Did you know that 87% of dogs and 70% of cats will have
periodontal disease by the age of 3??
Check out the warning signs of dental disease below. Does your pet have any?
- Bad breath
- Plaque or tartar build-up
- Red/Inflamed gums
- Fractured/Loose teeth
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at face
- Difficulty chewing
- Loss of interest in chew toys and/or treats
What can you do??
- Daily tooth brushing with a pet-safe, enzymatic toothpaste
- Giving your pets treats made specifically to aid in dental health
- Regular dental cleanings with your veterinarian
The first step to ensuring your pet has healthy teeth is to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. During the month of February, VCMC is offering FREE dental evaluations to our current patients*! At this evaluation, your veterinarian will look at your pet's teeth and gums to determine where your pet falls on the dental disease grading scale.
*A wellness examination may be required if one has not been performed on your pet at VCMC
in the last 12 months.
When does my pet need a dental cleaning?
The earlier the better! We take a proactive approach to dental care, especially in our smaller breed dogs under 25 pounds. We recommend dental cleanings starting at 2 years old in these smaller breeds, whether periodontal disease is evident or not since these guys are significantly more prone to developing advance dental disease and ultimately requiring extractions. Early intervention helps preserve tooth structure and prevent painful, costly procedures down the road. In contrast, for larger breed dogs, periodontal disease tends to progress more slowly, so we can often monitor them longer and may wait until they show signs consistent with Grade 2 periodontal disease before recommending a professional dental cleaning, provided that they are otherwise stable and comfortable.
Why is general anesthesia used for dental cleanings?
We would love it if our patients would sit nicely with their mouths open to allow us to perform the cleaning. But unfortunately, that is not the case! For the safety of your pet, all of our dental procedures are performed under anesthesia. Rest assured that your pet is continuously monitored by the veterinarian, a veterinary technician, and a veterinary assistant while under anesthesia at VCMC.
Call us today at 973-887-0522 to schedule your FREE dental examination* or click below to schedule online!
*A wellness examination may be required if one has not been performed on your pet at VCMC in the last 12 months.
