Dental Care

Did you know that oral health and hygiene have a significant impact on your pet’s overall health? It’s important to learn about good dental care at home and to bring your pet in for their annual checkups and preventative dental care.

My pet needs scaling but I've also been told they should get oral X-rays. Do they really need them? What are they for?

If your pet needs scaling, we take oral X-rays beforehand. This detects any abnormalities that can be treated at the same time as the scaling, since your pet will already be under general anesthesia. Keep in mind that some conditions are invisible to the naked eye and can’t be detected with a simple visual exam. The same goes for teeth that may need to be removed.

What are the signs that my pet might need dental care?

Here are things to watch out for at home. If you have any concerns, be sure to have them checked out:

• Persistent bad breath
• Chewing differently 
• Trouble eating
• Heavy drooling
• Red or bleeding gums
• Tooth loss or loose teeth
• Signs of pain around their mouth

I find it hard to brush my pet's teeth. Do I really need to?

To prevent plaque and tartar build-up, we recommend that you use an appropriate product to brush your pet’s teeth at least once a day. Tartar causes gingivitis and, if left untreated, can lead to other dental problems that are more difficult and expensive to treat. During your visit, we’ll share some tips with you to make cleaning fun and effective for everyone.