Dental Care Services for Pets
Yes! Your pet needs dental care too! Commonly overlooked, dental cleanings and assessments are just as important in pets as they are in human health care. Eighty-Five percent of dogs and cats over the age of one suffer from periodontal disease. Dental disease is not something you should ignore. It causes pain, infection and tooth loss and can contribute to other systemic diseases, such as heart and liver problems. Here at Gillies Grove Animal Hospital, we are your partners in maintaining your pet’s teeth, gums and oral health. Is your furry family member due for a dental check-up? Call us today at 613.622.1700 to schedule their next appointment!
What are the signs of dental problems in cats and dogs?
Fortunately, many of the signs of poor dental health are relatively easy to spot. If you notice that your pet is experiencing bad breath, bleeding, swollen gums, pain/difficulty chewing their food, then please do not hesitate and call us ASAP.
What types of canine and feline dental services are offered at your hospital?
At our hospital, we provide the full spectrum of dental care for our patients. Teeth extractions, dental cleaning (including scaling and polishing), and dental radiographs are examples of the services we provide.
What happens during a pet dental cleaning?
Unlike in humans, it is very difficult to perform an oral examination without the use of anesthesia. This ensures that pets are comfortable and that our team can perform the procedure as quickly and as efficiently as possible. If they are awake, the experience can be quite frightening for them.
While under anesthesia we perform a full dental examination looking for periodontal pockets, bleeding, loose, missing, broken or fractured teeth, abnormal wear, or the presence of oral masses. We then proceed with dental X-rays to check the tooth roots and surrounding bones. Often we find concerns under the surface that can only be detected by X-ray. Once the examination is complete, the necessary teeth are extracted. Plaque and tartar are removed from the surface as well as below the gum line. The teeth are then polished, followed by an antibacterial agent and final rinse.
We offer full support to you after your pet’s procedure with complimentary follow up visits and directions for at home dental maintenance. Our patients generally do extremely well after the procedure and because of this, our owners report many positive changes!
How often should I brush my dog’s/ my cat’s teeth?
Ideally, your pet’s teeth should be brushed at least once per day. With training and consistency, you can get your pet accustomed to their regular dental routine. During a consultation, our team can show you useful tips and techniques that will help ease you and your pet into a toothbrushing routine. Just remember to use products specifically made for pets – human toothpaste and toothbrushes can be very harmful for our loyal companions.