Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning in East Lansing
Oral hygiene is an extremely important part of our daily routine — so why isn’t it equally important for our pets? Cat and dog teeth cleaning is vital to the health, comfort, and longevity of our four-legged family members. Yet, so many cats and dogs have some form of gum disease by age 3. Gum (or periodontal) disease is an inflammatory condition that results from the buildup of plaque on your pet’s teeth, leading to tooth and bone loss. It can also lead to disease of the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys if bacteria from the infection enters the bloodstream.
Here at our animal hospital in East Lansing, MI, we emphasize the necessity of pet dental care and regular teeth cleaning for all of our patients, regardless of age, breed, or species. A healthy mouth equates to a healthy body, and our top priority is providing your loved one with the care they need for a lifetime of excellent health.
Don’t wait for dental disease to get worse!
Schedule a dental evaluation today by calling (517) 332-2511!
Dental Services We Offer
Our knowledgeable, experienced veterinary staff in East Lansing, MI, can perform a variety of quality dental services, including cat and dog teeth cleaning, to keep your animal companion’s mouth healthy.
These include:
- Routine oral examinations
- Dental radiology
- Dental cleaning and polishing
- Subgingival scaling (removes plaque and tartar below the gum line)
- Root planing (smooths tooth root and helps gum reattach to tooth)
- Extractions (as needed)
- Gum disease treatment
- Home dental care demonstration/instruction
Signs of Gum Disease in Your Pet
Bad breath alone does not always signify gum disease, but it shouldn’t be ignored.
Other signs that may indicate gum disease include:
- Difficulty eating/chewing
- Red, swollen gums
- Facial swelling
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at face/mouth
- Lack of appetite
- Loose or broken teeth
At-Home Dog and Cat Teeth Cleaning
While it’s our job to provide a multitude of veterinary services to our patients, your pet’s healthcare ultimately begins at home with you. We strongly recommend that pet owners start their cat and dog companions on home teeth cleaning regimes as early as possible to acclimate them to the experience. Ideally, pets should have their teeth brushed once daily, or 3 times a week if their mouths are in good shape.
If your pet is still in the puppy or kitten stage, begin gently handling/touching their mouths so the presence of a toothbrush won’t bother them. This helps the process go much more smoothly later down the road. If you’re unsure of how to start and have questions for our veterinarian about cat and dog teeth cleaning, please give us a call at (517) 332-2511 so we can help you.
