Dental Care

Imagine not brushing your teeth or performing any sort of oral hygiene–ever. The very thought is pretty revolting, right? Now think about your pets’ teeth and how often they receive dental care. Believe it or not, pets need their teeth cleaned too. The Pet Doctor recommends regularly scheduled exams and dental cleanings to help keep your pets healthy, avoid future complications from dental disease, and extend your pet’s lifespan. Our dental services include a thorough examination, professional cleaning and polishing of the teeth, as well as tooth extractions when necessary.

Providing consistent dental care for pets is just as important as it is for humans. Routine checkups and cleanings from your veterinarian are key factors in keeping your pet healthy. With regular cleaning, polishing, and good oral hygiene habits at home, you can typically extend the life of your pet by several years. We encourage pet parents to begin regular dental exams and cleanings when pets are young to prevent the development of periodontal disease.

Neglecting your pet’s oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease involving problems with teeth and gums. Once periodontal disease is established, the constant exposure to these bacteria can potentially cause damage to major organs of the body including the heart, liver, and kidneys.

If you notice your pets illustrating the following symptoms, they may be suffering from dental disease and should be evaluated:

• • Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
• • Bad breath
• • Bleeding from the mouth
• • Broken or loose teeth
• • Gum recession and/or gum swelling
• • Pain in or around the mouth
• • Pawing at the face or mouth
• • Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
• • Swelling of the face
• • Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
• • Weight loss

If you live in Theodore, Mobile, Grand Bay, Saraland or other nearby communities, call The Pet Doctor today to schedule a dental appointment for your pet.