February is National Pet Dental Health Month

We are offering a $25.00 discount on any dental cleaning scheduled for the month of February. 

Also, please consider having a free oral exam performed by one of our technicians at any time during the month of February at no charge! 

Dental Disease

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, by age three more than half of dogs and cats suffer from dental problems. By the time they turn four, at least 85% show signs of periodontal disease (gum disease), a condition caused by plaque.

Dental disease is painful for your pet and can cause a multitude of problems, including heart and liver infections. Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth at home goes a long way toward preventing disease and tooth loss, but it is not enough.

Like people, pets need professional dental exams and cleanings in order to avoid tooth decay. However, dogs and cats are significantly less willing to sit still for 45 minutes of scraping and polishing. Although we can perform a basic oral exam while your pet is awake, an anesthetic is required for thorough examinations and dental cleanings.

Dental cleanings that are done without an anesthetic will make your pet’s teeth prettier, but not healthier. Without anesthesia, it isn’t possible to clean the inside surfaces of the teeth or under the gums where periodontal disease develops.

Is Anesthesia Safe for My Pet?

Although there is always some risk when using an anesthetic, it is much safer than in the past and even for aging pets the risks are minimal.  We will run preanesthetic blood tests, and will tailor the anesthesia plan based on those results and other factors such as your pet’s age, weight, and overall health.