Pro-Active Pet Dental Care

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

February is National Pet Dental Month.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3.  With the percentage of oral disease so high, we all probably have a pet in need dental care in our own home.  And unlike people, pets cannot tell us if they are feeling pain from gum disease, or a built up of bacteria/tarter on their teeth.  Signs, like bad breath, usually mean your dog or cat should have already had dental treatment.  The first step in creating a dental plan for your pet is having a dental exam by your veterinarian.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Having your veterinarian perform a professional dental cleaning is an important part of your pet’s overall health. The best time to do this is before the bacteria have caused damage under the gum line and damaged the tooth roots. Some pets need a dental cleaning at a young age while others it is longer. Your veterinarian can help guide you on when it is time to start. During a dental cleaning your pet is anesthetized. Just like a human dentist, the veterinarian evaluates and probes all the teeth and takes x-rays. The teeth are then cleaned, scaled and polished. Other treatments may include permanent sealants for chipped teeth, antibiotic treatments and removal of damaged teeth.

Making Anesthesia Safe

Safety with anesthesia is a priority. At ZimmVet we do pre-anesthetic blood screens to make sure your pet’s organs are healthy. We have certified veterinary technicians that monitor the pet during the entire procedure. We have machines that help monitor many vital signs including heart rate, ECG, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation and others. For pets that have medical conditions such as heart disease, we have additional safety measures such as having an ECG evaluated by a cardiologist the morning of surgery.

Eating Post Surgery

The most common question we get after a pet has dental extractions is how they will eat. Post-surgery, we have pets eat softer food for two weeks to allow the gums to heal. After this time, most pets go back to their normal eating habits. Even pets that have very few teeth left often eat hard food well. Some pets will need to go to a canned or softer food. Many owners will notice their pets eating better since their mouth is no longer painful.

Investing in Your Pet’s Dental Health

Professional dental care for your pet is an investment in your pet’s health. The cost of a pet dental is slightly more than when a person goes to the dentist for a basic cleaning because pets need anesthesia. At ZimmVet we have the Oral Health for Life program to help save money and keep your pet’s mouth healthy. With this program you get 25% off when your pet has a professional dental cleaning before 3 years of age and if they have a dental within 18 months of their last dental cleaning. We also accept Care Credit, which is a no interest credit card.  To get a better idea on what to expect for costs, you can schedule a free appointment with a certified technician at ZimmVet.

Every Day is Pet Dental Month

In between dental cleanings, daily home dental care will help to maintain your pet’s teeth. Options for this are dental chews, water additives or gels and brushing. At ZimmVet, we carry three different kinds of medicated dental chews that provide more benefit than an over the counter rough texture chew. You need to find what works best for your pet and schedule.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.