The Importance of Pet Dental Care

Eighty percent of dogs and cats over the age of two have some sort of dental problem. The lucky ones receive preventive pet dental care before problems progress to dental disease which can pose serious problems not only to oral health but to their over-all health. However, more than luck is involved. Prevention is the answer and this requires vigilance on the part of pet owners. And since dental disease makes stealthy inroads due to symptoms that are easy to overlook, yearly wellness examinations are necessary. At Winston-Salem Veterinary Hospital we are dedicated to fighting this silent epidemic.

Winston-Salem Pet Dentistry, the Key to Your Pet's Oral Health

Since unchecked dental disease can progress to serious health issues that impact your pet’s kidneys, liver, heart, and rob our pets of vitality and enjoyment of life, we owe it to our cats and dogs to fight it from day one. Unfortunately, by the time dental disease leaves evidence of its presence, it serves as evidence that damage has begun. So if you notice any of these symptoms, it's time to schedule a dental screening

• Bad Breath
• Drooling
• Dropping Food
• Red or Bleeding Gums
• Shying back when the head is touched
• Loss of Appetite
• Loose Teeth

Some of these may be indicative of a temporary problem that needs minimum intervention, while others can signal the beginnings of periodontal disease.  This is why it is so important that you make regular visits to Winston-Salem Veterinary Hospital’s dental screenings part of your pet's life. Plaque forms in cat's and dog's mouths just as it does in the human mouth, attracting harmful bacteria. If it is not removed while it is soft, plaque will harden into tartar that can work its way under the gum line and damage gums and connective soft tissue. Regular Winston-Salem pet dentistry check-ups at an early age can usually halt gum disease before it begins.

Pet Cleanings and the Preservation of Your Pet's Oral Health

Some pets, due to their inherited oral chemistry are prone to accumulating plaque. If this describes your dog or cat(s), they will need cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. Every case is different but if you are concerned about a cleaning, rest assure that we make every effort to make it as stress-free as possible. To that end, this is what you can expect

• Since anesthesia is required, our veterinarian will conduct a thorough pre-dentistry examination in order to determine your pet's fitness levels and how best to proceed.
• Constant monitoring of heart rate and vital statistics while under anesthesia and throughout recovery
• Even if extractions are needed, you will most likely be able to take him home with a list of care instructions.

For some animals this is a one-time procedure. Others may need several throughout their lives. Should you see any sign of oral health problems or if your pet has not received a dental screening in the last year, call us at 336-765-1225 to schedule an appointment.