Dentistry
Teeth with tartar are a source of bacterial infection that seriously impact your pet’s health.
Annual exams to evaluate your pets teeth and gums are recommended.
Dentistry is much more than taking care of bad breath. Plaque and tartar build up on teeth and can cause bacterial infection of the gums. Additionally, teeth with tartar are a source of bacterial infection that can seriously impact your pet’s health.
Signs your pet may need dental care
- Halitosis, bad breath
- Difficulty eating
- Irritated, swollen, red or bleeding gums
- Excessive drooling
- Dropping food when eating
- Pawing at the mouth
- Discoloration of teeth
- Visible tartar on the teeth
- Loose or missing teeth
- Not allowing you to touch their mouth area
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Swelling under the eye
- Lethargy
before cleaning
after cleaning
At Northshore Veterinary Hospital we offer a full range of dental services. Annual exams to evaluate your pet’s teeth and gums are highly recommended. If needed, a dental cleaning under general anesthesia is recommended to fully clean and examine all of your pets teeth. Digital dental radiographs allow us to “see” under the gum line and evaluate your pet’s tooth roots. Any infected or weakened teeth can be extracted, using both a local anesthetic block and full anesthesia during dental surgery.
As dental cleanings and dental surgeries are performed under anesthesia, be assured that all the same precautions that are taken as with our general and extensive surgery patients (pre-anesthesia blood work, IV fluids, patient monitors, and constant supervision by a trained surgery assistant), the same is so for all our dental procedures. Pets rest comfortably during the procedure and our staff will be by their side when they awake. When extractions (dental surgery) are necessary, the time it takes influences the overall costs. An estimate of costs will be provided.
Tips for Cleaning your Pet’s Teeth
NSVH recommends professional teeth cleanings annually. Just as humans, pet’s too benefit from regular dental cleanings and examinations especially since pets can’t speak for themselves and tell you when their teeth are in pain. It’s never too late to start an at home dental care plan. Starting at a young age is highly recommended but certainly better late than never applies here. Follow these steps daily to help reduce bacterial infections that can lead to other health problems down the road.
Step One:
Offer your pet toothpaste on your finger and simply let your pet lick it off. Repeat this daily until you pet looks forward to this new treat.
Step Two:
As you gently handle your pet’s mouth, lift the lips and rub the gums with your finger coated lightly with toothpaste on the cheek side. Once you and your pet are comfortable it’s time to move onto step number three.
Step Three:
It’s time to use a soft bristled toothbrush. Apply a small bit of pet toothpaste on the bristles and gently brush the teeth.
Step Four:
If your pet is motivated by rewards now is a great time to do so. There are many dental treats available.
Thumbs Up/Down on Toys
Thumbs Up
Thumbs up to any chews you CAN break
with your hand or dent with a fingernail.
- Greenies
- Stuffed Animals
- Knotted Ropes
- Rubber Toys
- Kong Products
Thumbs Down
Thumbs down to anything you CANNOT break
with your hand or dent with a fingernail.
- Bones
- Hooves
- Hard Nylon Bones
- Compresed Rawhide Antlers