(716)634-1000
www.wheatfieldanimalhospital.com
Dental Care Pets need dental care too. They need regular, professional care from your veterinarian and daily home care from you to keep your pet healthy. Ignoring your pets dental needs can lead to periodontal disease, loss of teeth and other serious health issues, such as heart, liver and kidney failure. All pets are at risk for developing dental problems. Some signs of periodontal disease include bad breath, yellow/brown substance on teeth, bleeding gums, tooth loss, drooling, change of chewing or eating habits. The earliest sign is inflammation (redness or swelling) of the gums. Dental plaque and the pet's reaction to plaque bacteria are the primary causes of periodontal disease. Dental plaque causes infection, so periodontal disease is considered a bacterial infection. Dental plaque is the soft material that is on the surface of the teeth. It can be brushed off teeth, but when it hardens into tarter, it requires professional care to remove. This affects about 70% of cats and 80% of dogs by three years of age. A dental procedure is called a prophylaxis or a "prophy." The procedure consists of scaling (removing disease causing bacteria) and polishing of the teeth. It is performed under anesthesia by a licensed technician and veterinarian. This is recommended at least once a year. We also recommend having blood work performed prior to this procedure to make sure your pet's kidneys and liver are working well enough to metabolize the anesthesia.
Call 693-3141 for information, we are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Please contact us with all your pet care needs.
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