dentals-on older pugs

Judge is at the vets today as he has to have this thyroid levels checked (he is on soloxine so it is just to make sure the dosage is correct) and his yearly exam. They didn't tell me that the vet I usually see was out today, but he could see another one (we have seen her a few times so I felt fine with this, just our regular vet knows us better). Well she just called to say he looks good, but thinks we might want to consider another dental because he has a lot of plaque again. He just had a dental a year ago and I am really hesitant to put him under again just a year later-he will be 12 in July. I am still waiting on his bloodwork for the thyroid so hopefully my regular vet will call and I can discuss it more with him. What are your thoughts on dentals for older pugs and the frequency in which they need them?

Well...it depends on the pug and, to me, if there is any discomfort for them. Gus, my foster, it at least 12 and could be older, and his teeth aren't great, but as long as he is not in any pain and able to eat (no problem there...) I am inclined to not do it. He chews bones, hard treats, etc so I know there isn't any pain. I hate to put him under too cause I know nothing about him or how he reacts to sedation. I would worry about other health issues complicating things. It seems like too much for him to have another after only a year has passed.

Many variables in that decision. Health of the dog; condition of the teeth....if the teeth are REALLY, REALLY bad (doesn't sound like Judge's are THAT bad) there are more problems that can be caused by NOT doing a dental, serious heart infections being one of them.

Hope your boy can deal with this without a GA!

Tank had one last year at age 11 and he is also hypothyroid. He did fine, but my vet is VERY careful with my pugs especially my older guys.

Tank will likely need another within the next year as he has a tendency to crack or fracture teeth. I'm cautious, but I also don't let dental stuff get too far out of hand as it can poison a whole body and is one of the major (I think) causes of cardiac issues in older dogs.