Preventive and restorative dog and cat dental care is a cornerstone of overall health for pets.
Our vets at Zeeland Veterinary Service offer dental services to keep your pet's teeth healthy.
Dog & Cat Dental Care
Routine pet dental care is a vital component of oral and overall health for both cats and dogs. However, most pets don't get the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
At our veterinary hospital in Zeeland, we provide complete pet dental care for your furry companion, from basics such as teeth cleanings, polishing and dental exams to dental x-rays and surgeries.
We are also passionate about educating pet owners regarding dental health and sharing information about home dental care for pets.
Pet Dental Surgery in Zeeland
Finding out that your pet needs dental surgery can feel daunting. We do everything in our power to make this process as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
Our vets and support staff bring years of experience in providing pet dental care services to our beloved clients and their pets. In that time, we've perfected the process at Zeeland Veterinary Service and learned how to make your experience easy and comfortable. We'll explain each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care needs.
We offer tooth extractions and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Similar to your yearly checkup with the dentist, your cat or dog should see us for a dental examination at least annually. Pets that are more susceptible to dental issues than others may need to come in more often.
The vets at Zeeland Veterinary Service can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Bad breath
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Tartar buildup
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
- Assessment
The vet will complete a thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment for your pet before the dental exam.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
Next, your dog or cat's teeth will be cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and X-Rays are taken.
If your veterinarian finds advanced periodontal disease, he or she will develop a treatment plan and review it with you.
- Prevention
Ideally, a follow-up examination will be booked 2 weeks following the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During this visit, we will explain how you can implement tooth brushing at home. We may also recommend products to help improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Dog & Cat Dental Care
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
As a consequence of poor oral health, periodontal disease can become an issue for our pets.
Similar to humans, plaque sticks to our pets' teeth when they eat and can build up into tartar if not regularly brushed away.
This may lead to tooth decay, infections in the mouth, loose or missing teeth or periodontal disease. This is why regular dental care for cats and dogs is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Are you aware that your pet's behavior may indicate they have oral health issues? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they may paw at their mouth or teeth, yawn or drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or stop grooming sufficiently.
Other symptoms of oral health issues include tooth discoloration, bad breath and swollen gums. Some pets may even suffer from pain that prevents them from eating a healthy diet. Find out more about symptoms under the heading Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Oral health issues can cause problems ranging from bad breath and cavities to severe periodontal disease. These problems can even lead to disease in the heart, kidney, liver and other areas throughout your pet's body.
Tumors or cysts may also develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you understand how it can impact your mood!).
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and well-being.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
When your veterinarian performs a regular oral exam, he or she will examine the mouth and check for oral health conditions or any symptoms that require treatment.
Tartar and other debris will be cleared from your dog or cat's teeth. If gingivitis, cavities or other conditions should be addressed, the vet will discuss these with you and offer advice on which actions you should take.
In some cases, a vet will need to perform surgery to treat serious oral health conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, you'll need to provide special care post-surgery and watch your pet closely.
If you notice any of the symptoms listed, book a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and provide dental chew toys to help eliminate plaque.
Do not let them chew on items that will damage their teeth, such as toys, bones or other objects that are too hard. Never hesitate to contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Since cats and dogs do not understand what is going on during dental procedures, they may often react to procedures by biting or struggling.
Similar to dentists who provide anesthesia to anxious or nervous patients, our vets in Zeeland provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This results in less stress being put on the animals and allows us to X-Ray their mouth as required.