Pet Dentistry
We love when our dogs wags their tails and our cats purr contentedly, but we also love seeing a full set of their shining, smiling teeth. Regular oral hygiene and pet dental care are essential to preserving your dog or cat’s smile, and his or her health, longevity and happiness. Pet owners often do a great job of caring for their pets’ wellbeing by providing vaccinations, wellness exams, proper nutrition and plenty of exercise, but many are not aware of the importance of caring for their pets’ teeth, too.
Pet Dental Care and Your Pet's Wellness
Although cats and dogs tend to develop fewer cavities than humans, their teeth still need regular care to prevent gum disease, dental conditions and even more serious health complications.
Without proper oral hygiene, dogs and cats can develop periodontal (gum) disease. A type of gum infection, periodontal disease develops when tartar deposits build up and create pockets of space between the teeth and gums. Bacteria thrives in these spaces, causing inflammation, discomfort and infection. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to the spread of harmful bacterial through your pet’s bloodstream, damaging vital organs such as the heart, liver, lungs and kidneys.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Bad breath
- Teeth discoloration and tartar build up
- Swollen, red and/or bleeding gums
- Drooling
- Loose, missing or broken teeth
- Discomfort eating
- Loss of appetite
Protect Your Pet's Health with Dental X-Rays
Our veterinarian routinely examines all pets’ teeth and gums during wellness appointments. With visual examination, we can spot issues occurring above the gums, like surface cavities, broken teeth, periodontal disease, or unusual swelling and redness. We cannot, however, detect problems that could be occurring inside a pet’s teeth or below the gum line. Using dental x-rays, our veterinarian can view the internal structures of pet’s teeth, roots, jaw, and surrounding bone to diagnose dental problems that might not be visible to the naked eye. We might recommend dental x-rays if your pet has visible signs of oral health problems or displays any concerning symptoms.
Prevent Gum Disease with Dog Dental and Cat Dental Care Services in Escondido
At Companion Animal Health & Rehabilitation Center, we provide a full range of cat and dog dental services, including exams, cleanings and further treatments. During a regular wellness exam, our veterinarian always inspects your pet’s teeth, but we encourage you to schedule a dental appointment, if you notice any signs of gum disease in your pet.
If signs of tartar build up are present, we might recommend a professional dental cleaning (much like a dental appointment for humans) for your cat or dog. If more serious oral problems such as cavities, broken teeth or an abscess are detected, we might also recommend additional treatments, such as a tooth extraction and antibiotics. You can also keep your pet’s oral hygiene in check at home with specially formulated foods, treats, dental chews and brushing.
Please contact our office to schedule a pet dental care appointment for your cat or dog or to learn more about our pet dentistry services.
