Pet Dental Care
Dental care is an important factor in the overall health of dogs and cats, however it is frequently overlooked. As in humans, the build-of plaque and tartar deposits that results from inadequate maintenance of the teeth and gums by brushing or cleaning leads to gingivitis and periodontitis. These diseases, in their advanced stages, pose serious health risks which can include heart, lung, and kidney problems.
Dental Care for Pet’s in Charlotte, NC
Cotswold Animal Hospital’s veterinarians recommend a preventative dental care routine that begins with professional cleanings. While basic oral examinations can be performed while your pet is awake, short-term anesthetic must be administered to perform cleanings. We practice the same safe monitoring techniques for dental procedures that are used in all of our surgeries. Before beginning the cleaning, blood tests are performed to ensure that your dog or cat is a good candidate for anesthesia, and to determine the appropriate amount that is needed for the procedure. Your pet’s vital signs are also regularly monitored by a skilled technician throughout the course of the exam for safety. The full cleaning process includes an examination of each of your pet’s individual teeth. We check for mobility, fractures, and malocclusion, and remove plaque and tartar using hand instruments and power-assisted scaling tools.
As mentioned before, a good dental care routine begins with a professional cleaning—but to provide the greatest benefit to your dog or cat, treatment must continue at home. Ask our veterinarians about dental products such as coated treats, wipes, and sealants that will continue to protect your pet’s teeth between visits.
Signs of oral and dental diseases in dogs and cats:
- Loss of appetite or loss of weight
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth or teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
- Your pet shies away from you when you touch the mouth area
- Drooling or dropping food from the mouth.
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Loss of appetite or loss of weight
