Taking Proper Care of Your Pet’s Teeth Is Crucial to Overall Health & Wellness
Studies show that approximately 80% of dogs and cats over three years of age are affected by some type of dental disease. Left untreated, pet dental problems will result in discomfort, pain, and possible loss of teeth. In addition, untreated dental problems can also lead to major health problems as well. Infected gums and tartar buildup on a pet’s teeth play host to a large amount of bacteria, which can find their way to other parts of the animal’s body.
Bleeding gums and missing or eroded teeth are obvious signs your pet has a dental problem. In addition to bad breath, other subtle signs that your pet is experiencing more serious dental problems are a reluctance to play with toys, reluctance to eat, and lethargy.
The best way to avoid dental problems for your pet is to practice good dental care starting at an early age, including regularly brushing of your pet’s teeth. If you have a new pet, our trained staff will be happy to explain how you can start a good home dental care program for your pet. There are many products available for maintaining your pet’s dental health, and we can guide you in how to use them properly.
When a professional dental cleaning is warranted, your pet will have to be anesthetized to ensure his or her comfort, safety, and well-being. Before, during, and after a professional cleaning, you can expect:
- Complete blood work to check for problems and make sure your pet can safely undergo anesthesia
- A full oral examination
- X-rays of the chest and abdomen (depending on your pet’s age)
- A custom anesthesia plan (based on your pet’s age, risk factors, lab results, and level of dental disease)
- Fluids administered to prevent dehydration
- Fluoride treatment
- Continuous monitoring by our veterinary and technical team after the procedure to ensure a pain-free, low-stress, safe recovery
- A home dental care plan, including before and after pictures
For more information on the importance of wellness care, please read the AAHA’s article regarding wellness exams. Many of our Preventive Care Plans include pet dental care. Please contact us for more information.
