The ABCs of Dental Cleaning for Pets
The Urban Pet knows that you want to provide the absolute best care for your furry family member. We often see, though, that pet owners don’t fully realize the importance of good dental care for their dogs and cats. Pet oral care is a huge part of good wellness care and important for the health and longevity of your best friends.
Why Pet Oral Care?
Dental disease is a serious condition, and while our pets can’t tell us that they aren’t feeling their best, most have some form of trouble by the age of three.
Dental disease happens when bacteria, plaque, and tartar build up on the teeth and become trapped under the gumline. Untreated, dental disease in pets can lead to:
- Pain
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Loosening or loss of teeth
- Local infection
- Bone loss
- Bacterial infiltration of the blood stream
We know that over time bacteria in the blood from dental disease can also affect other organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Dental disease can shorten your pet’s lifespan and decrease their quality of life.
It Starts at Home
The foundation of pet dental care starts at home. Just as you should brush your teeth and floss daily, your pet’s chompers need some TLC as well.
Brushing your dog or cat’s teeth everyday can really help to make a dent in good oral health. Go slow and use a pet-specific toothpaste—they contain helpful enzymes and animal-friendly flavors and avoid exposure to xylitol and fluoride that can hurt your pet.
Sometimes toothbrushing isn’t a good option due to a pet’s demeanor, existing dental disease, or even an owner’s ability to participate. In this situation, a dental care product that has been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council can be a good stand-in.
Check out the VOHC’s list of accepted products to find a product that works for you. These include things like:
- Oral rinses
- Sprays
- Dental treats
- Chews
- Foods
- Water additives
There is something for almost any pet!
Professional Dental Cleaning for Pets
Good pet oral care rests on professional dental cleanings. The amount of time between recommended cleanings varies from pet to pet, but most animals should have their first cleaning between two and three years of age.
At your pet’s annual wellness examinations, our staff will perform an oral assessment. This examination will help us to identify early signs of problems and also will help to determine when an examination under anesthesia is indicated.
A comprehensive dental examination and thorough teeth cleaning will be needed periodically throughout your pet’s life. This is performed under general anesthesia so that the oral cavity can be thoroughly examined and the teeth safely cleaned on all sides and under the gumline. Intubation to protect the airways is essential as well.
Radiographs are obtained and any necessary tooth extractions or other recommended procedures may also be performed at this time.
Pet oral care is an important part of proactive care. If untreated, dental disease can be quite painful and can significantly shorten your pet’s lifespan. Contact us for help in getting started with this key piece of your four-legged friend’s care.