Pet Dental Awareness

            Prevention of dental disease is an important component of veterinary care.  Dentists recommend that people brush their teeth twice per day, floss regularly, and have a professional cleaning twice per year.  It is just as important for your pet to have good oral hygiene.  Without proper dental care, the bacteria below the gum line can spread through the bloodstream, causing heart, liver, and kidney problems.

Some signs of dental disease:

Ø      Bad breath

Ø      Tartar buildup

Ø      Tooth loss

Ø      Difficulty eating

            Part of a routine health examination includes an oral exam.  The veterinarian will determine the stage of dental disease and determine if a professional cleaning is needed.  Dental cleanings may only be done by veterinary professionals.  It is a simple, routine procedure that may help add years to your pet’s life.  The procedure is similar to a person having a cleaning by a dental hygienist, except the pet is under anesthesia during the process.

What is involved in the dental cleaning?

Ø      Pre-anesthetic blood work will be performed to check for any liver or kidney problems to ensure the anesthesia will be safely processed out of the system.

Ø      Intravenous fluids will be administered to hydrate your pet as well as help control the blood pressure during anesthesia.

Ø      Plaque and tartar will be removed from the teeth and below the gum line with specialized instruments.

Ø      Dental radiographs will be taken to check teeth roots and to determine if any teeth may need to be removed.

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Once your pet’s teeth are clean and healthy, it is important for you to continue the care at home.  Routine brushing will help prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.  You may purchase special dog or cat toothpaste that is flavored and safe to digest.  This can be a fun and healthy activity for the whole family!  However, if your pet does not tolerate the brushing, special dental treats or food may also be used.

Dental Home Care Options:

These items are available at Stream Valley.  At your next visit, we will be happy to make product recommendations for your pet!

CET Chews:  Rawhide-like chews that “combine the mechanical abrasive action of chewing with …antibacterial systems to help control plaque and eliminate bacteria buildup.”   http://www.virbacvet.com/cet/products/category/chews/

CET Toothbrushes and Toothpaste:  Daily tooth-brushing is the best way to ensure your pet’s good dental health.  Start slowly, and be sure to reward your pet with a long walk or some play time afterwards.  Toothpastes come in a variety of flavors to help make the experience more enjoyable.  http://www.virbacvet.com/cet/products/category/toothpaste_and_toothbrushes/

OraVet Kit: This gel binds to tooth surfaces, “creating an invisible barrier that helps prevent bacteria from attaching to your pet’s teeth.”  Use weekly by spreading on tooth surfaces.

http://www.oravet.us.merial.com/index.html

Greenies Dental Chews:  These chew treats can be used daily to help control plaque and tartar buildup.  They can also freshen breath.

http://www.greenies.com/en_US/default.aspx

Hill’s t/d Diet: A delicious kibble that can be used as a treat or as your pet’s complete diet.  Its special fiber matrix scrubs the exposed tooth surface like an edible toothbrush, reducing bacteria-laden plaque.

http://www.hillspet.com/products/prescription-diet/pd-canine-td-canine-dry.html