El Camino Vet Hospital

Dental Diease – El Camino Veterinary Hospital

Dental Disease

El Camino Veterinary Hospital, Sacramento California
www.elcaminovethospital.com

Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats. Over 68% of all pets over the age of three have some form of periodontal or dental disease. Dental disease is extremely painful and can cause discomfort in your pets’ mouths. This can lead to pets’ decreased interest in eating, which then can lead to weight loss.

Dental disease is mostly due to tartar and calculus accumulation on the teeth. Tartar is easily identified by its tan or brown color. It is caused by thousands of bacteria that live in pets’ mouth. Many of these bacteria will breed on surfaces of the tooth and form an invisible layer called plaque or biofilm. The plaque thickens, becomes mineralized and is then visible as tartar and ultimately calculus. The tartar presses on the gums, which recede, causing inflammation and infection called gingivitis. The gums continue to recede until ultimately the tooth socket is infected and the tooth is lost. In addition, the bacteria are absorbed into the blood stream and can be carried to other organs, causing further health problems, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease.

If you see that your pet has evidence of tartar accumulation, gingivitis or is exhibiting any signs of mouth pain or discomfort, DO NOT try to remove tartar from your pet’s teeth yourself using any form of metallic instrument. Aside from potentially harming your pet’s mouth, you are likely to damage the tooth surface by creating microscopic scratches, which will provide areas for bacteria to cling to and encourage more rapid plaque formation, thus making the problem worse.

Instead, you should have your pet examined by a veterinarian. Your pet may require professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia. Before anesthesia can be done, pre-anesthetic blood tests are required to ensure that kidney and liver function are satisfactory.

At El Camino Veterinary Hospital our dental cleanings consist of:
1. Tooth scaling – which removes tartar and invisible plaque above and below the gum line.
2. Tooth polishing – which help prevent subsequent plaque build-up.

Special applications such as fluoride, antibiotic preparations and cleaning compounds may be indicated to decrease tooth sensitivity, strengthen enamel and reduce plaque accumulation and bacterial infection.
Once your pet’s teeth have been professionally cleaned, at-home dental care is recommended. This will keep your pet healthy, and reduce your pet’s need for professional cleaning. The most effective way of reducing plaque and tartar is brushing your pet’s teeth. NEVER use human toothpaste on pets, as these are not designed to be swallowed regularly and could cause problems. Please ask your veterinarian about pet-safe toothpaste. In addition, or as an alternative to brushing, a range of antibacterial mouthwashes and gels can be applied to the teeth and mouth to reduce the number of bacteria present.

For further questions on dental disease, cleaning, or at-home care, ask your veterinarian or us, El Camino Veterinary Hospital, at (916) 488-6878.

Boarding Your Pet by El Camino Veterinary Hospital

Many owners say that they will never leave their pets in boarding kennels.  However, situations may occur in which you are unable to take your pet with you.  During these times, you have the following options:

1. The pet stays at home and you arrange for a friend or relative to “pet-sit” in your home while you are away.
2. You arrange for a friend or neighbor to care for your pet in their home.  This works well when the pet knows the home and the people.  However, there is always a risk that your pet may escape and get lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
3. You arrange for your pet to go to a boarding facility.  This is probably the safest option since well-designed kennels are safe and secure.  Many boarding facilities are associated with trained professionals to care for your pet.

To find a boarding facility in your area you can search the Yellow Pages.  You can also ask your veterinary clinic for a list of their recommendations.  The best source of information is often from friends or neighbors who have previously boarded their pets. 

In order to ensure that the boarding facility meets your expectations, you should plan well in advance and visit the kennel beforehand.  Some kennels will recommend a series of short boarding visits lasting a few hours to allow your pet to become accustomed to being away from you, and get used to the boarding facility and staff.  When you pick up your pet, evaluate their general condition.  This will give you an indication of the standard of care your pet received.  Be sure to ask the kennel staff about your pet’s behavior and appetite.  Many pets that are unaccustomed to boarding will have a decreased appetite during their stay.  This is normal but frequent, short visits will help reduce your pet’s anxieties.

All pets that are boarded should be current on their vaccinations.  Rabies, distemper and upper respiratory vaccines are universally required.  Most boarding kennels will require proof of vaccination and all applicable pet licenses prior to boarding your pet.  Any special medical problems or dietary requirements should be fully discussed before boarding your pet at a kennel.  Be sure to call and find out what is required prior to your visit to prevent last minute delays.

If you have further questions regarding boarding your pet at a kennel please call us, El Camino Veterinary Hospital, at (916) 488-6878.  We can also give you a few recommendations of boarding facilities in the Sacramento Area.