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Pet Dental Care

Ensure your pet’s well-being with Animal Kindness Veterinary Hospital‘s comprehensive dental care. From preventive measures to professional procedures, we prioritize oral health for a longer, happier life.

Understanding the Hidden Dangers of Periodontal Disease in Companion Animals

One of the most common but also frequently overlooked health problems for companion animals is dental disease. By age 3, most pets have some degree of periodontal disease. This occurs due to bacterial infection along the gum line due to plaque formation. Plaque is a sticky substance containing millions of bacteria that form along the tooth surface and gum line. Without frequent removal, plaque eventually hardens into tartar. Left untreated, this leads to the gradual destruction of the gum tissue and supportive structures around the teeth, which can result in tooth loss. Not only is periodontal disease harmful and painful because it results in loss of teeth, but it can also cause damage to important vital organs such as the:

  • Heart
  • Liver
  • Lungs
  • Kidneys

When it comes to dental disease, most pet owners don’t realize the extent of the problem until it is quite advanced; hence, the importance of yearly to twice yearly physical examinations, including a thorough oral health care assessment. In the early stages of dental disease, your veterinarian can recommend home dental health care measures such as tooth brushing, dental treats and rinses, and dental diets. When professional dental care is needed for your pet, general anesthesia is necessary. Your veterinarian will discuss a plan with you when dental care is needed. Most often, this will involve a day at the veterinary hospital to plan and perform the procedures, which may include doing the following:

  • Pre-Operative Lab Work
  • IV Catheterization
  • General Anesthesia
  • Dental X-Rays
  • Teeth Cleaning and Polishing
  • Dental Charting
  • Extractions when indicated

Upon discharge, the veterinary team will review any instructions pertaining to post-dental medications, special feeding instructions, and when to resume home dental care. Your pet will thank you for remembering to take care of their mouth and live a longer and happier life as a result.

Pet Dental in Las Vegas, NV

Like most people, you think of your pet as one of the family, so naturally, you’re interested in maintaining their good health and well-being, and one of the essential elements in doing that is practicing good pet dental care. Periodontal disease is one of the most common health issues in cats and dogs; in fact, most will show some symptoms of this condition by the time they are three years of age. Early detection, along with effective treatment, is essential to keeping more serious dental problems from developing and preventing missing, broken, and painful teeth and gums that can cause poor eating habits and discomfort. In addition, untreated periodontal disease can eventually lead to damage and disease in other organs, including the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. That’s why it’s so important to have your veterinarian perform a complete dental checkup and cleaning on your pet at least once a year, just like you do for all your family members and yourself. At the Animal Kindness Veterinary Hospital of Las Vegas, NV, we strive to provide comprehensive and effective pet dental care at the most affordable cost.

a dog with its tongue out

Good Oral Health Starts At Home

As a pet owner, you can do several things at home to keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy. Get into the habit of inspecting your pet’s teeth regularly, looking for excessive tartar buildup, loose, broken, discolored, or missing teeth, exceptionally foul breath, and swelling or bleeding in the gums and jaw. Watch for abnormal chewing and refusal to eat. Brush their teeth regularly just like you do your own. It may take some patience to get them used to it, days or even weeks, but eventually, they’ll become accustomed to it. Pet chews and treats are available that can help prevent tartar and plaque buildup, and there are also special dental diets that contribute to good dental health. Ask your vet for advice and recommendations on steps that you can take.

The Animal Kindness Veterinary Hospital is well-equipped to give your pet the best in dental care. Our facility has a complete state-of-the-art surgical suite, diagnostic laboratory, and highly trained and qualified staff. A thorough checkup and cleaning require general anesthesia and a rest period after the procedure, so you can expect your pet to stay an entire day with us before you can take them home.