Caring for the Oral Health of Dogs & Cats
Much like our own dental checkups, veterinary dental services can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to pain and health issues. Yet preventive dental care for dogs and cats is often neglected.
At our veterinary hospital in Grande Prairie, we offer a range of dental services for dogs and cats, from basics such as dental exams and teeth cleanings to dental X-rays and surgeries.
Whether your four-legged family member needs dental surgery to extract a damaged tooth or a simple preventive cleaning, our team at Animals First Clinic can help.
We can also provide you with tips on how to maintain your pet's oral hygiene at home, including proper brushing techniques and recommended dental products.
Veterinary Dental Surgery in Grande Prairie
If your dog or cat has an oral tumour, fractures a tooth, or develops severe tooth decay, surgery may be required. Learn more about what to expect during the surgical process at Animals First Clinic.
Teeth Cleaning & Examinations
Yearly dental checkups are an important aspect of caring for your dog or cat's overall health and can help your veterinarian detect oral health issues early, while they are most treatable.
Your pet's dental care will require two or more appointments, and they will typically involve the following:
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Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be performed before your pet's dental exam.
Depending on the assessment, our doctors may request that bloodwork, urine or chest X-rays be done to ensure your pet is healthy and safe to go under anesthetic. Any additional diagnostics will be discussed with you before proceeding.
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Administering Anesthesia
Anesthesia is administered to all patients undergoing dental procedures. This allows us to do a thorough examination and cleaning, as well as capture any required X-rays safely and efficiently without causing stress to your dog or cat.
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Oral Examination & Cleaning
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete, tooth-by-tooth, oral examination and charting. Their teeth will be cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and X-rays may be taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
If any oral health problems are discovered, the veterinarian will develop a custom treatment plan, which may include dental surgery, and discuss it with you.
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Follow-up Exam & Home Care
Your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination be scheduled two weeks after the initial appointment, so they can see if the issue is getting better or worse.
Depending on what they see at this appointment, they may advise that you continue with your at-home care routine or recommend further veterinary intervention.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
To learn more about dental care for your dog or cat, read through our answers to these frequently asked questions from our clients.
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Why do dogs and cats need their teeth cleaned?
It surprises many pet parents to learn that, like us, dogs and cats can develop periodontal disease and tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral hygiene. When animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not cleaned away regularly.
Annual veterinary dental care, along with at-home care between appointments, can help to prevent conditions such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
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How often does my dog or cat need their teeth cleaned?
At Animals First Clinic, we recommend that most dogs and cats see a veterinarian for a dental checkup once a year. Pets that have an increased risk of developing dental problems may require more frequent appointments.
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How can I tell if my dog or cat has dental health issues?
If your dog or cat is displaying any of the following symptoms it may be time for a dental checkup.
- Tartar buildup
- Pawing at their mouth or teeth
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Excessive drooling (may contain pus or blood)
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Reduced grooming
- Refusal to eat
- Dropping food from the mouth
- Teeth grinding
- Abnormal chewing
- Repeated yawning
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Discoloured teeth
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What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Poor oral health can cause problems such as cavities, bad breath and periodontal disease quickly. Long-term oral health problems could also lead to diseases throughout your pet's body including the liver, kidney and heart.
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What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At-home dental care doesn't have to be complicated. Brushing your pet's teeth regularly, and providing dental chew toys can help to control the buildup of plaque is sufficient for many dogs and cats. Speak to your veterinarian to learn more about caring for your pet's teeth between veterinary appointments especially if they are prone to dental health issues.
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Why does my dog or cat need anesthesia for their dental appointment?
Cats and dogs are unable to understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react by struggling or biting. Using anesthesia helps us put less stress on pets and allows us to examine their mouth safely.
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What pet dental issues may require dental surgery as treatment?
Dental health issues that may require dental surgery include cracked or broken teeth, tooth decay, severe gum disease (periodontitis), jaw fractures, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, luxation, or Feline stomatitis.