services
all pets need routine dental care
Routine dental care is a critical part of your pet’s health care plan. Nearly all pets will suffer from dental disease without it. Proper at-home care and regular professional cleanings with Dundee Veterinary Clinic’s experienced medical team, you can prevent the pain and odor that comes with plaque and gum disease and treat any problems that arise.
Dental disease is a progressive, painful condition that can lead to dysfunction or the internal organs like the kidneys and the heart. While prevention is best, many dogs and cats require more involved treatment. The doctors at Dundee Veterinary Clinic are equipped and ready to act to help your pet get the relief they deserve.
Home tooth brushing
In our dogs and cats, brushing on a daily basis is important to prevent plaque from forming. Establish a routine of daily brushing your pet’s teeth with a soft toothbrush. To help develop good habits, do this before or after something you already do every day. Use a circular motion with the emphasis of the stroke away from the gum line.
To get your pet used to tooth brushing, use a beef or chicken flavored CET toothpaste. First coat the brush with the paste. Without restraint, allow the pet to lick the brush 3 – 5 times per day. Once the licking is established, try brushing the teeth, as the pet licks the brush. Gradually, as familiarity with the brush is established, you can start lightly restraining and initiate more vigorous brushing. Make the experience a positive one with rewards or praise.
What pets need by life stages
Stage 1: Early care and development
During your pet’s first visits, our doctors and professional staff monitor the growth and eruption of baby and permanent teeth. Common problems that can be identified in these early stages include over and underbites, teeth that do not fall out, and teeth that do not erupt. Left untreated, these conditions can result in significant damage and pain long term. Often, issues can be treated or evaluated during routine spay and neuter procedures. With early identification and treatment, we can help your pet develop more normally and give them every chance to live their best life.
Stage 2: Young Adulthood
During the first few years of life, a thorough oral evaluation with dental radiographs is needed. This identifies any problem areas and below-the-gumline abnormalities. Depending on the initial evaluation and subsequent exams, we may recommend yearly to every-other-year scaling and polishing of the teeth for most pets (we do this every 6 months for ourselves). Some pets develop tartar more rapidly and need more frequent care.
Stage 3: Maturity
Dental disease during the pets late adult and geriatric years can have a significant impact on their quality of life. At this stage, more frequent cleaning and evaluation may be recommended as teeth are wearing down and breaking from years of chewing. Senior pets often suffer in silence with dental pain and we can help them feel their best with proper care.