Dental care for pets is one of the most critical but under-treated services when discussing pet health.  Statistics indicate a vast majority of pets suffer from untreated oral disease which significantly impacts their overall heath and lifespan.

What is the prevalence of dental disease?

• According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by the age of 3.

 

• Dental disease is the #1 diagnosed health problem in dogs and cats under 10 years old.

 

• Smaller dog breeds (<14.3 lbs) are up to 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with periodontal disease than giant breeds (>55 lbs).

 

• Dogs aged 12 or older have 3.91 times the risk of dental disease compared to those aged 2 to 4.

What is the owner compliance and habits for pet dental care?

• Despite recommendations, only 4% to 8% of dog owners and 4% of cat owners brush their pet’s teeth daily.

 

• While 95% of pet owners brush their own teeth daily, roughly 43% of dog owners and 73% of cat owners report never brushing their pet’s teeth.

 

• Owners are more likely to use passive methods; 40% of dog owners provide dental chews daily, whereas only 8% brush daily.

What are the systemic health impacts of my pet's dental hygeine?
Poor oral hygiene is linked to severe systemic conditions due to bacteria entering the bloodstream:

• Heart Disease: Dogs with advanced periodontal disease are 6.3 times more likely to develop endocarditis (heart valve infection).
   

• Kidney Disease: Advanced periodontal disease makes dogs 2.3 times and cats 1.5 times more likely to develop chronic kidney disease.

 

• Longevity: Regular dental care can potentially extend a pet's lifespan by 2 to 5 years.
   

Prevention vs Treatment
Treating established periodontal disease costs more than double a preventive cleaning.
Our hospital has always stressed good dental care for our patients.  We recognize a wide variety of dental needs for these pets daily.  These needs range from simple preventative cleaning to major oral surgery.  Good dental hygiene and dental cleanings are a very important part of your pet's overall wellness.  Regular brushing, dental chews, treats, food, oral gels, and water additives also play a role.  If you pet has bad breath, it is time to make an appointment to address the issue.  Pet owners understand the value of good dental hygiene but are reluctant to get their pet's teeth cleaned because of the anesthesia involved.  Anesthesia is much safer with an elected procedure in a healthy pet than being performed on a pet with severe infections and other problems that may be present as the pet ages.  Performing bloodwork prior to sedation and monitoring during the procedure are also important components of dental services.

For new clients, a consultation exam will be needed prior to scheduling a dental service or when requesting a dental estimate.