Dental care is vital to the overall health of any pet. Dental disease can lead to health issues related to the heart, liver, and kidneys, and can affect the entire body through the bloodstream. In fact, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats over three years of age suffer from some form of dental disease, making it the most common health issue among our pet population. This is why our team recommends regular cat and dog teeth cleaning appointments here in Franklin, TN.
Schedule an appointment with our team today by calling us at (615) 778-0880!
Enjoy a 50% Discount on Microchipping!
If your pet isn't already microchipped and they require anesthesia for their dental service, take advantage of our special offer: a 50% discount on their microchipping.
Don't wait – contact us today to schedule your pet's next dental appointment!
Importance of Cat and Dog Dental Care
In spite of these facts, many pet owners are not aware of the importance of dental care to their pets’ health. There are a lot of different ways to improve your pets’ dental hygiene, including home brushing, dental chews, and regular inspection.
An especially effective way to protect your pet from dental disease is through professional cat and dog teeth cleanings. Here at Animal Ark Animal Hospital in Franklin, we perform thorough dental cleaning procedures that also address the area beneath the gums that you can’t see or access at home. When we clean your pet’s teeth, we remove hardened tartar buildup from the teeth, which, if left untreated, may secrete disease-causing bacteria under the gum line and potentially into the bloodstream. Cleanings improve your pet’s oral health, but they can also prevent systemic disease processes and enhance overall health.
Our team inspects each and every tooth during your pet's x-ray to look for disease beneath the gum line. We work with local veterinary dental specialists (including Southeast Vet Dentist and Your Pet Dentist) for cases that require advanced diagnostics (CT scan) and treatments that we may not be able to provide. In some cases we may refer your pet to such dentists for optimal care. In other cases, we may have the mobile veterinary dentist perform advanced procedures on your pet in our hospital.
Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats with dental disease tend to exhibit these clinical signs:
- Bad breath
- Difficulty eating/dropping food
- Noticeable yellow/brown buildup on the teeth
- Bloody saliva
- Shying away from having mouth handled
- Drooling
If you notice any of these signs in your pet, contact our hospital to book an appointment.
Pet Dental Care Video AVMA
This veterinary dentistry video from the AVMA explains how to prevent periodontal disease, the most common clinical condition in dogs and cats. Most of this disease lies below the gum line. Learn about this disease from a board-certified veterinary dentist. Signs that periodontal disease may be present in your pet include bad breath or yellow or darkened teeth. With regular oral healthcare exams and cat and dog teeth cleanings from an experienced veterinarian, periodontal disease is completely preventable.