Dental care for pets is a responsibility that dog and cat owners probably don’t think about as often as other care-related issues, like finding the healthiest food, keeping them active and tending to any acute injuries or illnesses. But, proper dental care is vital to an animal’s overall health, just as it is for their human companions.
And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Affordable pet dental care exists. And, an investment in regular dental cleanings has the potential to save money on more costly procedures later in life.
The American Veterinary Dental Society estimates that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats exhibit signs of periodontal disease by the time they’re three years old. That overwhelming prevalence of dental disease indicates that, without routine care, dogs and cats have a high likelihood of developing the painful condition that often affects their appetite and can lead to swollen, bleeding gums.
Dogs and cats, to no one’s surprise, have different needs and opportunities when it comes to finding affordable pet dental care.
The three most common feline dental diseases, according to Cornell University, include gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth resorption — which is the gradual erosion of tooth enamel until an entire tooth is involved and destroyed.
For dogs, the most common dental issues include periodontal disease (known most commonly as gum disease), oral infections and tooth fractures.
The good news is, periodontitis in cats and periodontal disease in dogs are dental issues that owners can actively help their pet avoid. With routine dental care, those dental problems may never arise, since they begin with a build-up of tartar and plaque.
At Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, we offer premium pet dental care that can be easy on your wallet for that very reason. We understand the need for proper dental care for dogs and cats, which is why we make routine cleanings affordable so owners have the opportunity to get them done.
Here are some things you should know if you’re in search of affordable pet dental care.
- Most dogs and cats only need to have their teeth cleaned once a year. Some smaller breeds of dogs, and brachycephalic dogs, may need to have their teeth cleaned twice a year due to specific issues with the roots on their teeth.
- Dogs and cats shouldn’t get their teeth cleaned as babies. Give them time to grow a bit, lose their baby teeth and grow into their adult teeth. By the time they’re two, they should be ready for their first cleaning.
- Anesthesia is required for a thorough dental cleaning. It keeps everyone comfortable and safe during the procedure.
- Dental disease is sometimes reversible. At Dr. Kelly’s, we see some dogs with grade 2 dental disease and with scaling and polishing, we’ve been able to turn back the clock on gingivitis.
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 highly specialized surgery, quality spay and neuter procedures and accessible dental care for pets. Contact us to learn more about our affordable services and our accessible appointments.
