Are you doing all you can to protect your loved one’s oral health?
You would never go months, weeks, or even days without brushing your own teeth. Doesn’t your pet deserve the same courtesy? Dental hygiene is just as important for companion animals as it is for humans. Without it, the mouth can become a haven for plaque and bacteria, which can lead to dental disease and a host of other medical problems. So how can you help your loved one beat the odds? Simple. By making a commitment to lifelong dental care.
At North Star Animal Hospital, we’d be honored to support you in this important endeavor. We offer a full array of routine and advanced dentistry services, along with guidance for at-home care.
Dietary Counseling
The food you give your pet can mean the difference between merely surviving and truly thriving. We want to help achieve the latter! We’ll start by conducting a thorough physical exam to determine if your pet has any special needs. We’ll also take into consideration his or her breed, age, weight, and lifestyle. All of this information will help us develop your pet’s unique nutritional profile. From there we can provide a professional recommendation on what food would be the best fit.
Routine Care
Good dental health begins with a plan for ongoing, preventative care. This includes bringing your pet in at least once a year to have his or her teeth and gums examined. It also includes regular professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar and protect against future buildup. Our hospital features modern equipment and our team is highly experienced. Rest assured that your pet’s dental health will be in excellent hands.
Advanced Dental Services
Beyond regular cleanings and exams, we also need to address any existing oral health problems your pet may have. This is more common than you may think, with the majority of pets over the age of 3 showing some signs of dental disease. The good news is, by coming in for regular checkups, we can catch these problems early. Our advanced dentistry includes everything from treating abscesses to extracting teeth to oral surgery.
The signs of a potential dental problem in a pet can include:
- Bad breath
- Drooling more than usual
- Pawing at the mouth
- Dropping food
- Sudden disinterest in chew toys
- Pain when touched near the mouth
- Broken or missing teeth
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- These signs warrant a professional dental evaluation.
Home Care
Lastly, although equally as important, is the role you play in the care of your pet’s oral health. Annual cleanings aren’t always enough to keep dangerous buildup away. Brushing your pet’s teeth at least 3 times a week helps him or her maintain a clean, healthy mouth year-round. If you need assistance, just ask! We’d be happy to provide a demonstration of proper brushing techniques and offer additional advice to make the process easier for you.
Give us a call at North Star Animal Hospital and let’s get that smile as clean and healthy as it should be!