Dental treatment provided by a veterinarian is critical to your pet’s general health and well-being. At Western Shore Veterinary Hospital, we stay up to date on the most recent oral health care recommendations.

A foul odor from the mouth, licking of the teeth or gums, or a change in appetite are all early indicators of dental illness. While teeth may appear healthy, bacteria attack under the gumline. A diseased tooth may loosen, fall out, or develop an abscess. Dental cleanings under anesthesia are the only way to assure you that your pet’s teeth are thoroughly cleaned and evaluated.

Every patient we see undergoes a dental examination. Based on that evaluation, recommendations will be made, and you will be included in developing a dental wellness plan that suits your needs and lifestyle. If a dental cleaning is required, we take all necessary precautions before and during the procedure. Prior to the cleaning, all pets have blood tests done to assess organ function and cell counts. On the day of the dental cleaning, pets are given an IV catheter and fluid therapy. Your veterinarian will be in charge of monitoring your pet under anesthesia, while the technician is focused on cleaning the teeth. Scaling, polishing, and examination of each tooth are included in the dental cleaning, just as they would be in a regular dental cleaning.

Every pet receives a report summarizing the cleaning’s findings after a dental cleaning. They also get a bag of free dental goods to get you started right away! The best method to maintain your pet’s teeth healthy in the future is to provide dental care at home. Regular dental care will reduce the need for anesthesia-assisted dental cleanings.