Dental Care

Your loyal companion requires some of the same hygiene practices that humans follow. Dental health is one of the most neglected areas of feline and canine health, because it can be difficult to follow good hygiene practices if your pet isn’t cooperative. Nevertheless, good oral hygiene is important for your pet’s overall health. If your pet develops dental disease the bacteria can spread through the bloodstream and cause even more serious issues. At our hospital we offer various dental services and can help you give your pet the best oral health.

What are signs of poor dental health?

One of the reasons why poor dental health is so common among pets is because some of the signs are seen as normal. Think about your pet’s dental health as your own, their oral health is as important especially because they can't do it for themselves. Here are signs that your cat or dog has poor dental health:

1. Abnormal behaviours when chewing or biting
2. Blood on their chew toy
3. Brown or yellow buildup on their teeth
4. Depression
5. Excessive drooling
6. Pawing at the face
7. Red, swollen or bleeding gums
8. Reluctance to being touched on the face

These are signs that you should not ignore, if left untreated your pet will develop dental disease that can spread infection, cause tooth loss or decay, gum deterioration and severe pain. To have a veterinarian examine your pet’s dental health, please schedule an appointment at 250-765-2916.

How is dental disease diagnosed?

Dental X-ray is an essential tool used to diagnose oral cavity diseases. By utilizing dental X-ray images, your veterinarian is able to take a closer look at the entire dental condition of your pet. We use dental X-ray to see underneath the gum line, to take pictures of the roots, to take a closer look at the teeth and to diagnose and determine a treatment plan for your pet. Dental X-ray provides a further view of the bone and root structure of your pet’s oral cavity.

How can I maintain good oral hygiene for my pet?

Many products are available to support your cat or dog’s oral health, but one of the most essential steps is scheduling a professional dental cleaning at least once a year. While at-home dental care is important, tartar (hardened plaque) can only be removed through professional scaling and polishing. Here are some other tips to maintain good oral hygiene:

• Choose pet-safe toys that protect their teeth. Since pets chew on most toys, ensure they aren’t too hard to avoid cracking or damaging their teeth. 
• Brush their teeth regularly. Start early to help them adjust to the routine. Use a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste, and ask our team for a demonstration to ensure safe and effective cleaning. 
• Offer dental-friendly treats. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations on snacks designed to clean your pet’s teeth while they chew.