teeth removal & couple q's

[mali rocky]

My lil guy is 10 months old and he has not yet been neutered and he has 2 rows of teeth. I have been to the vet about a month ago and he definitely suggested that we have his teeth pulled but I am scared to death to put him under anesthesia and I am affraid of what the procedure and recovery is like? he is so tiny I am scared of the pain he might go through !
I have tried to brush his teeth but its impossible because he wont let me mess with his mouth but his breath is sooo stinky. He has always been very protective of his mouth. I am not sure what to do. I understand that this would be for his good but he means everything to me and I just dont know how I am supposed to trust some vet...This makes me so emotional but I really want to provide him with the best care I possibly can. So can anyone please share what the entire teeth removal procedure is like? and any other info, comments or ideas you might have. Thank you!

-also he always licks his front and back paws before going to sleep, is that okay?
-during the night when he's asleep he sometimes makes these little whining noises I am not sure why?

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by mali rocky

-also he always licks his front and back paws before going to sleep, is that okay?
-during the night when he's asleep he sometimes makes these little whining noises I am not sure why?

First, WELCOME! For the teeth, yes, those absolutely must be removed - no question. I totally understand your fears. I waited until Marcel was 10 mths old - he was still only 2.5 pounds at that point so I was pretty nervous - he came through the neuter and teeth removal in about 45 minutes - the next day you wouldn't even have known he had surgery. Unreal. They normally recover SO quickly, it's really surprising.

As for paw licking - that is a RED FLAG for allergies - what are you feeding and/or what is the current pollen level in your area?

Sleep noises - he's probably having nice dreams about you!

[Yorkie Luv of 3]

Welcome To YT!!! and I'd suggest if you'd not trusting of your Vet,, find another, ,one you are comfortable with,, and then have the neuter /tooth removal done, the sooner the better for both your sakes,, and yes,, its amazing how quickly they recover!! Best of Luck and again, ,Welcome!

[penningtone]

If you're not trusting of your vet, I would work hard to research a new clinic. My Lola was spayed around 7 months of age and they pulled 2 baby teeth at that time. She was in plenty of pain after the spay, but the teeth were a breeze. Luckily my vet's office doted on Lola like she was their own. She woke up in the arms of a vet tech, and they swaddled her in a baby blanket all day. Make sure to ask for plenty of take-home pain medicine too.

I know it's worrisome to put your baby under anesthesia, but it's really better to do it now versus later. Pre-surgery bloodwork will help flag any potential problems, and a caring vet will make surgery and recovery as comfortable as possible.

My advice... ask TONS of people for referrals. In my town, we have expensive and inexpensive vets that offer mediocre care. I found Lola's doctor after visiting a few places and getting that bad "vibe". If you're not 100% happy, just keep looking. The right doctor and clinic will go our of their way to ease your fears.

Good luck!

[mali rocky]

thanks for your suggestions and answers. I am still searching for the right vet but yeah I will go ahead and have his teeth removed.