Pet Dental Care

If your pet has bad breath, it may mean there is a problem with their teeth and gums. This can also contribute to more severe medical conditions. If dental issues are left untreated, you may put your pet at risk for problems in their mouth (periodontitis) or with internal organs (heart disease). The challenge most pet owners face is that even if their pet’s breath smells fine, some dental issues are hard to spot.

You're a responsible pet owner - but do you keep a careful eye on your special companion's dental health? Pets can be burdened by dental problems and diseases just like humans.

Dental disease can be painful, inhibit proper nutrition, and lead to other serious systemic issues that may threaten your pet's overall health before symptoms are even noticeable. Regular dental check-ups at Heartland Animal Hospital, combined with good dental hygiene at home, can increase your pet's health, vitality, and well-being and help ensure the furry member of your family leads the best life possible.

Protecting Your Pet's Dental Health at Heartland Animal Hospital

Drs. Cuddihhee and St. Clair and their staff believe the foundation of good dental care begins with a complete oral exam, followed by a thorough cleaning designed to remove plaque and slow its buildup.

At our veterinary hospital, we provide dental care which includes:

Oral examinations under anesthesia
Diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease
Teeth cleanings, extraction and polishing

If we find any evidence of gum or tooth erosion, gingivitis, or excessive plaque buildup, we will discuss this with you and recommend treatment options for your pet.

Cobblestone Veterinary Hospital

In Between Cleanings: Dental Care at Home

By ensuring your pet receives annual dental exams, you can prevent serious dental problems from developing. In between visits to your veterinarian at Heartland Animal Hospital, check your pet's teeth regularly for signs of problems. Brushing your pet's teeth is the single most important procedure you can do to maintain good oral health. Brushing can dramatically decrease the incidence of gingivitis and can increase the interval between teeth cleaning appointments if done regularly.

If you are unsure of how to brush your pet's teeth, please ask a staff member for instructions. We are happy to help!

Signs of Pet Dental Problems

Symptoms of dental disease include:

Bad breath
Red and swollen gums
Pain or bleeding
Loose or missing teeth
Yellow-brown plaque crust on teeth, near the gum line
Decreased appetite or difficulty eating

Dr. Patti Cuddihee and her staff are great and caring people. They care for animals like they were their own. She takes the time to explain everything to you so you can understand it better, too. She is always there if you have an emergency, day or night, and will call you back.

Thank you all for taking great care of my babies!

Connie Jaeger, "Sasha" and "Tolstoy"