Day & Evening Pet Hospital

Veterinarian Palm Harbor

Call: 727-785-7200
511 Magnolia Ave
Palm Harbor, FL 34683

Dental Cleanings

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Ever wondered what exactly is a dental cleaning for your pet?

We will give you a brief rundown on what it entails and why your pet needs one.

If you notice any of these things with your pet, please bring him or her in for a dental cleaning:

  • bad breath
  • plaque buildup
  • discolored teeth
  • swollen gums

When your pet comes in for a dental cleaning he or she will be anesthetized first.  This is because your pet doesn’t understand what is being done and will try to get away, move abruptly or could even bite.  If your dog or cat needs dental X-rays, having him or her anesthetized also helps get the best X-ray picture possible.

If your dog or cat is already in good condition and is just getting a regular dental cleaning, it is a quick deep cleaning procedure.  If your pet’s teeth are in need of longer deep cleaning, and in some cases even being pulled, understandably the procedure will take a little longer.

There is always risk with using anesthesia; however, getting a dental cleaning is one of the most important things you can do for your pet.  Your pet will be able to go home the same day.  He or she may be a little groggy the rest of the day.

Our dental cleaning package is $150.  Our special cleaning includes anesthesia, cleaning, fluoride treatments, polishing, an in-house antibiotic injection, and antibiotics to take home.

Call us to make an appointment today.  Our number is (727)-785-7200.

 

What Is Periodontal Disease?

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In continuing with pet dental awareness this month, next we will go over Periodontal Disease.

It is the most common disease in dog and cats by the age of 3.  However, some pets come in with less severe forms of periodontal disease than others by this age.  This blog will explain what this disease is and how you can prevent it.

Firstly, periodontal disease has a few stages.  It comes about by plaque build-up which turns into tartar.  When this occurs it can go both above and below the gumline of your pet.  If it is above the gumline, this is pretty easy to remove.  If the tartar is found below the gumline this is where it gets a little more damaging.  Your pet’s teeth are connected to the jawbone which is connected to tissue.  If the plaque and tartar is allowed to sit long enough below the gumline, this sets your pet up for infection which will get to that tissue.  This is the next stage of periodontal disease.

In that stage, the gums are swollen, there can already be some bone loss around the teeth roots (found by X-ray) or there can be further damage detectable only by X-ray.

Not only is this infection damaging to your pet’s mouth, the infection can get so severe that it effects the liver, heart and other organs.

So!  The way to absolutely prevent all of this is to get your pet set up with regular dental cleanings.  It is extremely recommended that your pet get one at least once per year.

You can also care for your pet’s teeth at home (if they will allow it).  Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is really the only effective thing you can do between their regular dental cleanings to help prevent this disease.  So, have at it!

National Pet Dental Health Month

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February is National Pet Dental Health Month!  Giving your pet dental care is one of the most important things you can do for him or her.  Dental care for pets, just as it is for us, keeps them healthier and is also a preventative measure.

If your dog’s or cat’s teeth are not inspected at least on a yearly basis, they are predisposed to future health problems and/or disease.  Some of these health issues include:

  • periodontal disease
  • cysts in their mouth
  • tumors in their mouth
  • broken teeth

If your pet’s mouth is examined at least on a yearly basis, our vets can help prevent these costly health problems.  Read the symptoms listed below.  If you observe any of these in your pet, he or she should get an exam as soon as possible:

  • BAD BREATH
  • bleeding from their mouth
  • their mouth seems swollen
  • broken teeth
  • discolored teeth
  • reduced appetite
  • you notice the area around their mouth is sensitive/in pain

Some pets can be more “moody” or irritated when they have any dental problem.  Please be careful when inspecting your pet’s mouth.

More dental awareness information coming your way for this month!  If you already know you need to schedule your pet for a dental cleaning, all us at 727-785-7200.  Our dental cleanings are $150 for pets under 90 pounds (this includes take-home antibiotics).

General Dental Information

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The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. Dental disease doesn’t affect just your pet’s teeth and gums, it can also lead to more serious health problems affecting your pet’s heart, lungs and kidneys. Dental disease and tooth loss is totally preventable in many cases and controllable with regular, annual dental cleanings and daily home care.

As stated, many health problems can come from teeth/mouth problems.

Symptoms of your pet needing a dental is extremely foul breath.  Some pet owners think they may need to change their food or something like this.  This solution may help, but it is not going to handle the breath fully if a bad tooth (or teeth) needs to be pulled.  A rotten tooth can make for one serious health problem if let to go on too long.

There are dental chews you can purchase that assist your pet in having a healthier mouth.  This does not, however, discount the fact that your pet will need a true dental cleaning.

It is important and will save you time, money and worry in the future!

We offer annual dental cleanings at a special price of $150 for dogs and cats under 90 pounds. Our special cleaning includes anesthesia, cleaning, fluoride treatments, polishing, an in house antibiotic injection, and antibiotics to take home.

Call us today at 727-785-7200 to schedule your pets next dental cleaning!

The Importance of a Good Dental

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We all know how important regular dental cleanings are for ourselves,

and the same thing applies for our pets as well!

The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. Dental disease doesn’t affect just your pet’s teeth and gums, it can also lead to more serious health problems affecting your pet’s heart, lungs and kidneys. Dental disease and tooth loss is totally preventable in many cases and controllable with regular, annual dental cleanings and daily home care.

Dental disease is a very common ailment in pets.  Unfortunately it is diagnosed frequently from lack of proper oral care.  Your pet’s diet can help keep your pet healthy and free of dental disease, but it is not enough.  The best way is to regularly brush your pet’s teeth and get a dental cleaning at least yearly at the pet hospital.  If your pet won’t let you brush, there are certain treats or chewies that are good to give and produced specifically for dental health (and it is better than nothing at all)!

A sign of possible dental disease is bad breath.  This is one that we can all notice and recognize.  (And something can be done about it!)

We offer annual dental cleanings at a special price of $150 for dogs and cats under 90 pounds. Our special cleaning includes anesthesia, cleaning, fluoride treatments, polishing, an in-house antibiotic injection, and antibiotics to take home. Call us today at 727-785-7200 to schedule your pets next dental cleaning!

We have a coupon page too.  Please click here.