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Dental Health and Your Pet

So why are so many people talking about dentistry in pets these days? February is dental health month but all year long you should focus on what is going on inside your pet's mouth. Veterinarians are recognizing how important this aspect of your pet's health can be and we are encouraging clients to make comparisons to their own dental health.  How often does your dentist ask you to come in each year for a thorough cleaning and polishing?  How many times does your dentist ask you to brush your teeth each day? Do you remember the sign in their office that says, “ You don't have to floss all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep!”
 
Because your pet is unlikely to push up his or her lips with a paw to show you that ugly plaque and tartar growing on the surface, we often ignore its presence until our sense of smell tells us there is a problem. But none of us want our pets to suffer the pain of gingivitis, periodontal disease, infections and extractions if these can be avoided. We are so used to the benefits of modern dental care ourselves that we sometimes ignore the fact that modern dental care is also available for our pets. Likewise they do not have to live in the Dark Ages when it comes to dental care. Can you picture your pet with wooden dentures?
 
At Sacramento Veterinary Hospital and Rehabilitation Center we focus on client education and prevention of disease.  Because all of our physical examinations include a thorough evaluation of your pet, we include oral health as an important topic of discussion. When plaque and tartar begin to appear it is already time for a complete cleaning, root planing and polishing under anesthesia. It has been noted that 85% of pets reach this stage by 3 years of life. 
 
Ignoring plaque and tartar at this early stage means that periodontal disease is sure to follow. Periodontal disease is not only painful for your pet but it means that due to the break down of fibers securing the tooth to the bone, the tooth will eventually loosen. This creates pockets where bacteria grow creating infection that is not only painful but that can create risk for spread to other parts of the body such as the heart, kidneys and liver. If the disease continues to advance, the tooth can become mobile and eventually fall out. Picture how it might feel to have an infected, loose tooth causing constant irritation for months or even years. Your pet cannot plead for you to take him or her to the dentist!
 
At SVHARC we are dedicated to making your pet's dental care as safe and comfortable as possible.  Our in house laboratory equipment allows us to evaluate your pet's bloodwork prior to the administration of any anesthetic drugs and our monitors include those for blood pressure, oxygen saturation, end tidal CO2 and an electrocardiograph as well as heart rate and respiration.  Intravenous fluids are administered to all patients during anesthesia. Our new digital dental radiography allows us to quickly take radiographs and view them on a computer screen beside the patient.
 
While under anesthesia a thorough examination of the teeth, gums, lips, and oral cavity begins.  Teeth are examined for wear, fractures, occlusion, retained deciduous (baby) teeth, periodontal pockets and mobility.  Radiographs are taken to evaluate any questionable areas, cleaning removes all plaque, tartar and calculi from the crown of the teeth.  Root planing removes any of these products from areas beneath the gum line and is important because this is where periodontal disease begins. A thorough and careful polishing with dental paste follows the cleaning since a smooth surface discourages the build up of new plaque. The application of fluoride or Oravet gel is then applied to help prevent rapid return of plaque after the cleaning.
 
Since plaque is the product of saliva plus bacteria in the mouth, its build up will begin again after the cleaning.  Therefore a home dental program is essential to your pet's continued dental health. Daily brushing, just as your dentist recommends, is the best method for discouraging plaque build up. Many pets will accept this daily care if they are started early, treated gently and rewarded for cooperative behavior. Our staff will be happy to demonstrate how this can be done. Flavored toothpaste and the appropriate size brush also helps to achieve success. 
 
If brushing is not successful other methods of discouraging plaque build up include chew toys, rawhide especially if coated with antiplaque products and oral rinses. Diet can also play a key role in dental health and should be included in any discussion on prevention. 
 
The veterinarians and staff at SVHARC believe that excellent dental care over the lifetime of a pet will help prevent painful and life threatening conditions. We hope that you will give special thought to how this affects your pet not only during February but throughout the year! 

How to Choose a Boarding Facility or Pet Sitter

Spring and summer are coming soon and most of us are thinking about vacations and weekend get-aways!  But what should you do about the four legged member of the family if he or she is not invited or cannot come with us? This is a question of anguish for most of us. We want them to be safe and happy while we are away.
 
Sometimes a trusted family member or friend can solve the problem either by taking your pet into their own home or coming into yours. Cats often tolerate once or twice a day visits but dogs need at least twice a day care and more often is preferable. They are usually best not left alone at night. This is a big responsibility for the caretaker so be sure they can handle giving any medications and are prepared for emergencies. The phone numbers for your regular veterinarian as well as the emergency service number should be left. Where you can be reached is also important. Be sure to give clear directions on where to walk your dog and whether or not your cat is allowed outside.
 
A professional pet sitter can be a good choice but choose carefully and check on them often. Be sure they are licensed and bonded and that their reputation is excellent.  Pets that are forgotten or missed are in danger!
 
Boarding facilities are often a good choice and may be the answer to your needs. Although pets are confined they are also safe from some of the dangers they may face alone at home or in the hands of an incompetent sitter. A good boarding facility is preferably small and always clean. They should require that pets be vaccinated for contagious diseases especially upper respiratory viruses in cats and Kennel Cough in dogs. A tour should always be allowed and it should be odor free.  You should feel comfortable that the staff is friendly and compassionate and that their love of animals shows!
Elderly pet and pets on medication can be a challenge. Some elderly pets are less likely to eat when their family is away.  Pet sitters cannot always administer medications. A veterinary hospital that also boards is often a good choice so that pets can be closely monitored and medications can be given properly.
 
 

Boarding at Sacramento Veterinary Hospital 

At Sacramento Veterinary Hospital we bond closely with our boarders. We are a small facility and give close personal attention to your family. We do not charge extra for administering oral or topical medication. There is a reduced injection fee for insulin for the diabetic pet. And our staff is supervised by a veterinarian so that should your pet have any medical problems help is there.
 
Additional services can be provided during your pet's stay for your convenience. We offer full veterinary care, baths and nail trims.  Some clients enjoy the convenience of having their pet's teeth cleaned during their stay. This requires anesthesia so if you would like this service, please discuss with the veterinarian in charge. We are always happy to answer your questions!

Have a HAPPY and HEALTHY Summer