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Pet Dental Care at Family Friends Veterinary Hospital

Your pet’s dental health is a crucial part of their overall well-being. At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we provide professional dental care to prevent and treat oral health issues, ensuring your pet lives a longer, healthier life.

Why Pet Dental Health Matters

Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in pets. By age three, over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of periodontal disease, which can lead to pain, tooth loss, and even infections that affect major organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular dental care helps prevent these complications and keeps your pet happy and comfortable.

Signs Your Pet May Need Dental Care

If your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms, they may have dental disease and should be evaluated by a veterinarian:

  • Bad breath
  • Yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Difficulty eating or loss of appetite
  • Excessive drooling
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Loose or missing teeth

Our Pet Dental Services

We offer a full range of dental services to maintain and restore your pet’s oral health:

  • Comprehensive Oral Exams: Regular checkups help detect dental disease early.
  • Professional Dental Cleanings: Using safe anesthesia, we remove plaque and tartar buildup, clean below the gumline, and polish the teeth to slow future plaque accumulation.
  • Dental X-Rays: We use digital radiographs to assess the health of teeth and jaw structures that are not visible during a regular exam.
  • Tooth Extractions & Oral Surgery: If advanced disease is present, extractions or other treatments may be necessary to relieve pain and prevent infection.

Home Dental Care

Maintaining your pet’s dental health at home is just as important as professional care. We can guide you on effective home care routines, including:

  • Brushing your pet’s teeth with pet-safe toothpaste
  • Providing dental chews and special diets designed to reduce plaque buildup
  • Using water additives and oral rinses for extra protection

Photo by Julie Balgavy Photography

 

A Step-by-Step Look at Your Pet’s Dental Procedure

1

Check-In & Pre-Surgical Exam

Your pet will be admitted between 7:00 and 8:00 AM. Upon arrival, check in with our team, and a veterinary nurse will review the anesthesia consent forms and discharge instructions. Once inside, your pet will receive a pre-surgical exam, where the veterinarian listens to their heart and lungs to ensure they are healthy enough for anesthesia. The team then plans the order of procedures for the day.
2

Pre-Anesthetic Preparation

When it’s time for your pet’s procedure, a veterinary nurse will administer pain medication and a mild sedative to help them relax. An intravenous (IV) catheter is placed to deliver fluids and anesthesia safely. Once asleep, your pet is connected to monitoring equipment to track heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and body temperature. They are also kept warm with a heated blanket for comfort and stability.
3

Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment & Treatment

With your pet fully anesthetized, we take dental X-rays (if elected by owner) and thoroughly assess the teeth and gums, just like at a human dentist. The veterinarian will then call you to discuss findings and any necessary extractions or treatments.
4

Recovery & Discharge

After the procedure, a veterinary nurse monitors your pet as they wake up, ensuring a smooth recovery. Once stable, they rest in a comfortable kennel with continued monitoring. Discharge appointments are scheduled before 6:00 PM, the same day of surgery. During pickup, a veterinary nurse will review aftercare instructions, including feeding guidelines, medication details, and what to expect post-anesthesia. You’ll also receive written instructions, and we’ll follow up the next day to check on your pet’s recovery.

Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Exam Today!

Regular dental care can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life. Whether it’s time for a checkup or you’re noticing signs of dental disease, our experienced team is here to help. Contact Family Friends Veterinary Hospital today to schedule an appointment and keep your pet’s smile healthy!