Dental care is extremely important for all types of pets. When there is a need for equine or domestic pet dental assistance, consider contacting North Texas Veterinary Hospital in Weatherford, TX, to make an appointment with our veterinarians for an exam or teeth cleaning procedure. NTVH provides dental care for dogs, cats, and horses. Here is some information about dental care to read over so you understand the importance of tending to your pet’s teeth regularly.
What Happens When Teeth are Not Cared for?
If a pet’s teeth are not cleaned regularly, the possibility of a buildup of bacteria upon their surfaces is rather great. Routine brushing of teeth will remove these bacteria, helping to minimize the presence of plaque and tartar. Tartar occurs when plaque adheres to teeth and remains in place. This substance will push its way under the gums, leading to infection, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. In the later stages of these conditions, a pet can lose their teeth.
What Will Happen During a Dental Appointment?
Bringing your pet to our animal hospital for a teeth cleaning procedure, or having our vet make a house call if necessary, is the best way to keep your animal’s dental health from deteriorating. During a routine appointment, our vet will assess your pet’s teeth and check over their gums for any signs of infection. If tartar has built up on your pet’s teeth, it will be removed using the proper scaling equipment.
Our veterinarian can remove tartar from under the pet’s gum line if necessary; however, this may require an additional visit so anesthesia can be administered beforehand. If any problems are noticed with a pet’s teeth, our vet will discuss available options with you so you can make a decision regarding treatment. This may include the pulling of teeth, surgical procedures, or medication.
Caring for Your Pet’s Teeth Between Visits
Pets like dogs, cats, cattle, and horses can benefit from regular brushing sessions of their teeth. This should be done with an appropriate brush and paste, which can be obtained from us or an online pharmacy, depending on the animal. In addition to brushing a pet’s teeth, it is important to monitor your pet’s behavior so any difficulties with a tooth can be handled appropriately and without delay. If your pet appears to be suffering from pain in the mouth, if they are avoiding eating, or if visible broken teeth are noticed, contact our vet for an appointment.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Reach out to North Texas Veterinary Hospital in Weatherford to make an appointment at our animal hospital for dental help. Our veterinarian treats equine, bovine, and domestic animals. Call us today at (817) 458-3355 for more information.