Oral Hygiene
Your pet’s dental health is a part of his/her healthy foundation. Gingivitis and periodontal disease are a reality for your pet as much as they are for you!
Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s teeth, gums, and the deterioration of the jaw bone, it impacts their entire general health.
The bacteria that is present with dental disease circulates through the bloodstream and can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Professional Cleaning
You brush and floss your own teeth and visit the dentist once or twice a year. Your pet needs the same kind of care.
Daily brushing is an important part of your pet’s oral health and so is a professional cleaning. Tartar isn’t just where you can see, it’s also under the gum line where a toothbrush can’t reach. Only a professional cleaning can remove the tartar beneath the gum line.
Signs of Dental Disease
Our pets are very good at hiding their discomfort; your pet may be in pain with one or more bad teeth, showing no obvious symptoms.
Some indications that our pets need professional oral health care:
- Bad breath
- Tartar on any teeth
- Loose teeth
- Exposed roots
- Reluctance to eat
- Dropping their food
- Pawing at their mouths while eating
- Red, inflamed gums including the tell-tale “red line” seen in cats
When you bring your pet in for the dental cleaning our technicians will clean your pet’s teeth using an ultrasonic scaler & hand instruments; finishing with a polish and fluoride treatment.
During the cleaning the Veterinarian will also be able to evaluate each tooth individually to determine it’s health.
Getting it Done
For the health of your pet, it is recommended that they have a pre-anesthetic blood test before the day of the dental.
Older pets may require additional precautions. Ask one of our receptionists or technicians for an estimate and an outline regarding the necessary monitoring and nursing care needed to ensure your pet’s safety before, during and after their dental cleaning.
The night before the dental, no food after 8:00 pm that evening and no water after 6:00 am the morning of the cleaning. Bring your pet in that morning between 7:15 am and 8:00 am Monday thru Friday and between 8:15 am and 8:30 am on Saturdays. Be sure to fill out all the forms thoroughly and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Home Dental Care
Now your pet has fresh breath and pearly whites. Keeping them this way will require chew toys but more importantly home dental care. This includes brushing your pets teeth. The plaque that builds on the teeth needs to be brushed away at least once every 36 hours. For your convenience we have brushes and toothpaste available for purchase. You may also schedule an appointment with a technician to assist in teaching you how to brush your pets teeth.
During the month of February your Pet’s dental cleaning is 10% off of the normal cleaning cost! So hurry in and get your pets teeth cleaned!
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