Pet Dental Care
Dental care is vital to the overall health of any animal. Dental disease can lead to health issues with the heart, liver, and kidneys, and can affect the entire body through the bloodstream. In fact, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats over three years of age suffer from some form of dental disease, making it the most common pet health issue among our pet population.
In spite of these disturbing facts, many pet owners are not aware of the importance of dental care to their pet's health. There are a lot of different ways to improve your pet's dental hygiene, including home brushing, dental chews, and regular inspection.
The most effective way to protect your pet from dental disease is through professional cleanings. We perform thorough cleanings, including the area beneath the gums that you can't see or access at home.
Why Your Pet Needs a Dental Exam
Not sure if your pet needs a dental checkup? Look for these signs, which indicate not just poor oral hygiene, but also poor health:
- Bad breath
- Red and swollen gums
- Excessive drooling
- Dropping food while eating (could indicate oral pain)
- Yellow/brown buildup on the teeth
- Pawing at mouth
- Change in behavior (sleeping more often, reluctant to play with chew toys)
- Decreased appetite, weight loss
Scheduling a Teeth Cleaning
If your pet has brown/yellow teeth, bad breath, or is having difficulty eating, these could all be signs of dental disease. Please call us at (512) 476-2882 today to learn more and schedule your pet's dental cleaning.
Our Pet Teeth Cleaning Services
Pets must be placed under anesthesia for their dental cleaning, which involves:
- Scaling the teeth (above and below the gum line) to remove accumulated plaque and tartar.
- A complete dental exam of all the teeth, complete with dental radiographs from our digital dental unit (DDU) to examine tooth roots, presence of abscesses, bone loss, and other issues under the gum line.
- Polishing the teeth to smooth rough enamel surfaces.
- Applying tooth sealants after we clean and polish your pet’s teeth.
At-Home Dental Care
The first rule of at-home pet dental care is to start your pet on a routine as early as possible. Puppies and kittens can adjust to daily dental treatments quickly, making it easier for them and for you!
Brushing your pet’s teeth is the best treatment to implement because it prevents plaque and bacteria buildup and reduces the potential for dental disease. If brushing proves difficult, there are other options available, from oral wipes and dental chews to rinses and tartar control diets. Ask us for recommendations!
