Taking proper care of your pets’ teeth and gums can help extend their lives. At Petsadena Animal Hospital, we recommend that your pet receives regular dental cleanings to maintain his or her health. Older dogs and cats with neglected teeth and gums have a higher risk of certain medical conditions. Bacteria from dental disease can travel through the bloodstream, putting your pet at a risk for kidney, heart, and liver disease. During your pet’s wellness exams, we always examine the oral cavity to look for any issues. While this can be helpful, some of the most common types of dental disease in pets occur below the gum line where we cannot detect it visually. In many cases we can take dental x-rays to determine if treatment is necessary.
Keeping your pet’s teeth clean
During your pet’s wellness exam, we can recommend the appropriate cleaning schedule. Many pets will require a cleaning once a year, which is done under general anesthesia while they are closely monitored. If there is disease, we will make sure to provide you with information on the treatments necessary and why they will benefit your pet.
What you can do at home
In addition to professional visits, you can do things at home to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. We recommend that pet owners brush their pet’s teeth at home. In addition to brushing, we can also provide information on special foods or treats that can aid in dental care. Large rubber or nylon chew toys that are somewhat flexible are a good option. While these things are not intended to be a replacement for professional cleanings, they can be an integral part of your pet’s healthcare.
If you are a Pasadena pet owner and would like more information on our pet dental services, or help keeping your pet’s teeth clean, call us today at (626) 441-1137.