Dental care for pets has come a long way in recent years. Not only is it recommended, pet owners now have access to pet dental insurance. But, as is the case with humans, proper dental care begins at home for cats and dogs.
And, as luck would have it, there are a number of affordable dental cleaning products available on the market, allowing pet owners to get started with healthy habits at home.
From chews to special toothbrushes to safe toothpaste, pet owners should have no problem finding items that their cat or pup will like. When it comes to brushing, that may be a different story.
But, stick with it!
The benefits of brushing to keep their gums clean will pay off. Experts suggest that pet owners start slow with their tooth brushing routine, by first making sure the cat or dog is comfortable with your hand near or in his or her mouth. Once you’ve passed that hurdle, experiment with flavors, use small strokes with a brush or your finger, and make it quick.
After all, dogs and cats have a schedule to keep, and their patience may run thin if dental cleanings take more time than they’d like.
And, if the home routine isn’t working out, turn to professionals for assistance. If you don’t, you may run into problems down the road as gum disease sets in, which may lead to the need for extractions. And, since 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of periodontal disease by the age of 3, it’s important to be aware of signs that may indicate a problem.
Warning signs of dental disease include:
- Bad breath
- Yellowish-brown plaque on the gum line
- Red, swollen gums
- Pain or blood when the gums are touched
- Loose or missing teeth
- Drooling
- Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
- Pawing at the mouth
At Dr. Kelly’s, we offer affordable dental cleaning for pets at our offices and on our mobile units. We just think that properly caring for your pet shouldn’t become an overwhelming financial hardship.
Our team of experts offers routine cleanings in addition to convenient and affordable dental care surgeries, which may be needed if an extraction is required. We also offer deep cleanings, which may require anesthesia. And, we have a wealth of experience in the field.
At Dr. Kelly’s, we perform hundreds of affordable dental surgeries every month, from Tucson to Phoenix. And, we’ve been practicing — collectively — for more than 20 years. So, there’s a good chance we’ve seen it all, including grumpy pets that aren’t thrilled about receiving dental care.
Remember, we’re pet owners, too. So, we understand.
Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit is a trusted veterinary team serving the Phoenix, Peoria and Tucson metro areas, with accessible locations in each market, offering affordable surgery, affordable spay and neuter procedures and affordable dental care for pets. Contact us to learn more about our affordable services and our accessible appointments.