Pet Dental Care at The Pet Hospital of Madison
Dogs and cats require routine dental care, just like you! The Pet Hospital of Madison is committed to providing pets and their people with the resources and support to promote excellent oral health.
Dental Exams & Procedures
Our dental suite is equipped with all the technology you would find at your own dentist’s office. This allows our veterinarians to offer the following routine dental care and advanced periodontal procedures:
- Initial awake oral health examinations
- Guidance and resources for you to maintain your pet’s dental health at home
- Anesthetized professional dental cleaning and scaling
- Dental radiography
- Tooth extraction with local anesthesia
- Root canal procedure
- Pulpectomy and bonding procedure
Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs & Cats
Unlike people, dogs and cats more commonly experience periodontal disease, affecting the tissues surrounding the tooth, instead of cavities, which affect the tooth itself. This leads to loss of the support structures around the tooth, entry of bacteria into the periodontal space, and eventually painful infections forming at the tooth root with loss of function of the tooth.
Keeping an eye out for signs of dental disease can help with earlier treatment and improved oral health. Signs can include:
- Red, inflamed gums at the margin of the tooth
- Bad breath
- Calculus or tartar farming on the teeth
- Pain when chewing—possibly presenting as rejection of hard kibble, dropping kibble, preferential chewing on one side of the mouth, or decreased appetite
- Swelling below the eye, especially if one-sided—indicates potential tooth root abscesses
- In cats—Some signs such as excessive sneezing while eating and teeth chattering may also indicate dental disease, especially a specific type of lesion cats can develop called FORLS, or Feline Oral Resorptive Lesions.
Dental Care Resources
Recommended resources for dental health information can be found at the following links:
Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Recommended Products — Provides a list of recommended dental products for both cats and dogs.
Veterinary Care in Dogs and Cats What to Expect — An article from Veterinary Partners that walks you through at home care, dental cleanings, and continued dental care for dogs and cats.
Ready To Get Your Pet’s Teeth Shining Bright?
If you have questions about your pet’s dental care, the staff at The Pet Hospital of Madison would love to help! Call us at (256) 232-2289 or email us at info@thepethospitalofmadison.com to speak with a representative and set up an appointment with one of our knowledgeable veterinarians.
