Dog Surgery to improve their quality of life!

This might sounds crazy, but your dog very well could benefit from cosmetic dog surgery.  Read below to learn why they might and how it might benefit their quality of life.

Does Your Dog Need Cosmetic Dog Surgery?

Cosmetic surgery and dogs are two terms that don’t seem to go together. Many people know about ear docking or tail cropping, but dog surgery has come a long way in the last few years. There are many different surgeries that are available to dogs these days. If you aren’t a pet owner, it’s hard to understand why you might consider a surgical procedure that may not seem like a medical necessity at first glance. But when you look closer at certain procedures, they may actually increase the quality of life for a dog.

Nose Jobs

Dogs with shorter snouts often have respiratory problems. These breeds are called chondrodystrophic and include pugs, boxers, corgis, and beagles. Opening their nostrils improves breathing. No vet would ever do a nose job surgery to change the shape of the dog’s nose because the owner didn’t like it.

Face and Skin Lifts

Vets used to remove the salivary glands of dogs that drooled a lot. The drool can cause bacteria and skin infections when there are skin folds where it accumulates. Removing the extra skin when this is a problem keeps the dog from experiencing infections.

Drooping Eyelids

Some breeds have congenital or hereditary issues with their eyelids. They might roll in toward the cornea, which causes pain and blindness. Saint Bernards, Great Pyranees, Newfoundlands, and Mastiffs have eyelids that can roll out, permitting ocular injury. An “eye tuck” protects the eye and gives the dog better vision in the long run.

Dog Braces

Dogs have 42 teeth in their mouth. By comparison, humans have between 28 and 32. If a dog’s teeth are poorly aligned, they can experience difficulties in eating and chewing. With advances in veterinary treatment, braces are available to help dogs who have problems with their teeth.

Talk to Your Vet About Dog Surgery

A clinic that routinely provides surgery for dogs will be able to help you decide if the procedure is appropriate for your canine. Document the problems your dog faces so that your vet can determine treatment options and the best course of action for your situation. Don’t discount cosmetic surgery for your pet, but make sure that it is medically necessary to improve their quality of life.  It does take time to heal after surgery, so you have to weigh the benefits and the discomfort your pet will experience.  Your pet doesn’t care about looks, but being able to move and enjoy life is important.