Burger had his first dentist appointment today. Because the cleaning required anesthesia, we left him at the clinic for the day. It’s much easier for the veterinary team to clean a small dog’s teeth thoroughly when the patient is safely sedated, and it avoids the risk of bites or stress for everyone involved. Burger, predictably, turned into a worried little puddle while at the clinic — he’s always a bit dramatic at the vet.

We were all anxious as we waited for the technician to take him inside. It felt strange not having him at home for a day; the house was quieter without his little noises and routines. Still, the priority was his health. Healthy teeth mean a healthier dog overall, and we want Burger with us for many more years.

Good News from the Vet

Happily, the cleaning was a success. The veterinarian shared that chihuahuas commonly struggle with dental issues, but Burger was an exception. This was his first professional cleaning, and the vet was pleasantly surprised that he didn’t need any extractions. No decay was found, and he left the clinic with all of his teeth intact and a minty-fresh breath.

We give a lot of credit to the nightly at-home routine that likely helped: Sherry brushes his teeth at home, which is sometimes an amusing wrestling match, but apparently it makes a real difference. Regular at-home care combined with periodic professional cleanings is a good path to keeping small-breed dogs’ mouths healthy.

A Little Extra Cheer — A New Bandana

As a bit of a bonus, the vet put a cute bandana on Burger after the procedure. When we picked him up and brought him home, I took a better photo once his IV bandage was off and he stopped trying to put as much distance between himself and the clinic as possible. He looked surprisingly proud of his new accessory — Mr. Sparkle Teeth indeed.

Relief and a Reminder

We were relieved that everything went smoothly. Not having him around all day was a little depressing; he’s part of the rhythm of our home. The positive outcome is a reminder that preventive care matters. For owners of small dogs, especially breeds prone to dental problems, it’s worthwhile to stay on top of dental hygiene with daily brushing when possible, regular checkups, and professional cleanings when recommended by your vet.

After the visit, Burger was his usual affectionate self. He recovered well from the anesthesia, and by evening he was back to his normal routines. We’re grateful the clinic took good care of him, and we’ll continue the habits that helped keep his mouth healthy. Love you, Burgs.