Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Menu
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Services
    • Meet Our Team
    • What to Expect
    • Virtual Office Tour
    • Payment Options
  • Online Forms
    • BOARDING AUTHORIZATION
    • PATIENT REGISTRATION FORM
  • BOOK ONLINE
  • Services
    • Medical Services
    • Surgical Services
    • Radiology
    • International Travel for Pets
    • Pet Boarding
  • House Call Euthanasia
  • Pet Health RESOURCES
    • COMMON HEALTH TOPICS
      • CANINE VACCINES
      • FELINE VACCINES
      • Parasite Prevention
      • UNDERSTANDING DENTALS
      • Spaying & Neutering
      • Pre-Anesthesia Blood Work
      • Surgical Home Care
      • Senior Pet Health
    • Health Related Videos
      • CPR for Pets
      • Obesity and your Pet
      • Preventative Care Visits
      • Dogs in Parked Cars
      • Pet Microchipping
      • Preventing Dog Bites
      • Summer Pet Hazards
    • OTHER Veterinary Resources
  • Contact Us
Round dog and cat logo

604-558-1400

Common Health Topics
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Video Newsroom >
  • Health Topics >
  • Dental Care For Pets

Dental Care For Pets

  • Created in Video Newsroom, Health Topics
Image of dog getting teeth examined.

Dental care of dogs and cats is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of pet health care. Approximately 80% of all dogs and cats have periodontal disease by the time they are only two years old. Dental disease affects much more than fresh breath. It frequently leads to more serious health problems such as liver, kidney and heart disease. That's why more veterinarians are not just treating dental disease, but taking new steps to prevent it. A major step in this process is encouraging owners to participate in their pet's oral health at home.

Periodontal disease in pets is the same as it is in people. It's a sneaky and insidious process that begins when bacteria in the mouth attach to the teeth and produce a film called "plaque". When the bacteria die, they are calcified into "calculus" commonly known as tartar which makes a rough surface for even more bacteria to stick to. In the beginning, plaque is soft and can easily be removed by brushing or chewing on appropriate toys or treats. But if left to spread, plaque leads to gum inflammation (called "gingivitis") and infection. Eventually, the infection spreads to the tooth root and even the jaw bone itself - causing pain and tooth loss.

The American Animal Hospital Association recently devised new guidelines for veterinarians in order to highlight the need for more professional oral hygiene care for pets. The organization stressed the necessity of going beyond the traditional "scraping the surface" of routine dental cleanings, known as "prophies". Veterinarians are encouraged to teach owners the importance of good oral hygiene when puppies and kittens are only a few months old in order to begin a lifetime of healthy benefits that go far beyond sweet smelling kisses.

It's important for all pet owners to know that pets can lead longer and healthier lives with good dental care. In fact, studies show that proper dental care can extend a pet's life by as much as five years! Ask your veterinarian about good dental care for your special furry friend.

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Exotics
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Domestic Pigs
        • Fennec Foxes
        • Prairie Dogs
        • Flying Squirrels
        • Sugar Gliders
        • Skunks
      • Pocket Pets
        • Hedgehogs
        • Gerbils
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Rats
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Cats
    • Fun with Pets
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Behavior & Training
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Feline

Contact Us

We Look Forward to Hearing From You

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 AM

8:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:00 AM

8:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:00 AM

8:00 PM

Thursday:

8:00 AM

8:00 PM

Friday:

8:00 AM

8:00 PM

Saturday:

8:00 AM

8:00 PM

Sunday:

10:00 AM

5:00 PM

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map
  • Site Map