Pet Dentistry Services

Professional Pet Dental Services in Allegan, MI

When was the last time you had your pet's teeth cleaned? According to the AVMA, pets who have never had a teeth cleaning have signs of dental disease by the time they are three years old. For that reason, Allegan Animal Clinic recommends that all pets have a yearly dental cleaning and oral examination.

We provide dental services for dogs and cats at Allegan Animal Clinic. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today.

Gum Disease in Pets

Pets are prone to developing the same types of dental diseases and problems as humans, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, staining, and cavities. The process of dental decay and disease starts every time your pet eats and food particles get on their teeth and gums.

This fuels the bacteria in your pet’s mouth, causing an acid attack on the enamel of their teeth and creating a sticky, clear substance called plaque. If the plaque is left on teeth, it hardens into tartar. When plaque and tartar are left on your pet’s teeth for an extended period of time, it can lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease, cavities, and oral infections.

Signs and Hazards of Dental Disease in Pets

When it comes to detecting potential oral health problems in pets, owners must be vigilant in noticing changes in behavior. This is because pets often do not act like they are in pain until the pain is severe. 

It is important that you contact us to schedule a dental checkup, teeth cleaning, and gum disease treatment if you notice:

• Broken or loose teeth
• Discomfort while eating
• Extremely bad breath
• Pus or blood in drool
• Red gums
• Staining on the teeth
• Swollen or inflamed gums
• Weight loss or loss of appetite

Untreated periodontal disease in pets can lead to dangerous infections like abscesses and blood infections. Advanced dental disease may also affect your pet’s heart, liver, and kidneys. In order to avoid these potentially life-threatening conditions, it is important to keep your pet’s teeth clean with a combination of at-home care and regular veterinary teeth cleanings.

Pet Dental Services You Can Trust

Allegan Animal Clinic recommends that all dogs and cats receive their first dental checkup shortly after they are weaned and at least once a year for every year of their lives. Pet dental checkups include an examination of your pet's head, neck, face, ears, and mouth in order to check for signs of health problems. 

Once the basic examination is complete, Dr. VanDenBrink will completely clean all the plaque and tartar from your pet's teeth and below the gum line. Once your pet’s teeth are clean, we can give you tips and tricks to help you remove food particles and plaque at home between professional pet dental cleanings, like pet-safe toothpaste, toothbrushes, and dental chews.

To learn more about our veterinary dental services and how they can protect the health of your pet, call us at (269) 673-7488 today.