It is estimated that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop gum disease by the age of three. Periodontal disease is the most common dental problem for most species. It is caused by bacteria found in plaque and tartar that has accumulated on your pet’s teeth overtime. The signs that occur with this are: bad breath, red, inflamed gums, bleeding gums, loosening and loss of teeth. Just as in humans, poor dental hygiene can result in many different diseases and cancers. Dr. Winter will perform an oral exam annually when your pet comes in for their vaccinations. If needed, he will recommend a thorough dental cleaning. This procedure involves an overnight stay at the clinic, and putting the animal under anesthesia. While anesthetized, we use an ultra sonic scaler, which allows us to clean the teeth effectively. After a thorough cleaning, we polish your pet’s teeth and apply an oral hygiene rinse.

To maintain optimal dental health, CVS offers many different products to aid in home dental care. Brushing your pet’s teeth twice weekly, using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for dogs and cats, is a great way to prevent health problems for your best friend in the future.

Signs indicating your pet may have dental problems include, but are not limited to:
• Bad breath
• Red gums
• Tarter
• Broken or missing teeth
• Drooling
• Reluctance to eat

Not only do these signs indicate an oral infection, but it may result in spreading to the heart, kidneys, intestines, and joints. If this occurs, your pet may become very ill.

Dental problems can be prevented if your pet’s teeth are brushed twice weekly. In doing the proper prevention mentioned, the overall health, quality, and longevity of life can be greatly increased in your best friend.