Veterinary Dentistry
Dental Care can add years to your pet’s life! Did you know that you can add two to four years to your pet’s life with proper dental care?
Dental hygiene is an important part of your pet’s health and can often be the cause of serious illness. If left untreated, dental problems can lead to larger systemic issues in your pet due to oral bacteria entering the blood stream and damaging the kidneys, heart and liver.
However, dental disease is often overlooked by many pet owners. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop tooth and gum disease by the age of three years.
Dental disease and its serious consequences can be avoided by bringing your pet to your veterinarian for regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings. This is why Tharp Animal Health Care Center offers full dental cleanings as well as a range of dental procedures. Proper dental care includes tooth scaling and polishing, fluoride rinses, and, if necessary, tooth extractions. All of these services are designed to prevent, uncover and treat dental issues before they become a serious health threat.
If your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms, you should schedule a dental examination appointment immediately:
- Bad breath – one of the first signs of dental disease
- A yellowish-brown crust of plaque on the teeth near the gum line
- Red and swollen gums
- Pain or bleeding when your pet eats or when the mouth or gums are touched
- Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
- Loose or missing teeth
Home Dental Care for Pets
Dental care does not end with a visit to your veterinarian. You need to continue your veterinarian's good work at home – by brushing your pet’s teeth as part of a home dental care regimen.
Tharp Animal Health Care Center staff can show you the proper method of brushing your pet’s teeth as well as help you select from our wide range of dental products to help you with your home dental care.