Your furry friend’s bad breath isn’t a sign they need a breath mint – it could be an early indication of dental disease. Dental disease can be painful for pets and negatively impact their overall health. In addition to at-home dental care, regular visits to our veterinary team ensures your pet’s dental health is maintained with our support. If you’d like to book an appointment for your pet, please contact us at 705-476-3913.

How likely is my pet to have dental disease?

Your furry friend can start showing early signs of dental disease around 3-years-old. Dental disease is common in pets when a combination of plaque, bacteria and tartar build up on the surface of their teeth and get trapped below the gum line. Once the bacteria reaches their bloodstream, it can spread throughout their body and cause complications in their internal organs. The earlier we can detect dental disease, the better equipped we are to treat it.

How do you diagnose it?

We use an X-ray to see any diseased teeth that might be missed with just an examination of their mouth with the naked eye. It can be difficult for your pet to keep still during an X-ray so we recommend anesthesia to help us get the best digital image. Anesthesia is completely safe for pets and our veterinary team will closely monitor their vitals to ensure they are responding well to it.

How do you treat dental disease?

We’ll recommend treatment based on your pet’s individual needs. Generally, it’s important to remove the buildup below the gum line. If your pet’s teeth aren’t professionally cleaned, the bacteria on their teeth can spread to their kidneys or heart. Putting your pet under anesthesia during this treatment allows us to safely perform the procedure, while your pet rests as we work on their mouth. At home, ensure you brush your pet’s teeth daily to maintain proper oral health. There is a range of dental product flavours like beef, chicken, fish or peanut butter that we know your pet will love. Diet also plays a vital role in supporting your pet’s dental health. Ensure you’re feeding them a balanced diet that is low in carbs and high in vitamins and minerals.