Dog Dental Care

Dental cleaning is essential for your dog’s health. It is estimated that 70% of mature dogs have dental tartar build-up, which can lead to dental diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Untreated diseases of the oral cavity are painful and can contribute to systemic diseases such as heart disease.

What types of canine dental care services are offered at your hospital?

Our veterinarians will examine your dog’s teeth yearly and make recommendations for any necessary dental cleanings and/or extractions. When we perform a dental procedure on your dog, they are placed under general anesthesia so we can then thoroughly examine the mouth, gums and teeth. Dental x-rays are taken at this time as it allows a clear image of the teeth without movement from the dog. It also lets the veterinarian examine areas of concern to assess the underlying tooth roots. The vet can then extract teeth if necessary.

A dental cleaning consists of scaling the tartar from the teeth, polishing the teeth and applying a fluoride treatment. Extractions are done at this time if any are needed. We can also refer to a specialist for such things as root canal therapy.

How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?

The very best way to control tartar build-up, gingivitis and bad breath is by brushing your dog’s teeth daily. By establishing this habit early on or while they are still a puppy, it will make brushing their teeth much easier in the long run.

It is necessary to use a veterinarian-approved toothpaste and toothbrush as the fluoride in human toothpaste can make your dog sick.