Dental care is vital to the overall health of any pet. Dental disease can lead to health issues with the heart, liver, and kidneys and has the potential to seep into your pet’s bloodstream. In fact, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats over three years of age suffer from some form of dental disease, making it the most common pet health issue among our pet population.

In spite of these disturbing facts, many pet owners are not aware of the importance of dental care to their pets health. There are a lot of different ways to improve your pets dental hygiene, including home brushing, dental chews, and regular inspection.

The most effective way to protect your pet from dental disease is through professional cleanings. We perform thorough cleanings here at Southeastern Veterinary Hospital, including the area beneath the gums that you can’t see or access at home.

When your pet is scheduled for a surgical procedure in our clinic, they will need to be checked in the morning of the appointment between 7:30 am and 9 am. Your pet will need to be fasted for the sedation, NO FOOD AFTER MIDNIGHT. Water is ok until you drop off your pet. Pre-surgical bloodwork is required for dental procedures. We will perform that prior to anesthetizing your pet. This bloodwork will allow your veterinarian to know if your pet has any health concerns prior to being anesthetized.

You will receive a phone call from the surgery nurse when your pet is in recovery with a discharge time for your pet.

If your pet has brown/yellow teeth, bad breath, or is having difficulty eating, these could all be signs of dental disease. Please call us at (910) 739-9411 today to learn more or to request your pet’s dental cleaning.