Professional Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning in Rye, NH
Good oral hygiene is a no-brainer for us, but it should should also be a fixture in our pets’ daily routines. A majority of dogs and cats develop some form of dental disease by age 3, a condition that, over time, can greatly lower their quality of life and potentially result in heart, liver, or kidney disease. Luckily, dental disease is much less of a threat to pets who get their teeth brushed regularly and see their vet annually for a checkup. Here at Sagamore Animal Hospital, we recommend routine cat and dog teeth cleanings to fight dental disease and give pets happier, healthier lives. Consistent care and good daily habits are key to keeping your companion’s teeth and gums healthy.
Call us at (603) 431-8785 to schedule a pet teeth cleaning appointment today!
Need help starting your pet on a dental care routine? Call (603) 431-8785 to schedule an appointment.
The Importance of Annual Dental Checkups and Teeth Cleanings
Just as you need to see a dentist every 6 months for a checkup, pets also need to see their vet periodically for a physical exam. This includes checking the mouth for signs of plaque buildup and infection. Cat and dog teeth cleaning procedures are the best way to treat dental disease, because they clear away harmful bacteria and allow our team to clean areas of the mouth that can’t be reached while your companion is awake.
With regular teeth cleanings, your pet will be at a much lower risk for tooth decay, tooth loss, and other issues, and enjoy a much better quality of life.
Signs Your Pet’s Oral Health Needs Attention
If you haven’t wondered about your pet’s oral health, now is a good time to start! Dogs and cats don’t always show obvious signs of an oral health problem, but if you notice any of the issues mentioned below (and you might need to “flip the lip”), schedule an oral exam for your pet as soon as possible.
- Bad breath
- Difficulty eating (dropping food on the floor, chewing on one side)
- Drooling
- Gums are bright red and swollen
- There’s brown/yellow buildup on the teeth
Our Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning Services
We might recommend a teeth cleaning for your pet after we have a chance to check their mouth. All teeth cleanings are performed with our patients under general anesthesia. This allows us to safely, thoroughly remove plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gum line, and treat any existing infection. We also recommend pre-anesthetic blood work, so we can assess your pet’s liver and kidney function.
Once your pet is ready to have their teeth cleaned, we:
- Check each tooth for signs of damage and look for periodontal pockets for a more in-depth exam
- Clean the teeth using hand scaling and ultrasonic scaling tools, which help to blast away hardened material
- Polish the teeth to a smooth shine
- If necessary, we can also perform extractions on severely damaged and loosened teeth (with your consent)
To find out if your cat or dog is due for a teeth cleaning here in Rye, call (603) 431-8785!