Pet owners often fail to realize that proper oral care is essential for maintaining their pets' overall health. Poor oral health left untreated can lead to health issues throughout the pet's body. Routine dental check-ups and cleanings help manage your pet's oral health and prevent serious problems from occurring. Our team at Arbor Ridge Pet Clinic in Fitchburg provides dental exams, cleanings, tooth extractions, and other services necessary for complete dental care.
Signs of Dental Issues in Dogs and Cats
Pet dental care starts with knowing when to take your dog or cat to our clinic. Bad breath is commonly thought to be normal. However, halitosis is often due to the build-up of plaque on the teeth. If your pet is suffering from tooth pain, symptoms include dropping their food, eating with their heads tilted to one side, excessive drooling, pawing or rubbing the mouth, and weight loss.
Dog Breeds at Risk of Dental Issues
Some dog breeds are more prone to bad teeth and tooth loss than other breeds. In general, small dogs and dogs with pushed-in faces are more prone to dental disease than larger dogs and dogs with longer snouts. The breeds most susceptible to dental disease and tooth pain are Pugs, Collies with overbites, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Boxers, and Shih Tzus. Therefore, owners of these types of dogs need to keep a closer eye on their pet's oral health.
Dental Care at Home
There are many options for taking care of your pet's dental health at home. We can help you understand how to brush your dog or cat's teeth and recommend the appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste for your animal. Never use human toothpaste. Not only do most pets hate the taste of mint, but the toothpaste will have ingredients that will make pets very sick. Only use toothpaste made specifically for dogs or cats. Some toys and treats also help clean plaque from teeth and massage the gums. However, if you are having trouble taking care of your pet's teeth at home, schedule a dental cleaning at our veterinary clinic for professional care.
How Our Veterinarian Can Help
At the first signs of a dental problem, contact us for a dental exam. We will examine your pet's teeth and look for any signs of gum or tooth infections or loose teeth. If your pet needs their teeth cleaned or any teeth pulled, we can schedule an appointment for that. We will also provide you with recommendations regarding the upkeep of your pet's dental health and give you tips on achieving this at home between routine check-ups.
Contact Us for Pet Dental Care from Our Veterinarian in Fitchburg, WI
Regardless of whatever dental issues your pet may be experiencing, our veterinarian will help your pet maintain its oral health for years to come. If you are interested in scheduling a cat or dog teeth cleaning and our veterinary clinic, contact us at (608) 274-3880 today. Contact Arbor Ridge Pet Clinic today to schedule your pet's next appointment or to learn more about how we can help.