Cat and Dog Dental Care in Denver - Why it Matters
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Dental issues, including plaque buildup, tartar, and gum disease, pose significant risks to pets, manifesting as bad breath, discomfort, and tooth loss. However, their impact extends beyond oral health, potentially affecting overall well-being. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, harming organs and causing severe health issues.
Additionally, dental problems can influence behavior, leading to irritability or reduced activity levels and affecting emotional well-being. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and maintain your pet's quality of life.
Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats
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Since our pets can't verbally express dental discomfort, it's essential for us, as responsible pet owners, to stay vigilant for signs of dental problems. Some common indicators include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Weight loss or appetite loss
- Discomfort or avoidance when you try to touch their mouth
- Loose teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Difficulty eating
- Excessive drooling or inability to hold food in the mouth
- Pawing at the mouth
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Changes in chewing habits, like favoring one side of the mouth
- Sudden preference for soft food over hard kibble
- Bleeding from the mouth
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental examination with us as soon as possible. Regular oral check-ups are vital for early detection of these signs and for maintaining your pet's oral health.
Cat and Dog Dental Cleaning in Denver
A pet dental cleaning is a comprehensive procedure involving a thorough examination and cleaning of your pet's teeth and gums. To ensure your pet's safety and comfort, this procedure is conducted under general anesthesia. Here's what to expect during the process:
- Pre-anesthetic Bloodwork: Before administering anesthesia, we conduct bloodwork to assess your pet's overall health. This step is crucial as underlying health conditions may affect anesthesia safety.
- Anesthesia: Once approved for anesthesia, your pet receives a sedative for relaxation. An intravenous catheter is then inserted, followed by anesthesia administration to induce unconsciousness.
- Examination and Cleaning: With your pet under anesthesia, we carefully examine their mouth, teeth, and gums. We remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line using specialized tools. Additionally, we polish the teeth to minimize plaque buildup.
- Extractions: Damaged or infected teeth may require extraction to prevent further pain and infection. Depending on the condition, we may also perform procedures like cavity sealing or fluoride application to strengthen the teeth.
- Recovery: After dental cleaning, your pet is closely monitored during the recovery period. Once fully awake and alert, they are discharged to return home with you.
The Role of Anesthesia in Cat and Dog Dental Cleanings
While some pet owners may have reservations about anesthesia for their pet's dental cleaning, it is vital for ensuring a thorough and safe procedure. Here's why anesthesia is crucial:
- Safety and Comfort: Anesthesia ensures your pet remains unconscious throughout the procedure, eliminating any pain or discomfort. This allows us to perform a comprehensive cleaning without causing stress or anxiety.
- Proper Examination and Cleaning: Pets cannot stay still and cooperative during a dental cleaning without anesthesia, making it challenging to conduct a thorough examination and cleaning. Anesthesia enables us to properly assess and clean your pet's teeth and gums without interference or risk of injury.
Modern anesthesia is highly safe, with minimal risk of complications when administered by our qualified Denver veterinarians. The benefits of maintaining a clean and healthy mouth far outweigh the potential risks associated with anesthesia. If you have any concerns about anesthesia for your pet, please discuss them with our veterinarians so we can address them and determine the most suitable approach for your pet's health needs.
The Role of Pet Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays, also known as dental radiographs, are an imaging tool that allows our veterinarians to visualize the internal structures of your pet's mouth, including the jaw, tooth roots, and oral cavity bones. These images are vital for conducting a thorough dental examination and are essential for identifying issues not visible to the naked eye.
When Are Pet Dental X-Rays Necessary?
Our veterinarians may recommend dental X-rays for your pet during routine dental checkups or when symptoms of dental problems such as bad breath, eating difficulties, or visible tartar accumulation are present. Additionally, they are crucial before dental procedures such as tooth extractions or when there's suspicion of underlying conditions that could affect your pet's oral and overall health.
How to Keep Your Cat and Dog’s Teeth Clean at Home
While professional cleaning is essential, much of your pet's dental care can and should happen at home. Here are some tips to help you maintain your cat and dog's oral health between veterinary visits:
- Daily Brushing: Brush your pet's teeth daily with a toothbrush designed for pets and pet-safe toothpaste. Human toothpaste can be harmful to them.
- Dental Treats and Toys: Use dental treats and toys approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) to reduce plaque and massage your pet's gums.
- Dental Diets: Consider feeding your pet foods formulated to support dental health, which clean teeth as your pet chews. Consult our veterinarians for the best diet for your pet's dental needs.
- Regular Home Inspections: Check your pet's mouth regularly for signs of dental disease like red or swollen gums, bad breath, or loose teeth. Early detection allows for more effective treatment.
- Water Additives and Oral Rinses: Supplement brushing with water additives and oral rinses for pets to reduce plaque and freshen breath.
Find a Denver, CO Veterinary Dentist Near You
Finding a cat or dog dentist near North Denver, Downtown, Whittier, River North, Five Points, and surrounding areas is easy with our online direct booking feature. Both new and existing clients seeking care from a pet dentist may schedule a consultation appointment at our Denver veterinary clinic.
