Small animal dentistry is a rapidly growing interest among caregivers of companion animals. Dental disease is the most prevalent disease in dogs and cats and in most cases, one of the most preventable diseases. Maintaining optimum oral health aids in tooth retention, ensures the ability to continue good nutrition throughout life, and contributes greatly to overall health and well-being. Just as we see in the human dental field, companion animal dental hygiene requires attention to diet and daily care.
What types of dental care for dogs do you offer at your hospital?
Our veterinary dental care includes routine dental exams, subgingival dental cleaning under a general anesthetic, digital dental x-rays and tooth extractions.
How often should you brush your dog’s teeth?
Ideally, we would recommend daily brushing. However, we realize this is not always possible depending on your lifestyle and your dog’s temperament. Any brushing is always better than none. It is essential to start puppies at a young age to increase your chances of success! For those not able to brush daily, there are other options such dental treats, dental diets and other beneficial oral products
Why is oral and dental health important?
Good oral hygiene is an essential part of your dog’s overall health. Maintaining your dog’s oral hygiene not only makes those sloppy kisses a little more bearable but can also reduce your dog’s risk of developing oral infections, bone loss, tooth root abscesses and can reduce the risk of systemic diseases which affect the heart and kidneys.