Dental Care

Dental Care

Imagine what it would feel like if you never brushed your teeth. That painful, sticky mess is the unfortunate reality for most dogs and cats because many pet owners simply don’t realize that their pets need dental care. At Sage Creek Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive pet dental care designed to maintain your pet’s oral health and overall health.
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Why Dental Care Is So Important for Pets

Neglecting your pet’s oral hygiene can lead to localized pain and tooth loss, but it can also harm a pet’s general health. When left unattended, plaque and tartar accumulate on the surface of the teeth, creating pockets between the gums and teeth where harmful bacteria thrive. This bacterial infection of the gums is called periodontal disease or gum disease, and it’s a serious problem for pets.

Left untreated, the bacteria from gum disease can eventually deteriorate the ligaments that hold teeth in place and even a pet’s jawbone, leading to weakness and future fractures. In the spirit of preventing health problems before they arise, it’s best to talk with our veterinarian about dental care for your pet before they develop any of these signs and symptoms. The bacteria from periodontal disease can even enter the bloodstream, travel throughout the body, harm vital organs, and eventually lead to death.

As is the case with most health problems, it’s better to prevent periodontal disease with regular, prophylactic dental care than to try to treat it once it has already developed.

Signs Your Pet Needs Dental Care

If your pet experiences any of the following, we recommend scheduling a dental appointment right away:
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Discoloured teeth
  • Loose, chipped, or broken teeth
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Appetite loss
  • Frequently dropping toys
  • Vocalization when eating or picking up toys
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What to Expect During a Pet Dental Appointment

Pet dental exams are similar to a person’s dental exam except that, for the safety of our patients and veterinarians, they take place with pets fully sedated under general anesthesia. During a dental appointment, we’ll scale and polish your pet’s teeth, perform a thorough examination, take a set of dental x-rays, and recommend additional treatments if any more advanced problems are diagnosed.

Comprehensive Pet Dental Care in Winnipeg

Sage Creek Animal Hospital provides pets with comprehensive dental care including anesthesia-assisted dental cleanings and examinations, dental x-rays, and further treatments like tooth extractions and antibiotics administration when needed. To learn more or to schedule an appointment for your dog or cat, we welcome you to contact our veterinary office today.
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