Dental Care

Maintaining dental health is important to your pet’s overall well-being. If your pet develops dental disease, they’re at risk of having infection/bacteria spreading to other parts of the body. The mouth is supplied with nerves, and blood vessels which means whatever happens in the mouth spreads through the bloodstream. Dental disease is the number one disease seen by veterinarians; it is a huge problem in the animal community. Allow our team to give your furry friend’s mouth the care it needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time.

When do pets develop dental disease?

Dental disease starts very early in pets. Patients as young as 3-years-old have been diagnosed with the disease. Early detection and treatment are critical to protecting your pet from chronic pain and inflammation, lowering their quality of life. Pets who don’t have regular dental cleanings or toothbrushing routines at home are more likely to develop dental disease. Each time your pet eats, leftovers mix with bacteria and forms plaque; when their teeth aren’t brushed, the plaque hardens and becomes tartar. Tartar can only be removed with professional dental cleanings. Dental disease can also affect below the gum line at the root of your pet’s teeth which can result in decay or tooth loss.

How do I know if my pet has dental disease?

Dental disease is an umbrella term for problems in the mouth. Here are some signs that your pet may have dental disease:

1. Bad breath
2. Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
3. Loose teeth
4. Red or bleeding gums
5. Blood on chew toys
6. Nasal discharge when sneezing

If you have noticed these signs in your pet, it is time to have them examined by a veterinarian. To learn more, call us at 519-948-7727.

What treatment is available for dental disease?

When your pet comes in for a dental visit, our team has all the knowledge and equipment to give them a healthy mouth. We use dental X-rays and other equipment to examine their teeth and give them a thorough cleaning. For your pet’s comfort and safety, we use anesthesia during dental cleanings as it makes the process much easier. We can perform tooth extractions and provide pain medication to help your pet recover.

Homecare is also essential in preventing and treating dental disease in your pet. We recommend that you get your pet accustomed to having their teeth brushed at an early age. Our team can recommend pet-safe toothbrushes and toothpaste in flavours that your pet will enjoy. Your veterinarian may also recommend dental chews that help clean your pet’s teeth.