Did you know that most cats and dogs need a dental cleaning? Did you also know that this counts as a surgical procedure as it must be done under sedation? This blog post will teach you all about what a dental cleaning for your pets is.
Why is a dental cleaning (scale & polish) done under sedation?
Have you ever had your teeth cleaned at the dentist? The loud machines, the weird sensation as they scrape off the plaque, alongside the strange tasting paste they use to polish your teeth. The procedure is actually very similar to what happens when you visit the dentist. Unfortunately, we can’t explain to our pets to ‘open wide’ and that everything will be okay. For this reason, dental cleaning is done under sedation.
Why should I get my pet’s teeth cleaned?
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by the age of 3. Dental (or periodontal) disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets.
Common signs of dental disease include:
- Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Changes in eating habits
- Pawing at the face
- Loose teeth
- Depression
Keeping on top of your pet’s dental health can help prevent this from happening to your pet.
How much does dental cleaning cost?
Dental cleaning is considered a standard surgical procedure. For this reason, it does have a higher cost than you might expect. Since the procedure can take some time, IV fluids are necessary, alongside bloodwork to make sure your pet is fit and healthy to go under this procedure. Each veterinary clinic will have a different price, so it is best to reach out to your preferred clinic and ask them what the charge.
What is the recovery time?
There is little to no recovery time – just like when you visit the dentist. If any teeth are extracted, then there is recovery time, and the dental extraction process is very different to the cleaning process. Keep an eye out for out next blog post as we will be talking about what it means when your pet has to have teeth removed.
