Keeping up with a routine dental care program is an integral part of keeping your pet in good health. Dental disease affects many cats and dogs, causing a variety of health problems. For this reason, it’s important to see your vet if you notice anything out of the ordinary. If you are in Pensacola, Florida, you should schedule them for a dental consultation with our veterinary staff at Safe Harbor Animal Hospital as soon as possible. Here are common symptoms to watch for in your pet.
Bad Breath
Changes in eating habits or difficulty chewing
Pawing at the face or mouth
Excessive Drooling
Depression
Misaligned or missing teeth
Discolored, broken or crooked teeth
Red, swollen, painful or bleeding gums
Dental disease can cause severe health issues for both dogs and cats if left untreated. By releasing dangerous bacteria into the bloodstream, dental disease significantly increases risks for kidney, liver, and heart disease. Untreated periodontitis may also cause your pet severe pain from painful or bleeding gums.
Why Pets Need Dental Care
Both dogs and cats need regular dental cleanings. Routine dental care increase both the length and quality of their life. Additional benefits of regular dental cleanings include:
The ability to chart and evaluate pet dental disease over a period of time
Prevention of expensive and advanced pet dental procedures
Less teeth extractions (pulling) for your pet
Dental Disease Statistics
Safe Harbor Animal Hospital sees more pets with dental problems than any other disease. Statistics show that dental disease is the most common problem in dogs with 92% of dogs over the age of three affected. Although less prevalent in cats, statistics show that 85% of cats over the age of three struggle with the disease. The good news is that scheduling annual pet dental cleanings can add 2-4 years to your pet’s life!
Dental Care at Safe Harbor Animal Hospital
Safe Harbor Animal Hospital’s staff and licensed veterinarians have the expertise and latest technologies to make pet dental visits safe and easy. Some of these dental procedures include:
Dental X-rays
Teeth cleaning and polishing
Deciduous (pet baby teeth), surgical and routine tooth extractions
Full mouth teeth removal
Use of radiosurgery or laser surgery for Gingival surgery
Repair of Oronasal fistula
Oral surgery for dogs or cats
Mandibulectomy
Jaw repair (fracture)
Pet Dental Cleanings - What to Expect?
While under general anesthesia, your dog or cat can receive a thorough dental cleaning. Our clinic uses safe, local anesthesia and monitors your pet’s heart rate, oxygen, and respiration.
Before dental care begins, blood tests are done to help uncover any underlying illnesses, and we examine the animal’s entire mouth, including lips, tongue, gums, and teeth. This assures us that anesthetizing is safe for your pet.
If you are interested in scheduling your pet a dental exam or have any questions regarding our dental care, call Safe Harbor Animal Hospital in Pensacola, Florida.
