Dachshund Teeth Extracted: Guilt & Dog Dental Health

Hey everyone! So, I'm dealing with a bit of a situation and could really use some advice. It all started when I noticed our family dachshund, Max, was having some seriously stinky breath. You know, that canine halitosis that could clear a room? I also saw him pawing at his mouth a bit, and his gums looked a little red. I got concerned because I know dental health is super important for dogs, just like it is for us. So, I started gently encouraging my mom to take him to the vet for a dental checkup.

The Pressure and the Exam

Now, my mom loves Max to bits, but she's also the type who sometimes puts things off, you know? I kept bringing up the stinky breath and the pawing, and finally, I think I might have been a little too persistent. I really wanted what was best for Max, and I knew dental issues in dogs can lead to much bigger problems if left untreated, like heart disease and kidney problems. So, yeah, I put on the pressure. Eventually, she relented and booked an appointment. The vet did a thorough examination, and the news wasn't good. Max had some pretty severe periodontal disease. The vet recommended a full dental cleaning under anesthesia, which included X-rays and possible extractions. We agreed, thinking it was the best course of action for Max's long-term health. Fast forward to the procedure… and this is where things get a little intense. The vet called us afterward with an update. They said Max's teeth were in much worse shape than they initially thought. In fact, they ended up extracting ALL of his teeth. Yes, you read that right. Every. Single. One.

The Aftermath and the Guilt

My mom was understandably upset. She felt terrible for Max, imagining him toothless and struggling to eat. And honestly? I felt a huge wave of guilt wash over me. I was the one who pushed for the dental exam. I was the one who emphasized the importance of dog dental care. Now, Max was coming home with no teeth. I started questioning everything. Had I made the right decision? Had I pressured my mom too much? Was Max going to be okay? I mean, I know logically that a dog without teeth is often better off than a dog with severely diseased teeth. The pain and infection can be incredibly detrimental to their overall health and quality of life. But still, the image of my little dachshund, gummy and vulnerable, just broke my heart. We brought Max home, and he was definitely groggy from the anesthesia. He looked a little lost and confused, and my mom was hovering over him like a worried mother hen. We had special soft food prepared for him, and thankfully, he ate a little bit that evening.

Recovery and Adaptation

The first few days were a bit rough. Max was still adjusting to life without teeth. He seemed a bit hesitant about eating, and we had to be extra careful about giving him his medication. But slowly, surely, he started to adapt. It was amazing to witness his resilience. He learned to eat his soft food with gusto, and he even started playing with his toys again. The biggest change? His breath! The horrendous dog breath was completely gone! It was such a relief. And we started to notice other positive changes too. He seemed more energetic and playful. He wasn't pawing at his mouth anymore, and he seemed generally happier. It became clear that he had been living with chronic pain for quite some time, and we hadn't even fully realized it.

Was It the Right Decision?

So, here I am now, a few weeks after the dental drama, still wrestling with the question: Did I do the right thing? Logically, I know the answer is probably yes. The vet assured us that tooth extractions are often the best solution for advanced periodontal disease in dogs. They explained that Max was likely in a lot of pain, and removing the source of that pain was the kindest thing we could do. And I can see the evidence with my own eyes. Max is happier, healthier, and more comfortable than he's been in a a long time. But the guilt still lingers. I can't help but wonder if there was something else we could have done. Maybe if we had been more diligent about his dog dental hygiene earlier in his life, we could have prevented this from happening. Maybe if I hadn't pressured my mom so much, we could have explored other options. But the truth is, we can't go back in time. We can only move forward and do our best for Max now.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

This whole experience has been a huge learning curve for me. I've learned the importance of proactive dog dental care. I've learned that sometimes, the kindest thing you can do is make a difficult decision, even if it feels scary. And I've learned that guilt is a powerful emotion, but it doesn't always serve a purpose. So, what's next for Max? We're committed to keeping his mouth clean and healthy. We brush his gums regularly (yes, even without teeth!), and we give him dental chews recommended by our vet. We're also making sure he gets regular checkups to monitor his overall health. And for me? I'm working on letting go of the guilt and focusing on the positive. Max is doing great, and that's what matters most. I'm also sharing our story in the hopes that it might help other pet owners. If you're noticing signs of dental problems in your dog, please don't wait. Talk to your vet. Early intervention can make a huge difference. And even if your dog does need extractions, remember that they can still live a happy, healthy life without teeth. It might take some adjustment, but it's often the best thing for their well-being. Has anyone else experienced something similar? I'd love to hear your stories and advice! Let's learn from each other and help our furry friends live their best lives. Also, do you think that this is a common thing with Dachshund dental problems? Should I have known that my breed of dog was prone to this and been more proactive in preventative care?

• Dog halitosis (stinky breath)
• Dental health importance for dogs
• Dental issues in dogs
• Periodontal disease
• Dog dental care
• Horrendous dog breath
• Tooth extractions as a solution
• Proactive dog dental care
• Dental problems in dogs
• Dachshund dental problems

Dog's Teeth All Extracted? My Guilt & Dachshund Dental Health