Henry Crossetti, D.D.S., M.S., shares his deeply personal story of loss and the lessons learned too late in the hope that others can avoid the same heartache.
Crossetti and his wife had always showered their two West Highland white terriers, Duncan and Dooley, with love and care. They treated them as family, giving them homemade meals and ensuring they were well-cared for. However, despite Crossetti’s long career as a dentist, dental care for his dogs wasn’t prioritized until much later in their lives. At the age of 11, both dogs needed dental cleanings, and their vet recommended that the dogs be put under anesthesia for the procedure. While Duncan came through the cleaning with no issues, Dooley tragically never woke up. The vet, who was equally traumatized, decided never to perform elective cleanings under anesthesia again.
The pain and guilt that followed Dooley’s death have stayed with Crossetti, and he is now on a mission to raise awareness about the importance of canine dental health. He emphasizes that just like humans, dogs are prone to periodontal disease, which can lead to severe health issues like infections, abscesses, and even organ damage. Unfortunately, many dog owners overlook their pets’ dental health, believing that issues like bad breath or loose teeth are inevitable signs of aging. In reality, daily dental care can prevent these problems from becoming severe.
Crossetti points out that the best way to maintain a dog’s oral health is by brushing their teeth regularly. Despite the difficulty of making time for this task, he encourages dog owners to make it a routine, using dog-safe toothpaste and proper brushes or even their fingers. He shares his own experience with his new dog, Bogey, a rescue dog, and the positive bond it has created between them.
The loss of Dooley, while heartbreaking, led to a vital lesson: regular, preventive dental care can save dogs from unnecessary pain and even life-threatening conditions. Crossetti urges all pet owners to take dental health seriously from an early age and incorporate it into their dogs’ overall health care routine.
As Crossetti concludes, we owe it to our dogs to ensure their well-being, and maintaining their oral health is a fundamental responsibility that strengthens the bond we share with them.
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