Celebrate Pet Dental Health Month with the professional team at Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital.
The doctors and staff at Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital partner with clients to maintain or improve their pets’ dental health. It’s really that important!
Most people understand what the term ‘doggy breath’ means – and how it smells. Bad breath in pets is extremely common, but the concern goes far beyond unpleasant odors. In truth, bad breath is one of the first signs of dental disease; and, one of the most common conditions affecting dogs and cats today. It’s estimated that 80% of pets have some degree of dental disease by the age of 3.
February is Pet Dental Health Month. That’s why from now until February 28, dental services are 15% off at Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital. Call the hospital at 914-921-2000 to schedule an appointment.
Dental disease doesn’t start and end with bad breath. When left untreated, dental disease can cause significant pain and discomfort due to the accumulation of oral bacteria on the teeth and gums. The side effects of neglected dental care in pets is similar to if you were to skip brushing your teeth for years or to stop visiting the dentist for a professional cleaning on a routine basis.
If you observe any of the following warning signs of dental disease in your pet, give Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital a call so their professional team can help.
Most people understand what the term ‘doggy breath’ means – and how it smells. Bad breath in pets is extremely common, but the concern goes far beyond unpleasant odors. In truth, bad breath is one of the first signs of dental disease; and, one of the most common conditions affecting dogs and cats today. It’s estimated that 80% of pets have some degree of dental disease by the age of 3.
February is Pet Dental Health Month. That’s why from now until February 28, dental services are 15% off at Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital. Call the hospital at 914-921-2000 to schedule an appointment.
Dental disease doesn’t start and end with bad breath. When left untreated, dental disease can cause significant pain and discomfort due to the accumulation of oral bacteria on the teeth and gums. The side effects of neglected dental care in pets is similar to if you were to skip brushing your teeth for years or to stop visiting the dentist for a professional cleaning on a routine basis.
If you observe any of the following warning signs of dental disease in your pet, give Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital a call so their professional team can help.
There are three steps to maintaining or improving your pet’s dental health: dental examinations, professional dental cleanings, and routine at-home care.
Step 1. Dental Examinations
At Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital, we partner with you to make dental care a key component of your pet’s routine wellness care. That’s why a visual dental assessment is a part of every physical examination performed at our practice. With our eyes–and, our noses–we can get a general understanding of your pet’s overall dental condition.
Depending on the severity of dental disease observed during the visual dental assessment, dental x–rays may be recommended. Dental x–rays allow us to see below the gumline, which is where the majority of dental disease is found. The veterinarians at Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital are highly experienced to pinpoint issues below the gumline, such as diseases teeth, rotted teeth, and foreign objects–all of which cause significant pain. In some cases, the teeth may be beyond repair and require extractions. All dental procedures performed at Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital follow rigorous and attentive pain management techniques and safety protocols.
Step 2. Dental Cleanings
After your pet’s dental examination, your veterinarian may recommend a professional dental cleaning to deep clean the teeth and gums, and fully rid the oral cavity of dental disease and related infections. Because the majority of dental disease is found below the gumline, a simple brushing of the teeth will not be a proper solution.
Professional dental cleanings are legally required to be performed under general anesthesia. We understand the concern many pet owners have over anesthesia, but do not fret. This is done for the safety of the pet and the safety of the trained veterinary professional performing the procedure, and our facility follows strict safety protocols.
Step 1. Dental Examinations
At Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital, we partner with you to make dental care a key component of your pet’s routine wellness care. That’s why a visual dental assessment is a part of every physical examination performed at our practice. With our eyes–and, our noses–we can get a general understanding of your pet’s overall dental condition.
Depending on the severity of dental disease observed during the visual dental assessment, dental x–rays may be recommended. Dental x–rays allow us to see below the gumline, which is where the majority of dental disease is found. The veterinarians at Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital are highly experienced to pinpoint issues below the gumline, such as diseases teeth, rotted teeth, and foreign objects–all of which cause significant pain. In some cases, the teeth may be beyond repair and require extractions. All dental procedures performed at Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital follow rigorous and attentive pain management techniques and safety protocols.
Step 2. Dental Cleanings
After your pet’s dental examination, your veterinarian may recommend a professional dental cleaning to deep clean the teeth and gums, and fully rid the oral cavity of dental disease and related infections. Because the majority of dental disease is found below the gumline, a simple brushing of the teeth will not be a proper solution.
Professional dental cleanings are legally required to be performed under general anesthesia. We understand the concern many pet owners have over anesthesia, but do not fret. This is done for the safety of the pet and the safety of the trained veterinary professional performing the procedure, and our facility follows strict safety protocols.
Step 3. At–home Care
It’s important to remember that a pet’s dental health is predominantly dependent on what happens at home. We can do our part during physical exams and routine dental cleanings, but it’s highly encouraged to practice proper dental care between visits. Not all human dental products are pet-safe, so be sure to ask your veterinarian for dental product recommendations.
If you’re lucky enough that your pet will allow you to brush their teeth at home, that’s great! However, this is not the reality for many pet owners. For less tolerable pets, there are countless dental alternatives such as rinses, treats, and toys that will help break down plaque and tartar build-up.
The sooner you begin at-home teeth brushing, the better. If you start brushing your pet’s teeth at a young age, they will be less stressed and more cooperative.
It’s important to remember that a pet’s dental health is predominantly dependent on what happens at home. We can do our part during physical exams and routine dental cleanings, but it’s highly encouraged to practice proper dental care between visits. Not all human dental products are pet-safe, so be sure to ask your veterinarian for dental product recommendations.
If you’re lucky enough that your pet will allow you to brush their teeth at home, that’s great! However, this is not the reality for many pet owners. For less tolerable pets, there are countless dental alternatives such as rinses, treats, and toys that will help break down plaque and tartar build-up.
The sooner you begin at-home teeth brushing, the better. If you start brushing your pet’s teeth at a young age, they will be less stressed and more cooperative.