BRUSH…

How is the breath of your “fur” baby? The good, bad & ugly… we can help!

Without regular care, your pet’s mouth can become a haven for plaque, tartar, and dangerous bacteria. If left untreated, this could lead to everything from bad breath and tooth loss to periodontal disease, a serious medical condition that could shorten a pet’s life. You can help your pet avoid all of this by simply making a commitment to his or her ongoing dental care.

BRUSH…

Common signs of dental disease include: Yellow or brown build up (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 having his or her dental health evaluated at least once a year. This helps us to apply preventative care techniques, like exams and cleanings. It also provides an opportunity to identify the signs of potential dental problems early, so they can be addressed right away.

BRUSH…

Why does my pet need a dental cleaning and how often should this be done?

Many of the pets that visit us on a regular basis need professional teeth cleaning. When bacteria irritate the gum line, the gums become inflamed in the early stages of dental disease causing gingivitis. Left untreated, this leads to periodontal disease, which causes the loss of the bone and gingival support structure of the tooth and subsequent tooth loss. In addition, the bacteria are consistently released into the blood stream allowing for systemic infections, which can cause damage to internal organs, such as the kidneys, liver and heart.

The good news is that a dental exam is included in all physical exams conducted at Neighborhood Vet Hospital. Through routine physical exams, our veterinarians will guide you on when and how often your individual pet is in need of a teeth cleaning.

Brush at home…

Should I brush my pet’s teeth at home?

Yes. Home dental care for companion animals should start early, even before the adult teeth erupt. Although tooth brushing is the best method of preventing plaque and bacterial build-up, there are many options for dental home care. Other oral home care options such as dental formulated foods, water additives, and dental treats can be considered and discussed with our veterinarians.