Your Pet's Healthy Teeth
Often overlooked by pet owners, dental care is a very important part of your pet’s overall health. Dental disease is pervasive enough in 50% of cats and 85% of dogs over the age of 3 to require professional dental intervention and care. Pets who do not receive regular dental brushing and gum care may suffer from serious illnesses as bacteria from the pet’s mouth enter the bloodstream and can damages the kidneys, heart, and liver.
What are the warning signs that my pet may need a dental examination?
- Bad breath
- Excess salivation
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Facial swelling
- Discharge from the eyes or nose
- Broken or missing teeth
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
How do you know if my dog’s teeth need a professional cleaning?
During your pet’s wellness exam, we will check your pet’s mouth and discuss recommendations for helping your pet maintain good oral hygiene. The time to schedule a routine cleaning is before there is a build up of tartar.
If your pet is in need of a thorough, in-office cleaning, we will use anesthesia to ensure your pet is sedated and pain-free during the cleaning. Just as we would for any surgical procedure, we will take every step, including a thorough pre-surgery exam and blood work, to ensure the highest levels of safety during the procedure.
Digital radiology (x-rays) of the mouth is an essential part of evaluating the teeth. x-rays are taken using the same anesthesia and monitoring procedures that we use for any surgery, assuring your pet’s comfort and accurate diagnosis.
Can I take my pet home the same day?
It is always our goal to send patients home as soon as medically appropriate, usually the same day that the dental procedure is performed. If your pet requires advanced care, we may recommend an overnight stay to provide ongoing pain control and monitoring.
If you notice any symptoms of dental decay or poor health, please contact us at (207) 729-4678 to schedule an appointment right away. Your pet will be glad you did.