Sponsored content courtesy of Veterinary Healing Center Folsom - Folsom, CA

Dental care is a very important part of your pet’s overall health!  By the time your pet is 3 years old, he or she will very likely have some degree of periodontal disease.  Early detection and treatment are critical, because advanced periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth; it can cause kidney, liver, and heart problems, too.

The process of achieving your pet’s optimal dental health begins with regular oral veterinary exams, at which point your veterinarian can provide you with options to consider based on your pet’s overall health and the severity of dental disease.   Your pet should be examined at least annually, or sooner if you have concerns such as:  

• bad breath
• broken or loose teeth
• extra teeth 
• teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
• abnormal chewing, drooling, or bleeding from the mouth
• reduced appetite or refusal to eat 
• pain in or around the mouth
• swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth

Dental cleaning includes radiographs to evaluate the jaw bone and tooth root integrity, scaling, and polishing.  A thorough, safe dental cleaning requires anesthesia in order to adequately evaluate and clean the mouth, particularly under the gumline where disease can hide.  Although anesthesia will always have risks, it’s safer now than ever, and your veterinarian can provide a treatment plan with options to ensure the safest course of treatment possible.  Most pets can go home the same day of the procedure, although they might seem a little groggy for the rest of the day.  If any teeth are extracted, pain medications can be prescribed to ensure your pet’s comfort as they heal.  

Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do to keep their teeth healthy between dental cleanings.  Although it can be challenging, with patience and training your little friend can learn to enjoy the bonding time with you!

Call Veterinary Healing Centers today to take advantage of their $25 dental exam plus 20% off dental procedures through September!

Veterinary Healing Center Folsom - Folsom, CA

At Veterinary Healing Center of Folsom, we want to change the way animal health care is delivered. Our focus is on treating each animal as an individual, and aiming for complete wellness ... Read More »