Dental Care
Many of us don't always think about our pet's dental health. Have you looked in your pet's mouth lately?
Why should I be concerned about my pet's teeth?
Dental disease is very common in both dogs and cats. 70% of our cats and 80% of our dogs show some signs of dental disease by the age of 3 years old. Dental disease leads to tooth loss as well as infections that can spread to internal organs such as the heart. Dental disease also causes halitosis or bad breath.
How can I improve my pet's dental health?
Just like with people, regular brushing will stop gingivitis and further gum disease. Be sure to use toothbrushes and toothpastes made for especially for pets. Toothpaste for pets has a lower amount of fluoride and is flavored to promote ease in brushing. Pet toothbrushes should be soft, not medium or hard. Condition your pet to enjoying getting their teeth brushed slowly. There is a video instruction guide available at the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) website
I can't brush my pet's teeth, is there anything else I can do?
There are a number of treats and toys that we can give to our pets to aid in good dental hygiene and health. For example, rawhide chews are a good way to help keep your pets teeth clean. Be sure to ask your Veterinarian if your dog should get rawhide chews. In addition there are also chew-toys made especially to be used with pet toothpaste that encourage your pet to keep their teeth clean. Even rope and tug-a-war toys can help keep your teeth clean by mimicking the mechanical action of brushing.
Why should I be concerned about my pet's teeth?
Dental disease is very common in both dogs and cats. 70% of our cats and 80% of our dogs show some signs of dental disease by the age of 3 years old. Dental disease leads to tooth loss as well as infections that can spread to internal organs such as the heart. Dental disease also causes halitosis or bad breath.
How can I improve my pet's dental health?
Just like with people, regular brushing will stop gingivitis and further gum disease. Be sure to use toothbrushes and toothpastes made for especially for pets. Toothpaste for pets has a lower amount of fluoride and is flavored to promote ease in brushing. Pet toothbrushes should be soft, not medium or hard. Condition your pet to enjoying getting their teeth brushed slowly. There is a video instruction guide available at the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) website
I can't brush my pet's teeth, is there anything else I can do?
There are a number of treats and toys that we can give to our pets to aid in good dental hygiene and health. For example, rawhide chews are a good way to help keep your pets teeth clean. Be sure to ask your Veterinarian if your dog should get rawhide chews. In addition there are also chew-toys made especially to be used with pet toothpaste that encourage your pet to keep their teeth clean. Even rope and tug-a-war toys can help keep your teeth clean by mimicking the mechanical action of brushing.
What is involved with having my pet's teeth professionally cleaned?
Professional dental cleaning and polishing of teeth is completed on an outpatient basis. While we spend 30-40 minutes in our dentists chair with our mouths propped open, our pet will have to be placed under anesthesia. We prefer to run bloodwork prescreening panels 3-4 days before performing dental procedures in order to allow for ample time to discuss any discrepancies that may arise. On the day of the dental cleaning and polishing, you will drop off your pet in the morning and pick him up later that day. Be sure to discuss the procedure with your Veterinarian to ensure the best understanding of our policies.
How much does a dental cleaning and polishing cost?
In general, the dental cleaning and polishing itself costs about the same as it does for us. However, due having to place our pets under anesthesia there are additional costs. Going under anesthesia adds risk to the procedure and we at Wise Road Animal Hospital take precautions before placing any pet at risk. There will be bloodwook completed beforehand to prescreen for possible anemia, immune-mediated issues, diabetes, kidney insufficiency, heartworm, liver problems and a host of other medical concerns. Some pets, either due to advancing age or medical issues, may also be placed on IV fluid treatments during the day. In many cases your pet may need antibiotics or even pain medication as well. Because there are multiple variables which affect the end cost of a dental procedure you should contact our office for an individualized quote.
Professional dental cleaning and polishing of teeth is completed on an outpatient basis. While we spend 30-40 minutes in our dentists chair with our mouths propped open, our pet will have to be placed under anesthesia. We prefer to run bloodwork prescreening panels 3-4 days before performing dental procedures in order to allow for ample time to discuss any discrepancies that may arise. On the day of the dental cleaning and polishing, you will drop off your pet in the morning and pick him up later that day. Be sure to discuss the procedure with your Veterinarian to ensure the best understanding of our policies.
How much does a dental cleaning and polishing cost?
In general, the dental cleaning and polishing itself costs about the same as it does for us. However, due having to place our pets under anesthesia there are additional costs. Going under anesthesia adds risk to the procedure and we at Wise Road Animal Hospital take precautions before placing any pet at risk. There will be bloodwook completed beforehand to prescreen for possible anemia, immune-mediated issues, diabetes, kidney insufficiency, heartworm, liver problems and a host of other medical concerns. Some pets, either due to advancing age or medical issues, may also be placed on IV fluid treatments during the day. In many cases your pet may need antibiotics or even pain medication as well. Because there are multiple variables which affect the end cost of a dental procedure you should contact our office for an individualized quote.
Call us today to schedule a dental cleaning and polishing for your pet.
