As a responsible pet owner, you want to make sure all aspects of their health are optimal. You monitor your pets for symptoms and take them in for regular exams. You watch their vaccination and parasite control schedules and make sure they are kept current.

 

However, if you neglect to care for your pets’ teeth, you could be subjecting them to hidden health hazards that can get worse over time. Poor oral health has been linked to a decline in organ health, including heart issues. That’s why regular dog teeth cleaning and cat teeth cleaning by an experienced veterinarian is so important.

 

Your Shorewood Veterinarian Provides Cat and Dog Dentist Services

​

Bayshore Veterinary Clinic is also a cat and dog dentist who can ensure your pet is free of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. The average cat or dog teeth cleaning appointment takes around 45 minutes, and the pet is anesthetized so that they do not feel or experience the cleaning.

 

Anesthesia is only given to pets that are healthy enough for it. Pets must be in good general health and not in their senior years. They will be screened for organ health to determine their fitness for anesthesia, and you will be given advice on what to do for your pet before and after anesthesia.

 

Pets Can Get Cavities and Periodontal Disease, too.

​

Your pet’s teeth will be cleaned with state of the art equipment to remove tartar and plaque. The area at the gumline will be scaled and the teeth will be examined for signs of periodontal disease (gum disease). X-rays may be used to check for cavities and other oral health issues. The teeth will then be polished after the cleaning to seal and protect them.

 

If your pet has oral health issues, an ideal course of action will be recommended. Teeth with cavities can be addressed and pulled if necessary. Root canals can be performed in some cases. Regular teeth cleaning can help to combat the signs of periodontal disease and prevent it from occurring.

 

Ideally, you should have your pets’ teeth cleaned every 6 to 12 months. Between cleanings, you should look for the signs of oral health issues, including:

• Foul smelling breath

• Bleeding gums

• Difficulty chewing or eating

• Tenderness around the mouth or jaw

​

There are steps pet owners can take at home to help keep their teeth strong and healthy. If the pet will allow, brushing the teeth with pet toothpaste at least once a week can make a big difference. Hard dental treats and food can help with avoiding tooth decay (instead of wet), and there are also toys that can help with teeth cleaning.