Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month? Keeping up on your pet’s dental hygiene is just as important as keeping up on your own! According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs suffer from gum and dental disease by the time they are 3 years old. Annual dental cleanings are the most proactive way to keep your pets’ pearly whites healthy and disease free.
Signs and symptoms to look out for that could indicate your pet is suffering from dental disease can include things such as bad breath, broken or loose teeth, discolored or tartar covered teeth, abnormal or painful chewing, excessive drooling, reduced appetite, oral bleeding, and swelling of the mouth and face.
Early detection of these symptoms is critical because advanced periodontal disease can ultimately lead to severe problems and pain for your pet. Prolonged dental disease can lead to systemic health issues in both cats and dogs requiring lifelong treatments. Oral health is directly linked to a pet’s longevity.
Here at Moorpark Veterinary Hospital, we provide safe, anesthetic dental cleanings for both cats and dogs! Anesthetizing our patients for dental cleanings is so important not only for patient safety but patient comfort as well! To ensure our patients are healthy enough to undergo the procedure; we perform exams and pre-anesthetic blood work for each patient. Dental x-rays are taken during every procedure to catch any hidden periodontal disease that may be lurking under the gum-line. For the entirety of the procedure, we have a technician monitoring vital signs, oxygen levels, and your patient’s temperature to ensure the utmost level of well being!
Book an appointment today to consult with us on your pet’s dental health!
Written by: Savannah George
Published by: Nicole Lapp