Canine Dental Care
Dental disease is one of the most common diseases in dogs throughout their lifetime. 78% of dogs over the age of three have some form of dental disease, so good dental hygiene at all ages is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. Imagine how your mouth would feel if you did not brush your teeth every day or have any professional dental cleanings. Professional teeth cleanings by us plus at home brushing are as important for your pet as it is for humans.
Canine Dental Care at Van Meter Veterinary Clinic
Regular, pro-active dental care is a vital step in keeping your dog healthy and pain-free. We recommend regular oral examinations and dental cleanings as needed for all adult dogs. During your dog’s wellness exam, we will visually examine your dog’s teeth and make appropriate dental health recommendations to you.
Van Meter Veterinary Clinic’s comprehensive, preventative dental treatment for dogs includes:
- A complete evaluation of your dog’s mouth and gums including probing the gums and examining X-rays of the head and jaw.
- Comprehensive dental cleanings with polishing and fluoride treatments.
- Instructions and product recommendations for at-home dental care.
- When needed, minor oral surgery such as tooth extractions.
We use modern and safe ultrasound to clean each tooth thoroughly, above and below the gum line. Dental technicians polish teeth to create a smooth tooth surface that is more resistant to plaque buildup. Fluoride treatments help in strengthening the enamel and reduces tooth sensitivity. We will remove plaque and mineral buildup by scaling and polishing your dog’s teeth while trying to save the teeth wherever possible. There may be times that we recommend removing teeth due to advanced periodontal disease or severe fractures.
Before your pet’s dental treatment, we will use blood tests to confirm that your dog is a good candidate for anesthesia. Your dog will then be safely placed under anesthesia while we perform the dental exam and cleaning. During the entire procedure, a trained technician will carefully track your dog’s vital signs using an advanced monitoring system.
For us to properly care for your dog’s teeth, your dog needs to be under safe anesthesia while we perform our dental exam and treatment. Please ask us if you have any questions or learn more about pet periodontal disease. – See more at: http://avdc.org/AFD/risks-of-anesthesia-free-pet-dental-cleanings/#sthash.LVsPakY0.dpuf
Signs or Oral and Dental Disease in Your Pet:
A good start to good dental care for your pet is for pet owners to recognize the signs of oral and dental disease in your pet:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding in the mouth
- Loose or weak teeth
- Discoloration and/or buildup of tartar and plaque on teeth
- Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
- Weight loss
- Sensitive to touch around the mouth area
- Red, inflamed, irritated gums
- Difficulty playing with chew toys
Call us immediately to schedule a dental exam if your dog shows any of the above symptoms!
Brushing your Pet’s Teeth at Home:
Brushing your pet’s teeth once a day at home to prevent plaque and tartar buildup is important. At-home cleaning should only take a few minutes each day. We will be happy to teach you how to brush your dog’s teeth at home. Just give us a call or ask us during your dog’s next wellness exam.
For more information about pet dental care, you may wish to visit:
- Veterinary Oral Health Council—Extensive information on oral health care for pets.
- C.E.T. Home Dental Care—Extensive lines of at-home dental care products for your pet.
