Imagine what your mouth would feel like if you never brushed your teeth or went to the dentist. For many dogs and cats, this is a painful reality. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by the age of 3. Dental (or periodontal) disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets.
Common signs of dental disease include:
- Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Changes in eating or chewing habits
- Pawing at the face
- Loose teeth
- Depression
Even if your dog or cat doesn’t have these symptoms, we recommend that you have a veterinarian evaluate your pet’s dental health at least once a year. Bacteria and food debris accumulate around the teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay can result in irreversible periodontal disease, tooth loss, and possibly expensive oral surgery.
Dental disease can also affect other organs in the body: Bacteria in the mouth can get into the bloodstream and cause serious infections in the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart. If these problems aren’t caught and treated quickly enough, they can result in death. A physical exam combined with appropriate laboratory work can determine if infection in the mouth has spread.
Schedule your pet’s dental exam today! We can also show you how to brush your pet’s teeth and recommend foods and treats that will help combat plaque and tartar buildup.
Do you suspect dental-related discomfort in your canine or feline friend? Come visit us for cat and dog dental procedures in Fort Saskatchewan. Just like their human counterparts, our pets need healthy teeth to eat, live well, and more. In fact, animals often rely on their mouths more than we humans do.
Dental assessments usually begin with an examination with the veterinarian. Our vets at Fort Saskatchewan Veterinary Clinic Ltd may recommend teeth brushing, water supplements, dental chews, etc. depending on the individual pet’s needs.
If more than this is required, our team offers a number of cat and dog dental procedures in Fort Saskatchewan. The registered veterinary technologists are trained in scaling and polishing feline and canine teeth. This procedure is done under anaesthetic as scaling must be performed under the gumline to provide proper dental care. Dental radiography/X-Rays are performed while under anaesthetic as well. Dental extractions are performed when necessary.
To learn more about caring for your cat or dog’s dental health, visit Fort Saskatchewan Veterinary Clinic Ltd today
