We have to do our best to take care of our pets’ teeth and gums because they cannot do it themselves. We offer pet dental care services at Schuff Veterinary Hospital in Woodruff, WI, including teeth cleaning, tooth extractions, and limited oral surgeries. We typically examine the teeth of dogs and cats when they come in for their annual wellness checkups and make recommendations based on anything we notice. But if you notice any negative symptoms involving your pet’s teeth or gums, give us a call and schedule your pet’s dental appointment today!
Dental Symptoms to Watch For
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your dog or cat, it may be time for some pet dental care:
- Tartar buildup from plaque
- Bleeding from the mouth or gums
- Bad breath
- Diminished appetite or refusal to eat
- Discoloration on the teeth
- Dropping food or abnormal chewing
- Loose or broken teeth
Dental Assessment
If your pet needs a teeth cleaning or extraction, they will receive a pre-dental examination. This will include blood work and other tests, to ensure that your pet won’t suffer negative effects from anesthetic. All pets must be under anesthesia for pet dental care. This first appointment and assessment usually do not happen on the same day when the dental procedure is performed.
Pet Dental Treatment
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we examine every tooth closely. X-rays help us to identify any additional issues that need to be addressed. If any teeth need to be extracted, that will happen at this time. Your pet’s teeth will also be cleaned and polished to remove tartar. A fluoride treatment is applied to each individual tooth. We also apply a dental sealant to the teeth, to prevent plaque from building up for a while.
It takes a little while after a dental procedure — usually up to an hour — before your pet will be able to go home. We like to monitor them after they wake up from the anesthesia to make sure they are in good health. We will send you home with aftercare instructions, including whether your pet needs to be on soft foods for a few days after the procedure. If prescription antibiotics are required, we will provide those as well.
Call Us for Pet Dental Care in Woodruff
We recommend that you bring your dog or cat in for an annual dental exam with Schuff Veterinary Hospital. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.
