When we think of our pet’s health, their dental health is something that we may not consider often. However, it is an important part of your pet’s overall health. This time of year, there is generally a focus on dental health awareness – in fact, February is National Dental Health month! Most of our pets will have some variable amount of dental tartar and gingivitis at any given time. Generally, the older and/or smaller the animal is, the more frequently they will have dental concerns.
There are several things you can do to reduce dental disease and improve your pets oral health. Tooth brushing, dental diets/chew treats, and water additives will all help reduce plaque and bacteria. The Veterinary Oral Health Council evaluates these for effectiveness, and has a list of appropriate products on their website. These products, however, do have their limitations. Their use is more of a preventative, much like us brushing our own teeth, and will not make much of a difference with an already established disease.
If your pet currently has established disease, the best approach is to discuss a dental procedure to clean and evaluate your pets teeth. If your pet has significant dental disease, they may require extractions of the affected teeth in order to eliminate pain and infection. We will help you through this decision process as part of a dental procedure. After your pets teeth are clean (and any concerns addressed) you can start preventative products to help reduce tartar build up and provide a healthier mouth moving forward.
Feel free to ask us questions about your furry friend’s teeth on your next visit – we’re happy to assist in ensuring your companion has a long and healthy lifetime with you!
Dr. Luke Haver
We offer both preventative care services (much like your visits to the dentist), along with dental x-rays and tooth extractions. Good oral hygiene is the best thing that you can do to ensure a longer life, with less health concerns, for your pet. Call us to schedule a dental exam or service.
xLaboratory services are a vital part of the diagnostic process when it comes to veterinarian care. This is because in many cases it is not possible to be able to give a firm diagnosis without undertaking additional tests to confirm the root of the problem. If you have any questions or concerns your vet will be happy to speak to you.
xThis is the most effective way to assist in having your companion returned if they go missing. The microchip (about the size of a grain of rice) is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades. When scanned, it provides information that assists in reuniting you with your furry friend!
xCongratulations on the newest member of your household - we can’t wait to meet them! Call us today to schedule an initial visit – our team will conduct a thorough physical exam, in addition to discussing nutrition, training, and medical care. We’ll be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have, as well
xLaser therapy is a holistic, non-invasive treatment that reduces inflammation, decreases pain, and accelerates healing for a variety of conditions. It is useful as a post-surgical treatment, for acute conditions such as sprains, strains, and wounds, and chronic conditions such as degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis.
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