Caring for the Oral Health of Lethbridge Dogs & Cats
Routine dental care can help to preserve your pet's oral health, yet preventive dental care is often neglected. Lack of attention to your dog or cat's oral health can result in painful dental issues and periodontal disease.
At our Lethbridge veterinary hospital, we offer a comprehensive range of dental care services for our four-legged patients. Our services include routine care, such as dental exams, teeth cleanings, and polishing, as well as dental X-rays and surgeries including as jaw fracture repair, tooth extraction, and gum disease treatment.
We also provide dental health guidance to pet owners, giving them the vital information they need to care for their companion's teeth between appointments.
Teeth Cleaning & Examinations
Annual dental exams allow us to detect the earliest signs of oral health problems and provide prompt treatment to help prevent your companion from experiencing chronic pain or discomfort.
Regular dental cleaning for our furry friends works just like our own cleanings. The veterinarian can clean away built-up plaque and tartar to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Dog and cat dental appointments typically involve the following:
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Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
Dental procedures for dogs and cats are carried out under anesthesia, minimizing stress for your pet and enabling us to safely and efficiently provide all the necessary dental care your companion requires.
Before any dental procedure is performed, your pet will be required to undergo a thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment.
We will do blood tests and urine analyses to determine whether your pet faces any increased risks associated with anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
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Administering Anesthesia
Anesthesia is necessary for all patients undergoing dental procedures. This allows us to do a thorough examination and cleaning. We will also be able to capture any required X-rays safely and efficiently without placing undue stress on the pet.
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Oral Examination & Cleaning
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete, tooth-by-tooth, oral examination and charting. Their teeth will be cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and X-rays may be taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth, as well as dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel.
If we find that your pet is suffering from a dental health problem, your veterinarian will discuss it with you and develop a custom treatment plan.
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Follow-up Exam & Home Care
A follow-up examination with your veterinarian may, in some cases, be scheduled for approximately two weeks after the initial appointment.
During this visit, we will discuss any concerns and provide advice on at-home care for your pet's teeth.
Dental Surgery for Dogs & Cats
Although we strongly believe that prevention is better than a cure, we recognize that preventive efforts are not always 100% successful. When required, our Lethbridge veterinarians perform dental surgery to help restore good oral health to our patients.
Our team understands that it can be overwhelming to learn that your pet requires dental surgery. We will do all we can to make this process as stress-free as possible, for you and your cherished pet.
Your dog or cat will be provided with anesthesia before their dental surgery to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain.
We will take the time to explain each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
Signs of Pet Dental Health Issues
If your pet is showing any of the following symptoms, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Dropping food from the mouth
- Abnormal chewing
- Discoloured teeth
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
If you'd like to learn more about dog and cat dental care at Chinook Pet Clinic, read through our answers to these frequently asked questions from our clients.
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Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Dogs and cats can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral hygiene. When your dog or cat eats, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not cleaned away regularly.
Annual veterinary dental care can help to prevent conditions such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth.
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How often does my pet need their teeth cleaned?
We recommend that most dogs and cats see a veterinarian annually for a dental checkup and cleaning. Pets that face a higher risk of dental problems may require more frequent appointments.
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How can I tell if my pet has oral health issues?
If your furry family member is experiencing a dental problem you, may notice one or more of the following symptoms: excessive drooling (may contain pus or blood), pawing at their mouth or teeth, repeated yawning, teeth grinding, reduced grooming, or dropping food from their mouth while eating.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even stop eating.
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What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
As well as causing problems such as cavities, bad breath and periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions may lead to disease in other parts of the body, including the liver, kidney and heart.
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What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
Taking the time to brush your pet's teeth regularly, combined with providing dental chew toys, can help to control the buildup of plaque. Speak to your veterinarian to learn more about caring for your companion's teeth between veterinary appointments.
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Why does my pet require anesthesia for their dental appointment?
Cats and dogs simply can't understand what is happening during dental procedures, and will often react by struggling or biting. Using anesthesia puts less stress on your cherished companion and allows us to examine their mouth and perform treatments safely and efficiently.
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What issues may require dental surgery as treatment?
Dental surgery may be required for your pet if they are experiencing any of the following: cracked or broken teeth, tooth decay, severe gum disease (periodontitis), jaw fractures, TMJ (temporomandibular joint), luxation, or dysplasia feline stomatitis.