dog teeth cleaning upper arlington, oh

Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning Services in Upper Arlington, OH

Cats and dogs are prone to dental disease, due to a lack of oral hygiene. Brushing your pet’s teeth on a daily basis is one of the most effective ways to reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Yet, brushing alone is not enough—not to mention it can be difficult to brush an uncooperative pet’s teeth every day!

With at-home cat and dog teeth cleaning coupled with professional cleanings at our animal hospital in Upper Arlington, OH, your pet can avoid dental disease altogether.

Does your pet have bad breath?

It could be dental disease!

Schedule a dental evaluation

...or give us a call at (614) 451-1204

black and white cat with turned head Columbus, OH
happy dog smiling in Columbus, OH

Signs of Dental Disease

If your pet exhibits any of these behaviors or symptoms, it could be a sign of dental disease. Be sure to make an appointment soon if you notice any of these signs:

  • Bad breath
  • Discolored teeth
  • Excessive drooling
  • Bleeding or swollen gums
  • Difficulty holding toys or eating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swollen or painful face
  • Blood in water bowl
  • Changes in behavior such as hiding more often or showing aggression

Why is Dental Care So Important?

If dental disease is allowed to develop, it can spiral into far more than an oral health problem. Here are other ways dental disease can affect your pet’s health:

  • A painful mouth can affect your pet’s quality of life, making it harder for them to enjoy the things they love like playing tug of war, eating their favorite treats, or picking up toys.
  • If left untreated, dental disease can affect your pet’s systemic health. Bacteria in the mouth can enter your pet’s bloodstream and affect internal organs such as their heart, liver, or kidneys.
  • Dental disease can severely impact your pet’s quality of life. With secondary health problems caused by dental disease, your pet’s health and longevity are severely affected, giving you fewer years with your beloved companion.

How to Prevent Dental Disease and Improve Your Pet’s Oral Health

Luckily, dental disease is 100% preventable. Here’s how:

  • Practice at-home dental care practices like brushing your pet’s teeth on a daily basis. However, if your pet is stubborn and makes teeth brushing difficult, there are other options. Ask us about our dental chews, water additives, and prescription dental diets!
  • Keep up with annual wellness exams. During every wellness exam, we’ll perform a dental evaluation to assess your pet’s oral health. If we see any causes for concern, we’ll recommend a professional teeth cleaning.
  • Schedule routine professional teeth cleanings. For many pets, a professional dental cleaning is needed every 1-2 years to keep tartar build-up at bay. Teeth cleaning for cats and dogs at our hospital involves taking digital X-rays of your pet’s mouth and removing plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line, which is crucial to preventing dental disease.

Have any questions about cat and dog teeth cleaning and how to prevent dental disease? Talk to our Upper Arlington, OH, veterinarians and staff at your next appointment, or call us at (614) 451-1204!