Pet dental care is just as important as any other aspect of your pet’s veterinary care. Through regular dental care, you can avoid dental problems like periodontal disease that can endanger your pet’s overall health. These FAQs from White Rock Animal Hospital, serving the East Dallas, Lochwood, Lake Highland and Lakewood areas, explain more about the importance of pet dental care.
Why Does My Pet Need Regular Dental Care?
Like people, pets are susceptible to dental problems like bleeding gums, broken teeth, abscesses, and periodontal disease. Left unchecked, these problems can affect your pet’s overall health, leaving him more susceptible to disease. Through regular dental checkups, your veterinarian can detect dental problems in their early stages when they are easier to treat. Early detection and treatment can save your pet the pain and suffering of having to endure prolonged treatments.
How Do I Know if My Pet Is Suffering from Dental Problems?
Some telltale signs your pet may have dental issues are:
- Bleeding gums
- Foul breath
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty chewing
- Excessive drooling
- Discolored or loose teeth
- Swelling of face or jaw
- Aggressive behavior
If you notice these signs, call your veterinarian for a checkup.
How Often Should I Have My Pet’s Teeth Examined or Cleaned?
We recommend annual dental checkups to monitor the health of your pet’s teeth. If your pet has a history of dental issues, you may want to schedule checkups more frequently. Annual pet dental cleanings will help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy.
How Common Is Periodontal Disease in Pets?
Many dogs and cats have some degree of periodontal disease by the time they’re three years of age. Left untreated, periodontal disease can spread throughout your pet’s mouth, damaging both gums and teeth. If the disease enters your pet’s bloodstream, it can attack his liver, heart, and kidneys. Annual dental checkups and cleanings can help prevent periodontal disease from forming.
Why Does My Pet Need to Be Sedated for Dental Cleanings?
Sedating your pet keeps him calm and still so we can perform a thorough dental checkup and cleaning. Anesthesia also prevents your pet from feeling pain during the procedure. During a checkup, we’ll inspect your pet’s teeth for signs of gum disease and take x-rays to confirm bone health. Dental cleaning involves scaling your pet’s teeth to remove plaque and tartar and polishing them to make them gleam.
See Your White Rock Animal Hospital Veterinarian for Quality Pet Dental Care
To schedule a pet dental exam for your dog or cat, contact White Rock Animal Hospital at (214) 328-3255 today. For your convenience, we serve East Dallas, Lochwood, Lake Highland, Lakewood, and surrounding communities.
