Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning in Covington, GA
Our four-legged companions need help managing their oral hygiene, because they are just as prone as we are to cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal (gum) disease! At Hometown Vets, we’re happy to perform routine cat and dog teeth cleanings here in Covington, GA, and offer all the advice you need to take care of your pet’s teeth and gums at home. Without proper treatment, your dog or cat could begin to experience the discomforts of dental periodontal disease as early as 3 years old! Luckily, this can be avoided with a dental care regimen.
Contact our team at (770) 728-4302 to schedule a dental exam for your pet! We look forward to seeing you.
What’s Included in a Pet Teeth Cleaning?
When we clean your pet’s teeth, we need them to be put under anesthesia so we can thoroughly, and safely, remove all traces of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Just like with surgery, we’ll examine your pet before their dental procedure and do blood work if needed to make sure they are in good health and can metabolize the anesthetic with no trouble.
Our cat and dog teeth cleanings involve:
- A careful examination of each tooth, and any existing periodontal pockets that might indicate infection
- Full-mouth dental X-rays to screen for signs of damage and disease under the gums and within the surrounding bone
- Hand scaling and ultrasonic scaling to remove buildup above and below the gum line
- Removal of any damaged or decayed teeth (if your pet needs an extraction, we will be sure to give them the appropriate pain relief)
- A thorough rinsing to remove any remaining debris and ensure the mouth is clean
- Charting our findings and observations from your pet’s oral exam
We usually recommend periodic teeth cleanings for all our patients, and some dogs and cats need cleanings more frequently due to their diet and other factors. If your pet is an adult and has not yet had an oral exam or teeth cleaning, they should see us soon for a checkup!
Signs Your Pet May Need to Have Their Teeth Cleaned
If your pet is showing any of the following signs, they could be well on their way to developing periodontal disease:
- Swollen, red gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Brown/yellow buildup on teeth
- Difficulty eating
- Weight loss
- Changes in behavior (irritable, less active and less social)
- Drooling all the time
Call us at (770) 728-4302 if you’re concerned about your pet’s oral health. In addition to teeth cleanings, we can also provide dental care products you can use regularly at home to keep plaque and tartar at bay.