If you can’t remember the last time you had your pet’s teeth cleaned, then you’ll want to know that animals can show signs of tooth and gum disease before they even turn three. Cats and dogs are susceptible to many of the same dental problems that their human companions can develop. Cavities, periodontal disease, and premature tooth loss are all possible dental conditions that you might see as they age. At Summit Veterinary Hospital in Los Gatos, CA, our dentist is trained and has the equipment to provide all of the dental services your pet needs to stay healthy.
Benefits of Taking Your Pet for a Dog Dental Cleaning
Giving your dog chew toys and hard treats is a great way to help remove plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth between its checkups. But, you’ll still want to plan for a dog teeth cleaning at least once a year. During the cleaning, your pet’s dentist will remove any tartar that your home toothbrushing leaves behind, which prevents bigger dental problems down the road.
Signs Your Pet Needs Urgent Dental Care
A pet dental problem can sometimes be an emergency. Dogs and cats can sometimes be fairly stoic, which means that they might not show that they are in pain until the infection or tooth fracture becomes unbearable. A dog with dental problems might stop eating normally, or your cat might seem unusually anxious. Sometimes, you’ll be able to see evidence of the problem, such as a stained front tooth or an obvious fracture or chip. Red gums, blood in their drool, and swelling in their oral tissues are all signs of advanced gum disease that needs immediate care.
What Can Happen If You Skip Going to the Dog Dentist
You can expect to see the same kinds of problems as you’d see if you neglected your dental health. Tooth decay and gum disease can both lead to lost teeth or the need for an extraction. Once your pet loses teeth, your pet may need a special diet to help them get proper nutrition.
When to Come In for a Pet Check Up
Most pets will need a dog teeth cleaning when you first adopt them unless the previous owners have records showing that it was done within the past several months to a year. After the initial visit with a pet dentist, you’ll want to bring your pet for an annual checkup to keep it healthy.
Schedule an Appointment With Our Dog and Cat Dentist
Is your pet due for a dental cleaning? Give us a call at Summit Veterinary Hospital in Los Gatos, CA for more information on pet dental care or schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.
