We all know how important it is to brush our own teeth on a daily basis but when was the last time you brushed your dog’s or cat’s teeth? If you can’t remember, it has certainly been to long. With Halloween coming up, we don’t want our pet’s teeth to look like a jack o lanterns. Keeping your pet’s mouth healthy is a critical step in giving them a long, happy life.
Our vets in Tampa are huge believers in preventative veterinary medicine. Oral health is a cornerstone to this concept. Brushing your pet’s teeth on a regular basis will help prevent major tartar build up and help reduce gingivitis. (Our veterinarians recommend brushing at least 1 -2 times weekly) During your pet’s regular exam, the veterinarian will examine their mouth to determine how healthy it is. If needed, a dental cleaning will be recommended. This procedure involves the same cleaning that we all get on at least a yearly basis at our dentist. The primary difference is the need for sedation with your pets. They just won’t seem to sit still for a proper cleaning. Our animal hospital will generally perform some pre-anesthetic lab work as well to make sure that your dog or cat is healthy enough for the sedation.
To celebrate our October “don’t let your pet look like a jack o lantern” dental health month, we will be offering dental compliance discounts for dental cleanings scheduled during the month. You can contact our veterinary staff in Tampa for any questions regarding dental care or any other topic.