Did you know that 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 3 years have some sort of periodontal disease?
It can be caused by the buildup of plaque, so it’s important to go in for regular dental checkups and cleanings Dental disease can actually lead to problems with your pet’s organs,
such as the heart, kidneys and liver. Caring for your pet’s teeth can prevent other health problems, saving you tons of money over the long term!
Pet owners often assume that doggy breath is normal, but it is actually a sign of deteriorating dental health. Normal oral bacteria deposit sticky plaque on the tooth surface that quickly mineralizes into tartar if not scrubbed away with routine brushing. Left untreated, dental disease progresses to the tooth root and periodontal ligament, which anchors the tooth root to surrounding bone.
According to the American Veterinary Dental College, dental disease is the most common clinical condition that affects pet dogs and cats, and most pets have signs of dental disease by age 3. If your pet does not receive regular dental care, dental disease is inevitable. Albion Animal Hospital offers routine dentistry services to keep your furry friend’s mouth sparkling clean and pain-free.
Pet Dental Exams
A dental exam is performed during your pet’s annual wellness visit to detect early dental disease signs. However, a lot can change in your pet’s mouth between exams, so watch for dental disease signs, such as:
- Bad breath
- Difficulty eating, or dropping food
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Tartar accumulation on the teeth surface
- Discolored teeth
- Broken or cracked teeth
- Loose teeth
If you notice any of these clinical signs, schedule an appointment for an oral exam as soon as possible. Dental disease causes significant oral pain, and pets often suffer with painful teeth long before owners realize their pet has a problem.
If dental disease is detected, our veterinarians will recommend a more thorough dental exam and cleaning under anesthesia. Albion Animal Hospital does not practice anesthesia-free dentistry, since a complete and safe dental cleaning can only be performed with anesthesia. To ensure your pet is safe during the anesthetic procedure, we perform thorough preanesthetic screening, use the safest medications and techniques available, and provide close monitoring during the entire procedure.
For more information, call us at (604) 487-2300 today.