Poor oral heath means more than just bad breath. Dental disease can lead to tooth loss, as well as heart and kidney disease through the spread of bacteria from the gums. Up to 90% of cats and dogs have some form of dental or gum disease (gingivitis) by the age of 4. The use of over the counter products such as dental treats and chews can help slow the development of dental disease. Brushing your pets teeth on a regular basis is an excellent way to help keep your pets mouth healthy.
As pets age it is common for them to need a professional dental cleaning. This service is similar to us going to the dentist on a regular basis. During a dental cleaning your pet’s teeth will be cleaned and scaled and a fluoride treatment will be done, all by a trained veterinary technician. Our clinic also offers dental radiographs (x-rays) to look for any conditions or diseases that can’t be seen on the surface of the tooth or above the gum line.
Pet dental cleanings do require general anesthesia, which can be worrisome to pet owners. At All Creatures Small we use the best anesthetic protocols to keep your pet safe. They will have a breathing tube to administer oxygen and anesthesia. They will be monitored with an EKG, breathing monitor and blood oxygen sensor. We will monitor your pet for several hours after anesthesia but they will still be able to go home with you that same day.