Dental Health Care For Dogs & Cats
Routine dental care can help to safeguard your pet's oral health and protect against painful tooth and gum problems.
At our veterinary hospital, we offer a range of dental care services for dogs and cats, from basics such as dental exams, teeth cleanings and polishing, to dental X-rays and surgeries.
We also offer guidance on caring for your pet's oral health at home to help keep their teeth in tip-top condition between dental appointments.
Teeth Cleaning & Examinations
Annual dental checkups are an important aspect of caring for your dog or cat's overall health. Addressing oral health issues early can help prevent painful conditions from developing, such as tooth decay, jaw deterioration, broken teeth or periodontal disease.
Dental appointments for dogs and cats typically involve the following:
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Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your dog or cat before the dental exam.
Our team will take blood analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics may be recommended.
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Administering Anesthesia
Anesthesia is administered to all patients undergoing dental procedures. This allows us to do a thorough examination of teeth and gums, perform dental cleaning and take X-rays safely and efficiently – without undue stress on the pet.
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Oral Examination & Cleaning
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete tooth-by-tooth examination and charting. Their teeth will be cleaned and polished (including above the gum line) and X-rays may be taken. We will apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth and prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel.
If any oral health issues are discovered, the veterinarian will develop a custom treatment plan, which may include referral dental surgery, and discuss it with you.
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Follow-up Exam & Home Care
Your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination two weeks after the initial appointment to evaluate your pet's recovery and oral health.
During this visit, we’ll assess whether further treatment is necessary. If advanced dental surgery is required, a referral to a veterinary dental specialist may be recommended.
We will also review your pet’s at-home care routine, address any questions about their dental health, and help you schedule their next routine checkup and cleaning.
Dental Surgery for Dogs & Cats
Our veterinarians perform a range of dental surgeries for cats and dogs, including tooth extractions and treatment for periodontal disease. If necessary, we may refer your pet to a dental specialist for more complex procedures.
We know it can be overwhelming to learn that your beloved dog or cat requires dental surgery. We will do all we can to make this process as stress-free as possible, for you and your loyal companion.
Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental surgery to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain.
We'll be sure to explain each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure begins, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
Signs of Dental Health Issues in Pets
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it's time to book a dental checkup for your furry friend.
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing
- Drooling
- Dropping food from the mouth
- Discoloured teeth
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
To learn more about pet dental care, read through our answers to these frequently asked questions from our clients.
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Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Just like in humans, poor oral hygiene in dogs and cats can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Over time, they may develop uncomfortable periodontal disease or tooth decay.
Routine cleanings help prevent these problems
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How often does my pets need their teeth cleaned?
Annual checkups are recommended for most healthy dogs and cats. Pets more prone to dental problems than others may require more frequent appointments.
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How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Dogs and cats experiencing dental problems may show one or more of the following signs: excessive drooling (may contain pus or blood), pawing at their mouth or teeth, repeated yawning, teeth grinding, reduced grooming, or dropping food from their mouth while eating.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration.
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What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Beyond causing typical oral health problems such as cavities, bad breath and periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions may lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
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What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
While many pet parents find the idea far-fetched, brushing your dog or cat's teeth regularly and feeding dental diets and/or using water additives, can help control the buildup of plaque and prevent health problems from developing.
Hard chew toys, such as antlers, bones and nylon bones are not recommended, as they can wear down your pet's teeth and fracture (break) them. Good quality rubber toys, such as Kong chew toys, are preferred.
Speak to your veterinarian to learn more about caring for your dog or cat's teeth between veterinary appointments.
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Why does my pet require anesthesia for their dental appointment?
Cats and dogs don't understand what is happening during dental procedures and often react by struggling or biting.
To properly assess your pet's teeth, we need to probe around each tooth, including checking under the gum line, and take radiographs of the teeth. For this to be done properly, the pet needs to be anesthetized. It is also important to assess any broken teeth for root exposure.
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What dental issues may require dental surgery as treatment?
Issues that may require dental surgery include cracked or broken teeth; tooth decay; severe gum disease (periodontitis); jaw fractures; TMJ (temporomandibular joint); luxation; or dysplasia feline stomatitis.
For certain dental surgery procedures, we may refer your pet to a veterinary dentist if necessary.