Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning in Chicago, IL
Did you know cats and dogs need their teeth brushed just like we do? Caring for your pet’s dental health is essential because it has a direct impact on their overall health. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues diagnosed among dogs and cats, and can cause tooth loss, infection of the heart, liver, and kidneys. At Partners Animal Hospital in the West Loop, we can provide cat and dog teeth cleaning and exams to keep your pet’s teeth in tip top shape while preventing dental disease.
Schedule your dog or cat’s next teeth cleaning appointment with us today!
Managing Dental Disease in Cats and Dogs
Dental disease occurs when plaque and tartar build up on your dog or cat’s teeth. This enables bacteria to slip below the gums and into the bloodstream, which can cause more severe health problems for your pet. Although your pet can’t tell you if they’re feeling any pain or discomfort, there are some symptoms of dental disease to look out for including:
- Bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Drooling
- Dropping food while eating
- Staying away from any chew toys
- Chewing on one side when eating
- Pawing at the face and mouth
Our Pet Dental Care Procedure
Various oral problems can be easily overlooked because they occur below the gum line. Our team performs a thorough assessment of your pet’s mouth to accurately evaluate and treat your pet’s dental health. We will fully sedate your pet so we can perform a comprehensive assessment and check for any underlying issues. Here is what to expect at a dental appointment:
- Once your pet undergoes a health evaluation and blood work, they are placed under general anesthesia so our team can perform a complete exam and clean your pet’s teeth.
- We perform any necessary digital oral X-rays to check for concealed infections or damage.
- Then, we clean the teeth above and below the gum line and apply a fluoride treatment to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
- Finally, we put an antibiotic gel in deep gingival pockets around your pet’s teeth to ward off potential infections.
- We can also provide treatment including surgical and non-surgical extractions for any oral issues we discover.
Caring for Your Pet’s Dental Health at Home
Although we recommend regular dental appointments to maintain your pet’s oral health, at home dental care between appointments at our animal hospital can be beneficial as well. We highly recommend brushing your pet’s teeth when they are a puppy or kitten to allow them to adjust to the procedure at a young age. This can make maintaining their oral health easier in the future. Your veterinarian can also recommend products for at-home use as well. If you have any questions or concerns about your dog or cat’s dental health, contact Partners Animal Hospital in the West Loop or schedule an appointment today.