November Kicks Off Winter Dental Discount at PSVC

Dental Care

Does your pet’s mouth seem a bit tender when touched, or is she more cautious when eating kibble or chewing on a hard toy? And how about that halitosis?! Your pet may be suffering from dental disease. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop tooth and gum disease by the age of three years. Dogs and cats can develop plaque and tartar build up just like people. This is caused by oral bacteria and food, with a heavy dose of genetic predisposition thrown in. Remember, our pets don’t brush their teeth on their own!

One of the most important things you can do as a pet owner is to schedule a trip to our office to have your pet’s teeth, gums, and oral cavity checked by one of our veterinarians, learn if a dental cleaning and polishing is needed, and discover the pet dental care techniques to try at home.

Signs of dental disease

Between veterinary appointments, it is a good idea to watch for signs of any oral issues that could be developing. Remember that your pet’s dental disease can have far reaching effects on many other organ systems of the body. In particular, the heart valves, the kidneys, the liver, and the facial and jaw bones are most susceptible to deep seated infections from oral bacteria. What should you as a pet parent look for on a routine basis?

• Missing teeth
• Discolored, broken or crooked teeth
• Growths in the mouth
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Tartar crust and pus build up along the gum line
• Bad breath
• Drooling or dropping food from the mouth
• Swollen cheek
• Refusal to chew on hard chew toys or treats that were favorites
• Decreased stamina or the onset of a new frequent cough from leaky heart valves
• Loss of appetite or weight loss

Changes in your pet’s general behavior can also mean there is a problem. If your pet is less willing to play or starts sleeping more this could possibly be a sign of advanced dental disease.

Health issues related to dental disease

As with people, plaque can build up in your pet’s mouth and lead to tartar. Plaque and tartar build up leads to periodontal disease that can cause oral pain, infection, receding gums,tooth loss and a variety of other complications. Tartar can also lead to gingivitis or stomatitis, a painful inflammatory condition of any part of the oral mucosa.

A healthier mouth for your pet

The best way to keep your pet’s oral health on track is to have annual check ups and cleanings / polishing / dental radiographs / and dental surgery, if necessary, with our veterinary staff. You can also keep your pet’s mouth healthier by maintaining cleanings at home with regular mildly abrasive finger rubbing with gauze and dentifrice, tooth-brushing, dental chews, oral solutions and water additives.

Give your pets something to smile about and give our office a call today to take advantage of our Winter Dental Discount Special!

SAVE MONEY WITH OUR ONLINE PHARMACY

When your pet’s prescriptions are due to be refilled, consider our online pharmacy. You can order all your meds and foods from your home and have them delivered. LEARN HOW HERE

Pittsburgh Spay & Vaccination Clinic is a state-of-the-art, full-service suburban veterinary facility serving the Pittsburgh Area since 1980.. We offer diagnostic, medical, surgical, and dental care to dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, and pocket pets in the Pittsburgh area.

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