetic purposes the procedures are used to eliminate painful conditions.

If the teeth don’t line up properly, chewing and picking up objects could be a lifetime problem. Sometimes simply pulling certain teeth will correct the condition, but sometimes braces are necessary.

Another painful condition occurs when the lower fangs press against or even penetrate the roof of the mouth. Correcting the condition can be done by removing part of the gum or changing the shape of the tooth.

I had an email from Jody whose “mixed breed Bulldog” had to have a series of orthodontic procedures done because the teeth were out of alignment. Without the procedures the dog would have been condemned to a life of pain and baby food. Some of her relatives have been very critical of her spending so much money on a dog.

These procedures can cost from $500 to $1500 or more. Very expensive, but it is a recurring theme on this blog that people are entitled to spend their money the way they want to. Giving their dog a good quality of life for its 12 to 15+ year life expectancy is not foolish.

Telling people how much you spent on a dog may be inviting criticism, however.

Comments

[Jenny Carson]

You are so right, I had to learn the hard way not to tell my sil of my vet expenses. She wont stop ridiculing me about it and telling me about how many children dont have the medical care my dogs have. But she can buy any expensive thing she sees.

[Chandira]

I'd spend money on my cat! Why ever not? (I just might not tell people how much..)
They suffer pain like we do, all us animal lovers know that!! My cat is far more deserving than some people I know, considering the effect she has on my life. People that don't take care of animals are amazing to me. Do they have NO feelings??

[Laura]

I spent a good couple thousand (probably more) at an eye vet for my shar pei. He's passed now, but for about 2 to 3 years I spent a lot of money at the eye vet treating the dog's glaucoma. Sadly his glaucoma was very resistant and the only way to relieve his pain was to remove his eyes. By that time he was blind anyway.

Would I spend the money over again knowing it might not work? Hell yes!

[ivy]

The way I see it is, I will spend as much money on my pets as I will on my kids. That some times mean I spend money I don't actually have... like using a credit card. Just like Chandira said, my pets could suffer from pain and sickness as my kids would. How could I not try to reduce that suffering if an option was available?

[porcelain]

I have a pet dog (Labrador) I use to bring him in pet clinic every end of the month for the dental check up and grooming, I don't have any problem with my pet, he is healthy.

-heather-

[Zoe Young]

Ideas in this site are great.Detecting teeth problems early is part of taking care of a dog's general health. Dental health is something that should not be disregarded. Like people, dogs can also feel the pain of a severe toothache. The most basic way to monitor the health of your dog's teeth is by inspecting it in a regular basis. You will be able to spot out a coming problem. Another thing is not to miss any wellness visit to the vet clinic. Checking on his teeth is part of the wellness check.