Is your dog or cat constantly pawing at its mouth? Are they drooling excessively or have bad breath? Does your dog or cat seem hesitant to eat or have difficulty chewing? If so, these are often indications of dental disease. Dental disease can be responsible for a broad spectrum of health issues for both cats and dogs. Bacteria from periodontitis can be released into the bloodstream, causing damage to internal organs, affecting severe pain, and even increasing risks for kidney, liver and heart disease.
You make sure to visit your dentist for routine dental care every year. It is equally important to give your cat or dog the same attentive dental care via regular dental exams with your veterinarian. This is one of the most important things you can give your pet for a long and healthy life. Shores Animal Hospital in Gainesville, Florida is proud to offer dental care services for all of our furry friends.
Why Pets Need Dental Care
Both dogs and cats need regular dental cleanings as they increase both the length and quality of their life. Some benefits of regular dental cleanings include:
The ability to chart and evaluate pet dental disease over a period of time
Prevention of expensive and advanced pet dental procedures
Less teeth extractions (pulling) for your pet
Pet Dental Disease Statistics
Shores Animal Hospital sees more pets with dental disease than any other problem. Statistics show that dental disease is the most common disease in dogs—92% of dogs over the age of three are affected. Although less prevalent in cats, statistics show that 85% of cats over the age of three struggle with the disease. However, scheduling annual pet dental cleanings can add 2-4 years to your pet’s life!
Pet Dental Care at Shores Animal Hospital
Shores Animal Hospital’s staff and licensed veterinarians are equipped with the latest technologies to make pet dental visits safe and easy. Some of these dental procedures include:
Dental X-rays
Teeth cleaning and polishing
Deciduous (pet baby teeth), surgical and routine tooth extractions
Full mouth teeth removal
Use of radiosurgery or laser surgery for gingival surgery
Repair of oronasal fistula
Oral surgery for dogs or cats
Mandibulectomy
Jaw repair (fracture)
While under general anesthesia, your dog or cat can receive a thorough dental cleaning. Shores Animal Hospital uses a safe, local anesthesia and monitors your pet’s heart rate, oxygen and respiration.
Before dental care begins, blood tests are done to help uncover any underlying illnesses, and we examine the animal’s entire mouth, including lips, tongue, gums and teeth. This assures us that anesthetizing is safe for your pet.
Shores Animal Hospital offers digital dental radiographs (x-rays) which allows us to see under your pet’s gum line. With the majority of pet’s teeth and dental disease under the gums, using dental x-rays allows us to see the depth of the infection and impactions. If an extraction (tooth pulling) is needed, we can do so safely with minimal discomfort to your pet during oral surgery. Our veterinarians will administer pain medications and antibiotics if necessary and schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the incisions have healed.
To keep your pet in good health, you should schedule them for a routine dental exam at least once a year. Give Shores Animal Hospital in Gainesville, Florida a call today to schedule an appointment.
