Franklin Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
Routine pet dental care is a critical component of cats' and dogs' oral and overall health, but most pets don't get the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
At Pet Vet Battlewood our veterinarians offer dental care for your pet, from basics such as dental exams to dental x-rays and surgeries.
Our professionals also believe strongly in education and make a point of providing dental health education to pet owners about home dental care for their pets.
Pet Vet Battlewood Dental Surgery
Our team understands that finding out that your pet needs dental surgery can be overwhelming. We will do all we can to help make this process as stress-free as possible, for both you and for your pet.
We'll do everything we can to ensure your pet's experience with us is comfortable and easy. We offer tooth extractions and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Pet Teeth Exams & Treatment
Bringing your pet to Pet Vet Battlewood for a pet dental appointment is just like taking your four-legged family member to visit to the dog dentist or cat dentist.
Your dog or cat should see their vet for a dental examination at least once a year. Pets who are more prone to dental problems than others may need to see us more often.
Our Franklin vets can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs, to help restore your pet's good oral health and overall health.
- 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
- Discolored teeth
- Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.
We will take blood 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
If our vets detect serious oral health issues in your pet's mouth, including gum disease, loose teeth or other sources of pain or discomfort, we will create a treatment plan.
We will speak with you about any serious dental issues we find in the course of your pet's checkup and will make an appointment to provide surgical treatment once a treatment plan has been established.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Never been to Pet Vet Battlewood for a veterinary dental appointment before? Then you are bound to have questions.
Take a few moments to read over the answers to these frequently asked questions from our clients about pet dental care.
Don't see the answer to your question? Contact us. We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have about dental care for your dog or cat.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health.
Just like in humans, 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 is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know behavior may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps 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?
Besides 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 pet'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!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque.
Do not 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.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Similar to the anesthesia provided to nervous or anxious patients by dentists, our Franklin vets provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures.
This puts less stress on the animals, giving them as comfortable and easy of a veterinary experience as possible. Using anesthesia also allows us to examine their teeth and take X-rays of your dog or cat's mouth as needed.