Your pet’s dental health has a profound impact on their overall health and quality of life. Veterinary dental care is an important way pet owners can help keep their pets healthy.

Veterinary dental care starts young, at the first puppy or kitten visit. This is when we educate owners about the importance of dental health and demonstrate techniques for home dental care. As your pet becomes a little older, we will discuss the option of feeding a dental cleaning diet. Most of our pet owners like the idea of using a food that keeps their pet’s teeth clean and delays the need for a professional dental cleaning, while continuing to get the proper balance of nutrients.

As a pet ages, we are often faced with dental disease that requires veterinary attention.

At each examination visit, we will assess your pet’s dental health and discuss any recommendations we have about your pet’s teeth. We often see pets with tartar building up on their teeth. The problem with tartar is the gum irritation it causes. With time, irritated gums shrink away from the tartar exposing the root of the tooth and creating pockets of irritation around the tooth.

Exposed roots are irritating for an animal and create discomfort when the animal eats or chews. Often our pets do not show obvious signs of discomfort or pain, sometimes it is as small as eating a few kibbles less each day or eating slower than they used to. Inflamed gums are a source of pus and bacteria which can form abscesses in the area and also send bacteria into the bloodstream where is can go on to cause infections in organs such as the kidneys, heart, vertebral discs or joints.

At South Windsor Animal Hospital, we are trained and equipped to manage your pets dental issues that may arise. This may be as simple as having a day procedure dental cleaning. It might also involve having dental x-rays taken and having sore, infected teeth removed.

Whatever the issue may be, dental care is an extremely important component of you pet’s health. We can help make sure this area is approached in the best way possible for you and your furry companion.