Animal Dental Care Seattle

Looking for pet dentistry or pet dental services in Seattle, WA?

The most common problem in dogs and cats is periodontal (gum) disease. By age three, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of periodontal disease.

Our Seattle veterinarians believe in the value of regular home dental care to keep your pet’s smile looking great. As with people, our pets also need to get their teeth cleaned professionally on a periodic basis. The frequency of cleanings will vary with the pet’s age, breed, overall dental health, and the level of home care you are able to provide. Regular cleaning of a healthy mouth is significantly less expensive than waiting until disease is present.

Dogs and cats do not show tooth pain or discomfort the same way people do because of their instinct to eat in order to survive. We know that these dental problems do cause them pain, just as it does in people, and that is why it is so important to do a thorough dental cleaning and evaluation under anesthesia. Anesthesia is the only way to look at all aspects of the tooth and clean underneath the gum lines. X-rays of damaged teeth help our veterinarians know the best treatment plan and holding still for a proper radiograph is needed.

Common signs of pet dental disease include:

• Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Changes in eating or chewing habits
• Pawing at the face
• Loose teeth
• Depression

 

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria and their toxins destroying the teeth and gums. This bacteria can cause other health problems for pets. 

When your pet inhales, swallows or eats food, it allows the bacteria and toxins into their lungs, stomach, intestines and into the bloodstream. Over several months or years, these bacteria and toxins can cause heart, liver, kidney, lung and gastrointestinal disease or organ failure. These problems become more severe as the pet ages due to chronic system changes, and chronic wear and tear on aging organs.

The Hawthorne Hills Veterinary Hospital team in Seattle, WA is here to help you provide the best dental care for your cat and dog. 

Call our Seattle veterinary hospital today to schedule a comprehensive dental evaluation with one of our doctors.

Click here to see some amazing dentistry Before and After Photos!