SCHEDULE YOUR PET’S DENTAL CLEANING
When your pet comes in for a cleaning, we’ll scrape away those years of tartar and rinse your pet’s teeth for an improved clean you can see (and smell). We will also let you know if your pet has any dental issues that need to be addressed with follow-up care.
FOLLOW UP AFTER YOUR PET’S DENTAL CLEANING
Broken, worn away, and damaged teeth can cause your pet extensive pain and discomfort. If we recommend a tooth extraction or another dental operation, be sure to schedule the appointment and ask any questions before you leave our office. Most importantly, be sure to keep your appointment.
MAKE DENTAL HYGIENE FUN WITH TOYS!
There are so many toys available now that support your pet’s dental health while they chew and play. Adding a few of these toys to your pet’s playtime can support better dental health in the long run.
DENTAL CARE CAN BE TASTY
Along with toys designed to scrape away plaque, dental treats can also assist your pet in their dental health journey. Don’t forget to ask your pet to “sit” and “stay,” so they feel like they’re really earning these fun and tasty treats.
WATER ADDITIVES WORK
While your dentist recommends you use mouthwash, we recommend water additives made to loosen plaque and destroy oral bacteria. Most are just a capful per water bowl, and they work by making other dental approaches more effective.
LISTEN TO YOUR PET!
Pets can't speak, but they can tell us when their mouths hurt. If you notice your pet refraining from eating, pawing their mouth, favoring a side of the mouth while eating, or whining while eating or playing, your pet may be suffering from oral pain.
LOOK FOR SIGNS OF DENTAL DISEASE
Red, swollen, or bleeding gum, discoloration along the gumline, bumps or sores around the mouth and jaw, broken teeth, bad breath, a tooth disintegrating (in cats), blood on toys, loose teeth, extra or stringy saliva, avoiding having the mouth being touched, or a runny nose
SWITCH YOUR PET’S FOOD
Your pet’s diet can benefit their dental health. A high-quality diet or dental food can help clean your pet’s teeth as they eat.
USE DENTAL WIPES
We know that many pets refuse to have their teeth brushed, and it’s easy to give up on the battle when your pet puts up a fight. Dental wipes can be an alternative that may not be 100% as effective as brushing, but they do help.
START BRUSHING YOUR PET’S TEETH
Use a pet-friendly toothpaste and toothbrush and commit to scrubbing those teeth each night. Encourage a positive association by starting slow and using a lot of treats!
AVOID TENNIS BALLS AND BONES
While these items can offer a lot of excitement, they can also lead to broken teeth or wear away your pet’s enamel. Tennis balls can also harbor bacteria.
ENCOURAGE YOUR PET TO DRINK MORE
Water doesn’t just prevent dehydration--it also improves your pet’s breath and dental health. Every time your pet drinks, it washes away bits of food and debris that can attract bacteria.
TREAT YOUR DOG TO CARROTS AND CELERY
While you may have trouble convincing a cat to eat raw carrot or celery, your dog will love these as a treat. They’re healthy, low in calories, and you guessed it--good for their dental health.
