Pet Dental

Did you know that pet dental health issues and periodontal disease is a growing epidemic?  Can you imagine a world where humans went a few weeks, months, or even years without a trip to the dental office or brushing their teeth? Over 70 percent of cats and 80 percent of dogs have dental disease by age 3.  Are you one of the many pet owners who don’t realize that a lack of dental hygiene for pets leads to bad breath, painful oral infections, problems eating, and tooth loss?  Studies have confirmed the link between systemic diseases that affect the kidney, heart, and liver and oral diseases.   

Home Dental Health Routine

Home care for your pets’ dental health is an important first step.  Knowing what a pet’s healthy mouth looks like will help you notice the early signs of oral diseases in your pet. Examining your pets’ mouth starting at an early age will teach pets to be comfortable with their mouths being handled.  Starting home oral care for pets early will lead to a life time of good habits. 

Brushing your pets’ teeth is just as important as brushing your own. Pet specific toothpaste, soft-bristled brushes, and treats made specifically to combat the accumulation of plaque and tartar on your pets’ teeth are all available.

Pet Dental Visits with an Austin Veterinarian

As part of every wellness visit, it is important that your pet receive an oral exam to assess the health status of his or her mouth.  Just like with humans, regular dental cleanings once a year are key to keeping your pet pain free and healthy.  Dental x-rays should be done occasionally to detect dental disease that isn’t visible to the eye.  If the dental disease is advanced, anesthetic dental cleanings will be necessary.  Pathology below the gum line will be revealed through full mouth x-rays, which is done under anesthesia.

Dessau Veterinary Clinic is committed to serving Pflugerville, North Austin and surrounding communities and will always provide the most compassionate care possible. We have an open animal hospital that allows pet owners to be there for their pets during exams to provide extra comfort, have trained veterinary dentists, and a passionate veterinarian team who can handle emergencies, wellness exams, routine dental work and everything in between.   Call us today at (512) 339-3177 to schedule an appointment and check up on your pet’s dental health.