Dental Care

Oral hygiene is an often overlooked but important factor in your dog’s overall health. If your dog has a toothache or sore gums, they are dealing with pain and stress that you may not be aware they are experiencing. Left untreated, bacteria introduced by the problem can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys or liver. An estimated 85% of dogs over the age of 4 are suffering from some form of periodontal disease, a painful oral condition that can lead to tooth loss and infection.

What types of canine dental care services are offered at your hospital?

During your pet’s annual appointment or dental consultation, we will do a complete physical exam to get a general idea of your pet’s oral health. We will then create an estimate for cleaning and x-rays as well as any extractions we can predict. It is impossible to tell which teeth, if any, need removal until your pet is under anesthesia, the mouth is explored and x-rays are taken. During your scheduled dental procedure, your pet will be anesthetized. Their teeth will be scaled and polished with each individual tooth assessed for disease processes. Any problem teeth will be noted and extracted if necessary.

How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?

Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth once a day. Realistically, once or twice a week is better than not brushing at all. Keeping your dog’s mouth healthy is essential for overall health. Brushing is the best way to remove plaque and prevent plaque from turning into tartar, which is much more difficult to get off. It is crucial to remember to NEVER use human toothpaste as it can be extremely harmful if ingested. There are plenty of flavoured kinds of toothpaste that are made specifically for their bodies, teeth, and gums.

Why is oral and dental health important?

Good dental care, both at home and from a professional, is a big part of keeping your dog healthy and happy. With some patience and dedication, it can quickly become a part of your lifestyle and routine.

The consequences of leaving dental disease untreated include:

• Gingivitis – Inflammation of the gums that can be painful for your pet
• Periodontitis – General disease in the oral cavity that attacks both the gums and the teeth which can lead to loss of teeth
• Oral cancers – Oral cancers can affect dogs as well and, if not found early, can be fatal.