Ensuring Healthy Teeth in Dogs & Cats
Many dogs and cats will suffer from dental disease in their lifetime. It is one of the most common health issues among our pet population. Unfortunately, preventive dental care is often neglected, and this lack of attention to your dog or cat's oral health could result in painful dental issues and periodontal disease.
Routine dental care from can help preserve your dog or cat's oral health and help prevent dental diseases before they even begin.
At Stoney Trail Veterinary Clinic, our team of veterinarians wants to make sure your pet receives the highest-quality dental care. We offer a range of dental care services for dogs and cats, from basics such as dental exams, teeth cleanings and polishing, to dental X-rays and surgeries.
We can also provide you with helpful tips on how to maintain your pet's oral hygiene at home, including proper brushing techniques and recommended dental products.
Teeth Cleaning & Examinations
Annual dental examinations are an essential part of caring for your dog or cat's overall health. Early detection of oral health issues can help prevent your pet from suffering from issues such as tooth decay, broken teeth, or periodontal disease.
A veterinary dental appointment typically involves the following:
-
Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.
We will take blood and urine to analyze to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG, may also be conducted.
-
Administering Anesthesia
Anesthesia is administered to all patients undergoing dental procedures. This allows us to do a thorough examination and cleaning and capture any required X-rays safely and efficiently without undue stress on the pet.
-
Oral Examination & Cleaning
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete, tooth-by-tooth, oral examination and charting. Their teeth will be cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and X-rays may be taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth, as well as dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel.
If any oral health issues are discovered, the veterinarian will develop a custom treatment plan, which may include dental surgery, and discuss it with you.
-
Follow-up Exam & Home Care
Your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination be scheduled two weeks after the initial appointment, so they can see if the issue is getting better or worse.
Depending on what they see at this appointment, they may advise that you continue with your at-home care routine or recommend further treatment.
Dental Surgery for Dogs & Cats
When necessary, our Calgary veterinarians perform dental surgery on cats and dogs, including jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and periodontal disease treatment.
Our team understands that it can be overwhelming to learn that your dog or cat requires dental surgery. We will do all we can to make this process as stress-free as possible, for you and your pet.
Your dog or cat will be provided with anesthesia during their dental surgery to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain.
We'll be sure to break down each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
Signs of Dental Health Issues in Dogs & Cats
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your dog or cat, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Tartar buildup
- Pawing at their mouth or teeth
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Excessive drooling (may contain pus or blood)
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Reduced grooming
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Dropping food from the mouth
- Teeth grinding
- Abnormal chewing
- Repeated yawning
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Discoloured teeth
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
To learn more about dog and cat dental care, read through our answers to these frequently asked questions from our clients.
-
Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Like us, dogs and cats can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health. When animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not cleaned away regularly.
Annual veterinary dental care can help to prevent conditions such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth.
-
How often does my pet need a teeth cleaning?
We recommend that most dogs and cats see a veterinarian for a dental checkup once a year. Pets who are more prone to dental problems than others may require more frequent appointments.
-
What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Poor oral health can cause problems such as cavities, bad breath and periodontal disease. On top of these, oral health issues may also lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
-
What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
Brushing your pet's teeth on a regular basis and providing dental chew toys can help control the buildup of plaque. Speak to your veterinarian to learn more about caring for your dog or cat's teeth between veterinary appointments.
-
Why does my pet require anesthesia for their dental appointment?
Cats and dogs are unable to understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react by struggling or biting. Using anesthesia puts less stress on pets and allows us to examine their mouths safely.
-
What dental issues may require dental surgery as treatment?
Dental health issues that may require dental surgery include cracked or broken teeth, tooth decay, severe gum disease (periodontitis), jaw fractures, TMJ (temporomandibular joint), luxation, or dysplasia Feline stomatitis.