Oral care is extremely important for pets. Poor dental hygiene can lead to all kinds of dental issues which may cause your pet to lose teeth. Our veterinarians at Memorial Town and Country Animal Clinic have gathered some of the questions that we run into regarding pet dental care in Houston.

Why does my pet need dental care?

Pets, like people, are prone to infections and gum disease caused by plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth. Routine dental exams and teeth cleanings prevent dental diseases and protect your pet’s teeth. Periodontal disease is quite common in pets and can lead to tooth loss. Once the disease spreads to your pet’s bloodstream, it can cause damage to the internal organs.

What are some signs that my pet has dental problems?

If your pet has dental issues, it may show one or more of these symptoms:

• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Foul breath
• Loose teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Loss of appetite and difficulty chewing
• Aggressive behavior due to dental pain

If your pet has any of these symptoms, contact our veterinarians for a checkup.

How often should my pet have its teeth examined?

We recommend pet owners schedule annual pet dental exams and teeth cleanings to help their pet maintain good oral health. If your pet has had dental issues in the past, it may need more frequent checkups to ensure the teeth are in good health.

Is anesthesia necessary for pet dental care?

During the pet dental exam, our veterinarian thoroughly inspects your pet’s teeth and gums to look for signs of bacteria and disease. We may also take x-rays to check bone health. Teeth cleanings consist of scaling your pet’s teeth to remove plaque and tartar. We also polish the teeth to leave them smooth and shiny. These services cannot be done without the aid of anesthesia to keep your pet still and pain-free. As with humans, most pets are not thrilled to have a person poking around their mouth.

Contact Our Veterinarians for Pet Dental Care in Houston, TX

If it has been a while since your pet’s last checkup and you live in or around Houston, contact our veterinarians at Memorial Town and Country Animal Clinic. We will perform a thorough pet exam, which includes a dental checkup. Call our team today at (713) 464-4686 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.