Veterinary Dental Services

If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know that oral issues can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable.  What’s more, infections in your mouth can quickly reach other areas of the body and cause damage to overall health.  Dental care is historically one of the most commonly neglected areas of pet care.  Not surprisingly, then, the American Veterinary Dental Society estimates that more than 70% of dogs and cats show signs of oral disease by the time they reach age 3.  Though dogs are at a slightly higher risk of dental disease than cats, the fact remains that proper dental care can add up to 5 years to the life of your pet.  

Your pet’s complete dental cleaning includes a thorough examination, digital x-rays and extractions if necessary.  Remember, diseased or broken teeth aren’t just a health risk for your animal, they’re also incredibly painful. 

Dog breeds at increased risk for dental disease include:

• Beagle
• Poodle (Standard or Toy)
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Pomeranian
• Shetland Sheepdog
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Pug
• Papillon
• Dachshund
• Havanese
• Boston Terriers

Cat breeds at increased risk for dental disease include:

• Persian
• Himalayan
• Siamese
• Abyssinians
• Oriental Breeds

Clinical or Behavioral Signs of Oral Disease include:

• Pawing at the mouth/Face rubbing
• Facial swelling
• Dropping food
• Bad breath
• Unusual aggression
• Sneezing or snorting following eating or drinking
• Lethargy, inactivity or depression
• Anorexia/Weight loss
• Jaw opening reflex (“chattering” of the lower jaw)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Excessive drooling
• Resenting touch or manipulation of the head
• Oral bleeding
• Poor grooming/Unkempt coat (cats)