A Keystone of Health

Dental care for dogs and cats

“It’s about so much more than bad breath” But don’t worry — here at Heritage Veterinary Clinic, we’re here to help you take care of your pet’s total health… teeth included! Dental Disease Dental disease isn’t just something that affects your pet’s mouth. Dental disease, if untreated, can contribute to major organ diseases. Heart disease and kidney disease are two common consequences of poor dental pet care. This happens when your pet’s gums get inflamed and infected due to dental disease, bacteria can migrate into the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body.

Dental Disease Symptoms

Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions in pets — in fact, at least 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease by the time they’re 3 years old. As with many medical conditions — pets tend to hide their discomfort until the pain gets worse. When in doubt, an evaluation by your veterinarian can help determine if there’s a dental problem.

  • Chewing on one side of the mouth
  • Swollen or bleeding gums
  • Reluctance to eat hard food
  • A foul mouth odor
  • Facial swelling
  • Broken, chipped, or discolored teeth

Preventative Dental Care

Dental disease in cats and dogs is incredibly common and if left untreated, can lead to dangerous health conditions. While we include a dental health exam as part of your pet’s regular exam, good pet dental care should start at home. Prevention is always the best medicine, and these tips below can prevent a routine dental cleaning from becoming an oral surgery (where teeth need to be removed) for severe dental disease.

Toothpastes & Toothbrushes

Using an enzymatic toothpaste along with a pet friendly toothbrush or finger brush can help reduce bad breath and stop plaque buildup. We recommend that you brush your pet’s teeth daily if they allow. This is easiest when introduced at a young age.

Drinking Water Additives

Animals should always have access to free choice water. If there is concern with dental health, your veterinarian can guide you to our recommended dental water additives. These products help to maintain good oral health and freshen your pet’s breath.

Dental Chews

We love to treat our pets, but not all treats are the same. If dental health is a concern there are treats and chews created with enzymes that help loosen tartar and prevent plaque. These neat treats are great for after brushing or on days when brushing isn’t possible. Your pet won’t know it’s healthy!

Dental Support Pet Food

For some patients, it is recommended to feed specially formulated food designed to support your pet’s dental health can reduce plaque, stains, and tartar buildup. These foods are veterinary prescribed.

As your pet becomes an adult, dental exams & cleanings become a regular part of your pet’s annual checkups. Dental cleanings are done under anesthesia and are generally same day drop offs. You should plan to drop off your cat or dog in the morning and pick them up later in the afternoon. This flexibility enables us to fully clean your pets teeth, while allowing some flex time should major animal emergencies take place with other patients. We will monitor your pet as they wake up from the anesthesia and ensure your cat or dog has recovered properly.

Preparing For A Dental Cleaning

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Before Dental Cleaning

Because our dental cleanings are done under anesthesia, we recommend pre-anesthetic blood work. It will look at how your pet’s liver, kidneys and blood sugar are functioning, their levels, and whether or not it is safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia.

Unless your pet requires a more serious dental procedure than a cleaning, our dental cleanings are typically same day discharge. On the day of your pets procedure it is important that your pet has nothing to eat or drink after midnight on the day before.

For your pets comfort, we suggest bringing something that smells like home to leave with your pet – like a blanket or a shirt you slept in overnight.+

During Dental Cleaning

Our dental cleanings are done with ultrasonic scaling.Ultrasonic scaling is done with high frequency sound waves that are administered to the teeth, which knocks off plaque and tartar buildup.  After, our dental technicians use a rotational polisher to bring your cat or dogs teeth to a clean & shiny finish.

Typically, if a tooth requires surgical extraction, it is noticed during the initial dental exam. At this time, you have the option of approving additional measures if they are necessary. This helps reduce the risk of unnecessary anesthesia and additional procedures.

If your cat or dog has an issue during the dental cleaning, we will always do our best to contact the pet parent. If we find that your pet requires a tooth extraction during their dental cleaning, we will call you for approval to remove the tooth. +

Dental Discharge

Your pet will be discharged with instructions for their care. Depending on the amount of work done during the dental cleaning, your pet may go home on a limited diet and water intake for the night. Don’t worry – each patient is different and we will make sure you have all the instructions you need before you take your cat or dog home.

Make sure to follow your take home care instructions & call us at 607-547-8488 if you have any concerns.+

(607) 547-8488

To start, a veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s mouth, as well as their overall health. Then, if recommended, we’ll schedule their procedure for you. Get started by scheduling a dental evaluation by calling us at (607) 547-8488. We look forward to helping you keep your companion in good health — and, to helping you enjoy your time cuddling together, without any stinky breath!

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