Over 80% of dogs and cats have some sort of dental disease by the age of three. It can range from mild gingivitis and gum swelling to severe periodontal disease that requires extractions. Preventative care is important and should start with puppies and kittens. Dental disease, if untreated can contribute to major organ diseases. Heart disease and kidney disease are two common consequences of poor dental pet care.
Keeping an eye on your pet’s dental health can prevent a lot of potential issues. Dental disease in cats and dogs is incredibly common and if left untreated, can lead to dangerous health conditions. While we recommend including dental care as part of your pet’s regular exam, good pet dental care should start at home.
Using an enzymatic toothpaste along with a pet friendly toothbrush or finger brush can help reduce bad breathe and stop plaque buildup.
Help maintain good oral health, prevent plaque, and freshen your pet’s breathe by adding a drinking water additive to your pet’s water bowl.
Tasty dental chews can loosen tartar and prevent plaque. Use after brushing or on days when brushing isn’t possible. Your pet won’t know its healthy!
Feeding your pet specially formulated food designed to support your pet’s dental health can reduce plaque, stains, and tartar buildup.
As your pet becomes an adult, dental exams & cleanings become a regular part of your pet’s annual checkups. Dental cleanings are done under anesthesia and are generally same day drop offs.
Our team of veterinarians and vet technicians strive to take the best care of your pet. From the initial dental exam, dental advice, and even dental surgeries, your pet will receive every attention possible. If you have any questions or concerns about your pets dental health be sure to give us a call at 607-965-8991.
Because our dental cleanings are done under anesthesia, we recommend pre-anesthetic blood work. It will look at how your pet’s liver, kidneys and blood sugar are functioning, their levels, and whether or not it is safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia.
Unless your pet requires a more serious dental procedure than a cleaning, our dental cleanings are typically same day discharge. On the day of your pets procedure it is important that your pet has nothing to eat or drink after midnight on the day before.
You should plan to drop off your cat or dog in the morning and pick them up later in the afternoon. This flexibility enables us to fully clean your pet’s teeth, while allowing some flex time should major animal emergencies take place with other patients. We will monitor your pet as they wake up from the anesthesia and ensure your cat or dog has recovered properly.
Your pet will be discharged with instructions for their care. Depending on the amount of work done during the dental cleaning, they may go home on a limited diet and water intake for the night. Don’t worry – each patient is different and we will make sure you have all the instructions you need before you take your cat or dog home.
Make sure to follow your take home care instructions & call us at 607-965-8991 if you have any concerns.
Our dental cleanings are done with ultrasonic scaling. Ultrasonic scaling is done with high frequency sound waves that are administered to the teeth, which knocks off plaque and tartar buildup. After, our dental technicians use a rotational polisher to bring your cat or dogs teeth to a clean & shiny finish.
If your cat or dog has an issue during the dental cleaning, we will always do our best to contact the pet parent. You have the option of approving additional measures if they are necessary. This helps reduce the risk of unnecessary anesthesia and additional procedures.
Typically, if a tooth requires surgical extraction, it is noticed during the initial dental exam. If we find that your pet requires a tooth extraction during their x-rays or dental cleaning, we will call you for approval to remove the tooth.
Depending on the amount of work necessary, your pets recovery and go home instructions will differ from a regular dental cleaning. Generally, if your pet requires a surgical tooth extraction, your pet will go home on a limited diet and water intake, along with instructions to allow your pet’s mouth to heal.