Your pet’s oral health is the first line of defense in diagnosing and preventing illness and other health problems. Poor dental hygiene and maintenance can lead to risky infections and even heart problems. Annual dental check-ups are recommended to ensure that your pet’s teeth and gum tissue remain healthy. At Senoia Animal Hospital and Pet Resort, your veterinarian will examine your pet for broken or compromised teeth and diseases of the gums and soft tissue. Your pet’s annual check-up will also consist of teeth cleaning and repair or preventative services, if necessary, including extractions and other basic services. Your Senoia Animal Hospital and Pet Resort veterinarian may also request digital radiography imaging. Dental problems can develop unexpectedly between check-ups, regardless of how well you maintain your pet’s oral health. You pet will “tell you where it hurts” by changes in chewing, appetite, a reluctance to eat or play with toys – and in felines, improper or cessation of grooming. If you notice such changes in behavior, or the onset of physical signs such as drooling, swelling, a broken tooth, and unusual breath odor, contact Senoia Animal Hospital and Pet Resort as soon as possible. These may all be caused by a dental emergency or other conditions that need medical attention.
Don’t wait until your pet has a dental health issue – start your new fur baby’s check-ups early! Your Senoia Animal Hospital and Pet Resort veterinarian can evaluate the cycle of baby and permanent teeth and check for signs of malocclusion or teeth misalignment before they become an issue as your pet ages. We now offer dental imaging, which helps in determining the health of the teeth below the surface and will allow us to educate our pet parents on extractions, tartar build up, root exposure and gingivitis.