Pets Need Dental Care. The build-up of plaque and tartar on you pet's teeth causes periodontal disease, which can cause painful infection and tooth loss, and can lead to other serious medical conditions. The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that almost 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over three years of age suffer from periodontal disease.

Signs of Trouble. Signs of poor oral health include persistent bad breath, sensitivity or pawing around the mouth, loss of appetite, difficulty chewing, persistent coughing, and bleeding inflamed or receding gums. Left untreated, oral infections can spread to the bloodstream and eventually affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Plaque, tartar, and gingivitis are evident in this pre-cleaning photo.

Treatment. In most cases of existing dental disease the treatment will consist of a dental cleaning. Severe cases may also require antibiotics and tooth extractions. Dental cleaning in pets requires anesthesia and preanesthetic blood tests are recommended.

This post-cleaning shows the way a healthy mouth should look.

Prevention. Before your pet gets oral disease or after it has had a cleaning there are many things that can be done to prevent or lessen the buildup of plaque or tartar. Many people brush their pet's teeth. It is important to use a small soft toothbrush and toothpaste made for pets that will not upset their stomach. Many oral rinses are available to help control the bacteria that lead to oral disease. There are treats for both dogs and cats that are impregnated with special enzymes that help prevent plaque and tartar formation. Hills Pet Nutrition has developed a food called t/d that can slow or prevent the formation of plaque.

Please contact us today to arrange for an examination of your pet's oral health so that we can recommend the best plan to keep your pet healthy and happy.