Dog and Cat Teeth Cleaning in Carmel
Wouldn’t it be nice if pets could brush their OWN teeth? Since that’s obviously not possible, it’s up to their owners and veterinarians to maintain their oral health for them to prevent oral infections like gum disease. Gum disease affects more than 60% of all dogs and cats over the age of 3, and if left untreated, it can be a fatal condition. Yellow Dog Veterinary Clinic wants to lower the number of pets that are afflicted with gum disease. Our comprehensive dog and cat teeth cleaning services are designed to keep your pet’s mouth clean and healthy for a lifetime. We recommend that your companion have a wellness exam at least once a year so we can determine if a dental cleaning is needed.
About Our Dental Suite and Dog and Cat Teeth Cleaning
Yellow Dog Veterinary Clinic’s pet dental suite is equipped with advanced dental equipment and technology, including an ultrasonic scaler for dog and cat teeth cleaning and polishing as well as monitoring equipment. We also have heated tables and warm towels available for your pet’s added comfort. All dental procedures are performed under general anesthesia—after performing a pre-anesthetic wellness exam. The results of these exams help us determine if your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia. For pets age 7 and older, pre-anesthetic blood work is also required, which we perform the day prior to your pet’s dental visit. For the safety of all of our patients, we monitor all vital signs before, during, and after treatment. We also administer fluids and any necessary pain medications via an IV catheter during the procedure. After your pet’s dental service is complete, we provide pain medications, if necessary, and at-home instructions to aid in his/her recovery. We also provide antibiotics for all of our dental patients.
What Exactly Is Gum Disease in Pets?
Gum disease in pets is similar to that in humans. It begins with tartar and plaque buildup and progresses into four stages: gingivitis, early periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. In the advanced periodontitis stage (stage IV), the oral bacteria has affected the tooth and bone. The bacteria also may begin to spread throughout the body via the bloodstream and can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. At this stage, the damage is likely irreversible. Unsure if your pet has gum disease? Here are some of the symptoms to look for:
- Bad breath
- Red gums
- Abnormal drooling
- Dropping food
- Subdued behavior
At-Home Dog and Cat Teeth Cleaning
The best way to treat gum disease and other oral problems is to prevent them from ever developing. That’s why we recommend that you brush your pet’s teeth from home as early as possible (during the puppy/kitten stage). We also recommend that you use pet dental products that are have been awarded by the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal. These products are designed to prevent plaque and tartar and include chews, water additives, and foods. By maintaining a stringent at-home hygiene regimen for your pet, you can lower or even prevent the risk of gum disease.
Be proactive about your pet’s dental health, and schedule an exam at Yellow Dog Veterinary Clinic today!