Why Should You Have Your Pet's Teeth Cleaned?

Your dog or cat is susceptible to diseases caused by plaque and needs preventative care, such as teeth cleaning, to stave off the development of decay. Aliso Beach Animal Clinic provides pet dental services and serves those living in and around Laguna Beach, CA.

When you come in for its cleaning, your veterinarian can also discuss the best approach to working with your pet at home. You can provide your dog or cat with chewables and ensure it eats eat food that help avoid the buildup of residue. In addition, you can use enzymatic toothpaste, but this can prove to be a challenge, as many animals will not allow you to brush their teeth. Water additives are another option available to you as a pet dental aid.

Reasons to See a Pet Dentist for Teeth Cleaning

Your veterinarian will likely use anesthesia to sedate your pet and will perform a thorough examination during the procedure to determine any problem areas. This will help identify if your dog or cat needs additional preventative care, such as testing for infection. Depending on the animal's age, it may undergo blood work to ensure their kidneys and liver can handle sedation.

You will go over your pet's history with the veterinarian and notify the technician if your dog or cat has been experiencing difficulty with chewing or dropping food out of its mouth. A reduced appetite may be an indicator that it has been experiencing pain, and your pet dentist will look for signs of loose or broken teeth.

Your fuzzy friend may also have retained teeth or bad breath. Periodontal disease is a major concern, as it can cause problems with organ failure, result in abscesses, or fracture their jaw. Additionally, it puts them at risk of developing oral cancer.

Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Appointment

Aliso Beach Animal Clinic invites you to set a time for your dog or cat to receive pet dental care. We can be reached online, by phone at (949) 499-4190, or in person, and we happily work with pet owners in the Laguna Beach region.