Getting a yearly dental cleaning is an important step in keeping your pet healthy. Did you know 76% of dogs and 68% of cats have dental disease? If left undiagnosed and untreated, dental disease can have serious local and system consequences. This can result in worsening pain and a shorter life expectancy. Some serious health issues linked with dental disease are: heart disease, renal issues, respiratory problems, and diabetes mellitus.

How can one recognize when their pet has dental disease? Here are some signs:

-Bad Breath

-Red or swollen gums

-Mouth pain

-Loss of appetite

-Loss of teeth

-Infection

Here are what stages 1-4 of dental disease looks like:

Even after your pet gets a dental, plaque and tartar can still build up. Plaque can form in 24 hours and tarter can form in 3 days. That’s why adding a good daily dental routine is crucial to keeping your pet from getting dental disease. You can start with brushing your pet's teeth with a toothbrush and pet safe toothpaste. It’s important to get around all of the teeth as best as you can. We carry multiple toothpaste flavors to ensure your pet enjoys the process. The next step is to give your pet a daily dental treat. For canines we carry C.E.T Veggidents, which is good for tatar control, and C.E.T HEXtra chews, which is great for oral hygiene. For felines, Hill’s prescription diet carries a food dedicated for dental care; this can be used as their normal day-to-day food or as treats! Hill’s Dental Care t/d cleans the tooth surface, fights bacteria-laden plaque, and promotes overall health. Remember that proper dental care can extend your pets life by 20%!

If your pet is due for a yearly cleaning, please call either one of our locations to schedule an appointment; Tulsa: 918-492-2674 or Broken Arrow: 918-355-5662. You can also stop by anytime during our business hours to pick up toothpaste, C.E.T. Veggiedents, C.E.T. HEXtra chews, or Feline Dental Care t/d food.

At Animal Medical and Surgical Hospital, we are dedicated to keeping your pet (and their teeth) happy and healthy for a lifetime.