If you have questions about your pet's dental care, you are not alone. Many pet owners do not know where to begin when it comes to caring for their pet’s dental health. At Neighborhood Veterinary Center, we have provided residents of Hallandale Beach, FL, and Dania, FL with reliable pet dental care services for many years. Following are the answers to several questions our veterinarian frequently receives regarding pet dental care.
Why is My Pet's Dental Health Important?
If your pet has dental problems, they can develop into conditions that are much more severe. They can suffer from malnutrition, pain, and even organ damage or failure. Bacteria from the teeth and gums can travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body including the lungs and heart.
What Pet Dental Care Should You Provide at Home?
If your pet allows it, you should brush its teeth daily just as you would your own. Not every pet will allow this, especially if they are not young when you adopt them. Ideally, you will train your puppy or kitten to enjoy the experience.
What Causes Pet Dental Disease?
Much like in humans, plaque and tartar are the main culprits. Once tartar gets below the gums it, causes irritation. Damage to the teeth can also lead to dental disease. Keep an eye out for broken or damaged teeth.
What are the Most Common Symptoms of Pet Dental Disease?
Most people notice that their pets have dental disease when the pet develops bad breath. While dental issues aren't the only reason that pets have bad breath, they are a primary cause. Other symptoms include red or bleeding gums and tooth loss. When gums get bad, pet teeth may fall out.
What Does Pet Dental Care Involve?
Your veterinarian will manually clean your pet's teeth. They will also remove any loose or damaged teeth. The process is similar to a human dental cleaning.
How Often Should My Pets Have Their Teeth Cleaned?
The answer isn't the same for every pet. It can be anywhere between six months and two years. It really depends on the age of your pet, the breed, and its lifestyle. Size is an important factor as well. Smaller dogs have issues earlier and dogs with misaligned teeth have more issues.
Why Does My Pet Need Anesthesia to Have Dental Work?
Anesthesia keeps both your pet and the veterinarian safe. It allows the vet to look deep below the gums without getting bitten and prevent your pet from feeling anxious.
Veterinary Care in Hallandale Beach, FL, and Dania, FL
If you are looking for pet care services in Hallandale Beach and Dania, FL, contact Neighborhood Veterinary Center today. Call us at (954) 505-3757 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.
