Dental care is often overlooked in cats and dogs, which is why dental disease is one of the most common issue seen by veterinarians. It is a sad reality as it takes a few minutes out of each day to prevent this problem or reverse the effects. If dental issues aren’t treated they can lead to complications in other areas of your pet’s body. Your pet’s oral cavity is vascular which means it is connected to the circulatory system, so problems in the mouth can travel through the blood vessels. At Leslieville Animal Hospital we are certified to provide professional cleanings, dental diagnosis and extractions as needed.
What happens when my pet’s oral hygiene is poor?
Poor oral hygiene can result in your pet having periodontal disease which can spread bacteria into their bloodstream. This can lead to health issues with the liver, lungs, kidneys and heart. In the beginning, you won’t notice many symptoms in your pet until the disease is advanced. This is why it’s important to brush their teeth regularly. The following are signs you should look for:
- Bad breath
- Drooling excessively
- Inflammation of the gums
- Broken teeth
- Awkward chewing
- Blood on chew toy
- Loss of appetite
How often should I brush my pet’s teeth?
Brushing your pet’s teeth is the best thing you can do to prevent them from developing dental disease. Ideally you should be brushing your pet’s teeth every day. Brushing helps remove bacteria and plaque from their teeth. This can also reverse the effects of gum disease in the early stage. By speaking with one of our veterinarians you can learn how to safely brush your pet’s teeth and how to include the practice in their daily lives. Please reach out to us at 416-463-8387 to schedule a dental appointment for your pet.
What happens during a dental appointment?
Your pet’s dental appointment at our hospital will include a thorough cleaning and examination. Dental disease often hides below the gum line so we use digital X-rays to examine the area and give them a deep clean. To keep your pet comfortable we administer general anesthesia so they won’t feel anything. We use dental tools to remove tartar and any bacteria in their mouth. At the end of the appointment we polish their teeth and our knowledgeable staff will suggest homecare strategies to ensure your pet’s mouth stays healthy. We can recommend pet toothpaste, brushing techniques and treats with ingredients that can help clean their teeth as they eat.
