Is there anything I can do to help my cat prepare for a dental appointment? - Horizon Animal Hospital
Keeping your cat healthy otherwise is probably the most important thing to do in preparation. We will certainly have guidelines and recommendations given specifically in preparation for the day of the dental.
If my dog needs extractions, will he be given pain medication? - Horizon Animal Hospital
We believe in full multimodal pain control with all of our dental patients. We usually give them some type of a narcotic pain medication and usually a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, unless there are certain medical conditions that prevent that. Pain medication is usually also given to be taken home for your dog.
How long does a dog dental cleaning appointment take? - Horizon Animal Hospital
A dental cleaning appointment involves coming in the morning usually between 7:30 and 8. The overall dental procedures last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, sometimes up to two hours. After the procedure, the patient needs to recover, so they're usually here for a good five or six hours.
Is there anything I can do to help my dog prepare for a dental appointment? - Horizon Animal Hospital
Yes, all dogs get dental x-rays. It's an important part of evaluating the mouth because it allows us to see underneath the gum line and to look for things associated with periodontal disease such as bone loss.
Is there anything I can do to help my dog prepare for a dental appointment? - Horizon Animal Hospital
Keeping them healthy is crucial. The preparation will be outlined and described by the veterinarian depending on whether it's just an evaluation to look at the teeth or if we're actually planning on having the teeth cleaned that day.
How do I know if my dog’s teeth are causing them pain? - Horizon Animal Hospital
A lot of times we don't know that dogs are experiencing pain due to their bad teeth. Appetite and eating are not typically indicators of dental pain. Bad breath can be a big sign.
How often does my dog need a dental exam? - Horizon Animal Hospital
Dental exams, depending on age, are usually done every 6 to 12 months. Younger dogs typically don't need dental cleanings yet, but the teeth should be evaluated for the need for a dental usually at least once a year.
How do I know if my dog needs a dental exam? - Horizon Animal Hospital
Through routine evaluation by your veterinarian, they will evaluate the mouth and see if there's development of tartar or calculus on the teeth, redness to the gums, sometimes the teeth become mobile and loose, sometimes they can be broken. These are all things that lead us to believe that we probably need to get our dog's teeth cleaned.
Are there chew toys that can work to also “brush” my cat’s teeth? - Horizon Animal Hospital
There are some chew items out there. However, we focus predominantly on brushing and periodic dental cleanings through the veterinarian.