You likely go to the dentist regularly to take care of your teeth, but dogs and cats can need proper dental care as well. At Ridglea West Animal Hospital, we offer pet dental care to help you make sure your pet’s oral health is taken care of just as well as yours.
The Importance of Preventive Pet Dental Care to Overall Health
Just like humans, the health of the mouth has an effect on your pet’s overall bodily health. By being attentive to pet dental care needs by taking preventative action, you can help avoid issues with things like:
- Malnutrition due to not being able to chew and eat proper foods
- Oral infections that can have negative consequences for the body
- Decay and deteriorating teeth that cause pain and discomfort
- Gum disease, which can lead to toxins in the blood
Certain pets can also have genetic predispositions to problems with their teeth and gums. Preventative care can help lower the risks of developing these issues.
Benefits of Keeping Your Pet’s Oral Health in Good Condition
Taking good care of your pet’s oral health can bring about a number of benefits beyond thwarting health issues relative to the teeth and gums. You may see improvements in your pet’s breath, enhance their comfort levels, and even prolong their life span.
How to Tend to Pet Dental Health at Home
First and foremost, make sure your pet’s diet is healthy with vet-approved foods and treats. Human foods can lead to decay and plaque buildup. Toothbrushes for pets are now available, and they can be really effective at cleaning a dog or cat’s teeth. However, you can usually achieve a good cleaning with a piece of soft gauze wrapped around your finger and a brisk rubdown.
You can even pick up toothpaste for pets that contain safe, ingestible ingredients and offer an attractive flavor like salmon for cats and bacon for dogs. Avoid treats that are especially hard to chew, such as cow hooves, which can cause a tooth to break. Some treats are formulated specifically to help fight plaque, so offering these periodically can help.
What to Expect with Veterinary Pet Dental Care
All vet dental care practices can vary depending on the provider. At Ridglea West Animal Hospital, we offer:
- Teeth Cleaning
- Dental X-Rays
- Tooth Extractions
- Oral Surgery
The vet will also do periodic dental checkups and make recommendations if they spot an issue. Occasional cleanings are the most routine procedures but can be important to prevent issues with things like gum disease and decay.
Keep Your Pet Smiling with Pet Dental Care from Us
Okay, so maybe most pets don’t smile, but we can sure tell when they are happy. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a dental checkup for your pet, reach out to us at Ridglea West Animal Hospital.
