Posts Tagged: Pet Dental Care

We brush our teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and visit the dentist every 6 months. Why do we do all this work? To prevent cavities, of course! We all want to avoid a date with the dentist’s drill, and most of us will do anything to keep those nasty little holes from developing in our teeth.

When it comes to pet dental care, however, (which is something we’re passionate about here at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center!), cavities aren’t always on the radar. Although rare, cavities in pets are certainly possible, and preventing them is important to keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy.

The health of our pets’ teeth and gums is a component of their care that is too commonly ignored. While most people would never entertain the thought of not brushing their own teeth, they usually don’t think of their pets’ teeth in the same way. Yet, according to the American Veterinary Dental Association, up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease by the age of three. This serves as a reminder that it doesn’t take long for problems to develop when we fail to care for our pet’s teeth, even when they are young.

Without daily cleaning, bacteria in the mouth combine with saliva and food on the teeth and gums, causing a sticky plaque to form. This plaque eventually turns into tartar, a hard, mineralized build up.

Over time, plaque and tartar continue to accumulate, causing inflammation of the tissues around the teeth. This painful process is called periodontal disease and, when left unchecked, it results in both oral and systemic infection, tooth decay and loss of the teeth.

Preventive dental care in pets is very important, and Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center wants you to understand how routine oral examinations, home dental care, and professional dental cleanings play into your pet’s overall well-being. Continue…

Dental care isn’t just for humans. By now, most pet owners are aware of the importance of good dental hygiene for their pets, and this is evidenced by the hundreds of pet home dental care products available to pet owners everywhere. But, do these treats, chews, rinses, sprays, and water additives really have what it takes to keep your pet’s mouth in tiptop shape?

Brushing is Best!

First, and foremost, there is no substitute for daily brushing when it comes to the care of your pet’s teeth.  Although, for many, the task may seem daunting, it needn’t be. Brushing your dog or cat’s teeth can take just a minute a day and the pet specific toothbrush and toothpaste products we recommend are safe and easy to use.

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It wasn’t too long ago in human history that the idea of brushing a pet’s teeth or having them professionally cleaned was practically unthinkable, and the term “veterinary dentistry” didn’t even exist.

Fortunately for our pets, our knowledge of pet health has come a long way in recent years, and so has the field of veterinary dentistry. We now know that the right combination of home care, good nutrition, professional dental cleanings and exams can keep your pet healthy, pain free, and even extend his or her life. Continue…

As animal owners, we are intimately familiar with our pet’s habits, likes, and dislikes. But how are we to know when our pet’s joints are beginning to feel the effects of arthritis, or if his or her liver isn’t functioning at its peak? This is where the wellness exam comes in.

Your pet’s regularly scheduled wellness visits are about so much more than just another round of shots (although that’s important too!). Every time we see your pet we have the opportunity to get to know him or her better, to catch any problems that may be brewing, and to answer your questions regarding your pet’s health. Continue…