Why Your Pet Needs Dental Care

/in /by

Dental care is important for pets. Pets can suffer from dental problems just like people do, and dental problems can also lead to other health issues for pets. In this post, we’ll discuss some reasons why dental care is so important for pets and how you can make sure your pet gets the dental care they need.

Your Pet’s Dental Care Matters

Dental care is important for pets because:

  1. Dental care can help pets live longer. Pets with dental problems are more likely to suffer from other health problems, which can shorten their lifespan. By taking care of your pet’s teeth, you can help them live a longer and healthier life.
  1. Dental problems can be painful. Pets can’t tell us when they’re in pain, but dental problems can be very painful for them, just like humans. If your pet is behaving oddly or showing signs of pain or discomfort, it’s important to take them to the vet to check for dental problems. It’s important to remember that many animals try to hide illness and injury by instinct, so they may not show pain as you would expect. Always be on the lookout for behavior that is out of the ordinary for your pet.
  1. Dental care can save you money in the long run. Preventative dental care is cheaper than dental care for pets with dental problems. By taking care of your pet’s teeth now, you can save yourself money down the road.

Pet Dental Care Basics

Making sure your pet gets dental care is important for their health and wellbeing. There are a few things you can do to make sure your pet gets the best dental care:

  • Schedule regular dental checkups with your vet. Just like humans, pets need to see the dentist for regular checkups. Your vet can check for dental problems and clean your pet’s teeth to prevent periodontal disease.
  • Brush your pet’s teeth regularly at home. Brushing your pet’s teeth is the best way to prevent dental problems. You can buy special toothbrushes and toothpaste for pets at most pet stores.
  • Give your pet dental chew toys. Dental chew toys can help keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy. Look for dental chew toys that are specifically made for pets.
  • Feed your pet dental-friendly food. Some pet foods are better for dental health than others. Look for dental-friendly pet foods that contain ingredients that help keep teeth clean and healthy.

By following these tips, you can make sure your pet gets the dental care they need. Dental care is important for pets just as it is for humans, and by taking care of your pet’s teeth, you can help them live a longer and healthier life.

Dental Care for Pets in Tampa Bay

If you live in or around Tampa and your pet needs professional dental care, call the team at Affordable Pet Hospital. We provide a full array of health and wellness services for your furry friends, including top-notch dental health services. Call (813) 991-9898 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.

Should I Care For My Dog’s Teeth?

/in /by

Although your dog can’t lay back in a dentist’s chair, his oral health is still an important priority. Make sure you care for your dog’s teeth to avoid periodontal disease and other serious health issues for your canine friend. 

Why Your Dog’s Tooth Care Matters

Your dog doesn’t care about flashing a bright white smile, but his dental health still matters. If you never brush or clean your dog’s teeth, plaque and tartar buildup will lead to serious issues like gingivitis and periodontal disease.  Read more

Why You Should Not Ignore Your Pet’s Dental Care

/in /by

Your pet is an important part of your family. And just like a child, you want to make sure that your pet is in optimal health. Most pet owners are very responsible, making sure that their pet gets routine exams, checkups, and vaccinations to keep them healthy. You will also often take your pet to the vet when they are feeling under the weather. 

But an important part of your pet’s health that is often ignored is their dental health. Just as people need to care for their teeth, so do animals. In the wild, animals keep their teeth strong and healthy by cleaning them naturally with what is available. But domesticated animals don’t have the same resources or instincts; and, therefore, they need some additional dental care. Read more

Why Regular Dental Checkups for Your Pet Are Important

/in /by

You know that routine veterinary appointments for booster shots and the occasional health problem are important. But have you considered your pet’s dental health? Just like people, dogs and cats are healthiest when their teeth are in good condition and well cared for. Annual dental checkups and additional checkups when a tooth breaks are very important to your pet’s overall health.

Risk of Periodontal Disease

Just like people, dogs who do not have good dental care are at risk for periodontal disease. In periodontal disease, bacteria in the mouth turns into plaque on the teeth, which is in turn develops into tartar when mixed with the calcium from your pet’s saliva. This can lead to infections of the teeth, and the root of the tooth could die, causing the tooth to become loose. About 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have periodontal disease by age three.

Loose and Broken Teeth

Loose and broken teeth can expose nerve endings, which can be painful and harmful to your pet. While it is important to protect your pet’s teeth with regular dental checkups to prevent tooth loss, it is equally important that loose and broken teeth are removed. You may not even realize that teeth are loose or broken, but the veterinary dentist can determine this during an exam.

Protecting Your Pet’s Teeth

There are some things you can do to protect your pet’s teeth. Avoid giving them hard things to chew on, such as antlers or bones. Give them treats and chews that clean the teeth as they gnaw on them. Finally, make sure you are getting your pet into the vet for a dental checkup at least once per year. If your pet suddenly seems to be having trouble eating or no longer wants to chew on toys, it could be an indication that something is wrong, and an extra dental checkup may be required. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Buy Dental Treats Instead of Regular Dog Treats for Your Dog

/in /by

dog treatsYou’ve probably noticed more dental treats for dogs on store shelves the past few years and new content on existing brands that mention some kind of dental benefit.

Do these dog treats really provide dental benefits like healthy gums and tartar removal? Is anyone reviewing them for accuracy?

The answers are “Sometimes” and “Yes.”

Certain Dog Treats and Foods Can Boost Dogs’ Oral and Dental Health Read more

What is involved in my pet’s dental?

/in /by

Why does my pet need a teeth cleaning?

Just like humans, pets can have tartar build-up if their teeth are not cleaned regularly. However, it’s not as easy to clean a dog or cat’s teeth as it is in humans. Tartar buildup can lead to broken teeth, making it difficult for your pet to eat, and can cause serious problems to the health of your pet as infections can travel to other parts of the body causing heart, liver, and kidney problems. Routine dental cleanings can prevent these issues. Veterinarians encourage cleaning your pet’s teeth at home, but in order to clean the teeth thoroughly, it is often recommended to anesthetize your pet. When your dog or cat is completely asleep, it’s easier for your veterinarian to complete the teeth examination and cleaning with as little discomfort to the pet as possible.

What is involved in anesthetizing my pet for a teeth cleaning?

With any procedure that involves anesthesia, the veterinarians at Affordable Pet Hospital do a blood profile in order to see if your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia. Blood work is done at the hospital and results are read before any sedatives are given. If blood results are normal, we place an IV catheter in order to administer medication to sedate the pet and give fluids to keep the pet hydrated while under anesthesia.

How are the teeth cleaned?

Once the pet is sedated, the teeth are cleaned with a high-speed scaling machine, polished, and checked for any infected pockets under the teeth.

What if my pet needs teeth extractions?

Sometimes, a pet’s teeth can fracture, chip, or become infected. If this is the case, your veterinarian may recommend that your pet’s teeth be extracted. This is only recommended when the tooth cannot heal on its own and would lead to further infection. Tooth extractions are done by the veterinarian while the pet is completely anesthetized. Sometimes sutures are needed to help with the healing process, but this is determined on an individual basis. A thorough examination by your veterinarian is done best while the pet is completely anesthetized.

How often does my pet need a dental cleaning?

Some pets require more dental care than others, so a bi-annual visit to your veterinarian can help determine how often your pet needs a complete dental cleaning. However, pets with less tartar require a smaller amount of time under anesthesia, which is better for the pet. Maintaining good dental health is a large part of caring for your pet. Dental chews, oral rinse and gels, and other oral health care products are available through your veterinarian’s office to help prevent tartar build up, decreasing the amount of times your pet may require a complete dental cleaning.