DENTAL CARE
By the age of three, some 80 percent of all dogs show signs of dental disease, which can lead to the more serious problems of heart, lung, and kidney disease. Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated. No other procedure performed on small animals does more to help patients than periodic teeth cleaning and after care As plaque and tartar form on teeth and under gums, bacteria collect and multiply. This creates a state of poor dental hygiene that causes foul mouth odor and is cause for concern. Eventually gum disease will develop. More serious health problems, such as heart and kidney disease, may follow. Proper nutrition is central to sound oral health. Along with good nutrition, an annual dental prophylaxis (ultrasonic cleaning, polishing and fluoride treatment) included in your pet’s regular health care program will help maintain good oral hygiene and prevent complications.
PRE-DENTAL
We will normally discuss your pet’s dental health as required. It is always a good idea to perform preanesthetic blood testing (strongly recommended for geriatric patients) before a dental cleaning in order to assess the vitals organs of the body with regards to the anesthetic risk.
We provide complete dental scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatment. Sometimes dental extractions may be required to prevent further complications of dental disease. Extractions are required more commonly in older patients, but it is also related to the general oral health regardless of the age. Commonly an extraction will be accompanied by short-term pain management for the comfort of your pet and to avoid it going off-food.
POST-DENTAL
We will give you all the required post dental care instructions as well as let you know about the diet recommended. It is always advised to feed your pet some soft food for the 1-2 days after a dental cleaning, and then continue a dental tartar control diet. A short course with a safe antibiotic will typically be needed after most dental procedures and the medication will be dispensed at the time of “patient discharge” from the hospital. You are always welcome to contact us with questions at any time.
3690 Westwinds Drive NE # 319
Calgary, AB T3J 5H3
403-474-8436