Like people, dogs and cats require good oral health in order to maintain good overall health. At Affordable Pet Vet Clinic our veterinary dentists provide dog and cat dental care that includes cleanings, extractions and dental surgery much like the care you receive at your dentist.
Cat & Dog Veterinary Dentist in Tracy
Routine dental care is as critical to cats and dogs as it is to people, but most pets don't get the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
At our Tracy veterinary hospital, we provide complete dental care for your pet that's just a trip to the dentist. From dental exams, teeth cleanings and polishing, to dental x-rays and surgeries we have your animal's dental care covered.
We are also passionate about sharing pet dental health education, so that owners can care for their pet's teeth between appointments.
Pet Dental Surgery in Tracy
At Affordable Pet Vet Clinic we understand that finding out that your pet needs dental surgery can be overwhelming. Our team makes every effort to keep this process as stress-free as possible, for you and for your pet.
We'll do everything we can to ensure your dog or cat's experience with us is comfortable and easy. We'll break down each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care.
We offer dental services to pets that are similar to those you would find at your dentist including tooth extractions, gum disease treatment, and even jaw fracture repair surgeries for dogs and cats.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Like your yearly trip to the dentist, your pet should come in for a dental examination at least annually. Dogs and cats with a higher risk of dental health issues may need to see us more often.
When you bring your pet in to Affordable Pet Vet Clinic for a dental appointment your vet will assess, diagnose and treat anu dental health problems that your dog or cat is suffering from.
Here's more about understanding your pet's oral health and what to expect at your pet's dental appointment.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Discoloured teeth
- Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.
We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
Next, the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and x-rays are taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
The final step is to apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is found, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
- Prevention
A complimentary follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During this visit, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home. We can also recommend products that can help improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
If you have never brought your pet to Affordable Pet Vet Clinic for a dental health checkup before, you're bound to have some questions.
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Like their pet parents, our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health.
When animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away regularly.
This can lead to infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care for pets is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Behavior can be an indication of oral health problems. If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they may drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. Yawning excessively, grinding their teeth, or not grooming sufficiently can all be signs that your animal is experiencing dental issues.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that prevents them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
As well as causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart and other areas throughout your furry friend's body.
Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). Additionally, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
These are some of the reasons why regular dental care is so essential to your animals' physical health and wellbeing.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
During your pet’s annual oral exam, the veterinarian will examine their mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms in need of treatment.
The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on what you can do to improve your pet's oral health.
In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. Nonetheless, special care will be needed post-surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, book a dental appointment with us for your pet.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your dog or cat's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque.
Never allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
- Will dental care without anesthesia work for my pet?
Non-anesthetic dental care can be painful and traumatic for your pet. It also is not the most effective method of teeth cleaning, as it involves a rough tooth brushing that makes the teeth more porous and can lead to more issues in the long term. We do not recommend non-anesthetic dental care.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Animals simply do not understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react to dental procedures by struggling or biting. At Affordable Pet Vet Clinic we provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on your pet and allows us to x-ray their mouth as needed, and quickly provide any treatment required.
