Dental disease can be painful for your pet and make it difficult for them to eat. It is one of the most common major health concerns seen in our cats and dogs and can affect internal organs, including the heart, kidneys, and liver. Dental health is directly correlated to your pet’s overall wellness, so taking good care of your pet’s dental health can help them live a long and happy life.
Our Ocala veterinarians will talk with you about a wide variety of preventive and therapeutic options and will create a plan to ensure optimal oral health for your pet throughout his lifetime. Good pet dental hygiene can reduce and prevent tooth loss, gingivitis, and periodontitis
Oral Health in Dogs and Cats
Your pet’s teeth should be checked at least once a year by one of our vets for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.
If your pet exhibits any of the following signs, take bring them in for an evaluation here at Stone Ridge:
- bad breath
- broken or loose teeth
- extra teeth
- teeth are discolored
- abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- refusal to eat
- bleeding from the mouth
- swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth
Some pets become irritable when they have dental problems because they can’t communicate their pain to you. If your pet exhibits any odd behavior, bring them to our clinic for a check-up.
Be cautious when evaluating your pet’s mouth because they may bite you if they are experiencing pain.
At Stone Ridge, we offer thorough oral exams during your pet’s preventive care visits. If your pet requires any dental care, an appropriate plan will be provided to you. Often, dental services are required and are performed under general anesthesia which includes:
- A complete oral exam with dental charting (evaluation of teeth mobility, fractures, malocclusion, and periodontal disease)
- Ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and under the gum line
- High-speed polishing with a fluoride paste
- Fluoride treatment to protect against decay
- Oral surgery (tooth extraction)
- Dental Radiography
We also offer the trimming of overgrown teeth for small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, and others).
Our vets in Ocala will speak with you in detail about how to properly care for your pet’s dental health at home. There are certain steps you can take to make sure that they have a healthy and happy smile, including brushing their teeth every day with an animal-specific toothbrush that has soft bristles and providing them with chew toys that will help prevent the buildup of plaque. Also, be sure to feed them a proper diet and visit our clinic regularly to ensure that they are receiving a professional dental cleaning.
Call today to ask us how you can save on your pet’s dental procedure! You can reach your Ocala veterinarians at (352) 351-3588 to schedule the best appointment that fits your schedule. We look forward to providing your pet with exceptional dental care!