Do you brush your pet’s teeth at home? If you answered never, you aren’t alone. Most pets develop the early stages of periodontal disease by three years of age, and keeping their pearly whites healthy is often an uphill battle for pet owners. This is why it’s important to provide at-home dental care as well as annual dental cleanings with the team at Genoa Animal Hospital.

Usually, when we visit our dentist, it is a quick procedure. A 30 minute to an hour cleaning is all it takes. This is because we can sit still and work with the dentist. Our pets unfortunately are not as still during their cleanings. Therefore, we sedate and intubate all pets for dental cleanings. This is also done to eliminate our patients from swallowing the bacteria that has just been removed from their teeth. Our dental cleanings also include an exam, blood work, IV, anesthesia, injectable medications, heart monitoring, nail trim, and post-surgery hospital care. Patients go home that same afternoon or evening with a nurse consultation and training session on home care.

How will I know if my pet needs a dental cleaning?

Exceptionally bad breath, brownish plaque at the base of the teeth, excessive drooling, sore or bleeding gums when eating or chewing, and decreased appetite can all be signs that a pet’s teeth require attention.

What can I expect during a dental cleaning?

Routine dental cleanings and a home dental care regime have the potential to add years of vigor to your pet’s life. A dental exam and cleaning are performed under general anesthesia for a safe and thorough procedure. Your pet’s teeth are cleaned of plaque and calculus, and the tooth enamel is polished, followed by a fluoride treatment to further protect the teeth and strengthen enamel.