Dental Care and Teeth Cleaning
Periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats and the importance of dental health is often overlooked by pet owners. More than 85% of dogs and cats over four years of age suffer from periodontal disease. Bad breath is usually the first sign of this condition. The same bacterium that causes bad breath, if left untreated, can spread through the blood stream and damage the kidneys, heart, and other organs. Other signs of periodontal disease include bleeding gums, loss of appetite, pawing at the face, irritability, lethargy, and depression. Your pet is never too old for routine dental care. You can reduce the risk of periodontal disease with a comprehensive dental examination, professional dental cleaning, and good home preventative care.
For pets with no prior periodontal problems we recommend a yearly oral exam and cleaning. For pets that have been previously diagnosed with periodontal disease, we recommend they be seen every six months to keep their mouth healthy and pain-free. Our dental services include: routine cleaning and polishing, extractions, digital x-rays, and oral surgery. We also have access to dental specialists. Home care is also extremely important and we offer many items to aid you in the care of your pet's teeth including flavored/edible toothpastes (never use human toothpaste), specially designed toothbrushes, weekly plaque prevention kits, oral rinses, and dental chews with enzymatic properties.
We also offer a special dental diet for dogs. All of these items can help to reduce tartar build-up on your pet's teeth before or after a dental cleaning. It is extremely important to start these preventatives at an early age so that your pet learns to tolerate them. However, not all animals will allow brushing which is why we offer so many other alternatives. It is never too late to start taking care of your pet's teeth; please call or come in to speak with one of our staff to discuss the best option for your pet.