Promoting Better Oral Health Habits with Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning in Reno, NV

Promoting Better Oral Health Habits with Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning in Reno, NV

Your pet’s teeth are important to them, and require daily care and maintenance to protect against oral infections and periodontal disease. At Damonte Ranch Animal Hospital, we’re very passionate about providing exceptional dental care to our canine and feline patients so they can enjoy a happier, healthier (and possibly longer) life.

Along with recommendations for routine at-home care, we also provide dental prophylactic care to provide your pet with thorough teeth cleaning procedures to remove tartar and plaque both above and below the gum line. This is vital to minimize the risk of dental disease. Periodontal disease can be prevented throughout your pet’s life with a combination of at-home treatments (like teeth brushing) and regular cleanings at our animal hospital in Reno, NV.

Your pet’s oral health can have a direct effect on their systemic health.
Call (775) 852-8522 to schedule their oral exam with us.
pet teeth cleaning in reno NV
cat brushing teeth

Signs of Poor Dental Health in Pets

Many dogs and cats will not show any clinical signs of poor dental health until their condition has become more advanced. Typically, we ask pet parents to keep an eye out for the following to determine whether their pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian:

  • Bad breath
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty eating (dropping food, chewing on one side only)
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Teeth appear yellow/brown
  • Changes in behavior (eating less, sleeping more, playing less, etc.)

How We Perform Cat and Dog Teeth Cleanings

A majority of dental issues take place below the gum line, out of sight. To deep clean this area safely and thoroughly, we need to place our patients under general anesthesia. We administer anesthesia as safely as possible while monitoring your pet's heart rate, oxygen level, and blood pressure, and always provide IV fluid support as well.

As with surgery, we will examine your pet and run a blood test before their dental procedure to make sure their liver and kidneys are healthy. Then, we’ll perform the teeth cleaning procedure, which includes:

  • Digital dental X-rays (as necessary) to assess the whole mouth, above and below the gums
  • Checking each tooth and the pockets around the teeth for signs of infection
  • Scaling the teeth to remove stubborn plaque and tartar
  • Polishing the tooth enamel to slow and deter future buildup
  • Providing appropriate post-dentistry pain management as needed

We can help you establish an at-home teeth cleaning routine for your pet to keep plaque and tartar at bay and reduce the frequency of in-hospital cleanings. Call (775) 852-8522 today to get our recommendations!