Dental Cleanings for Pets | Sandy Paws Veterinary Hospital
Dental Cleanings at Sandy Paws: Protecting Your Pet’s Smile and Health
As a loving pet owner, you already know that regular checkups, vaccinations, and a balanced diet are essential for your pet's well-being. But there's one area of care that often goes overlooked — dental health. At Sandy Paws Veterinary Hospital, we believe that a healthy mouth is the key to a healthy pet. That’s why we offer professional dental cleanings as a vital part of our veterinary services.
Why Dental Health Matters for Pets
Just like humans, pets can suffer from a variety of dental issues — from tartar buildup and gum disease to painful infections and tooth loss. In fact, over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by the age of three. Left untreated, dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth; it can also lead to more serious health problems involving the heart, liver, and kidneys due to bacteria entering the bloodstream.
Regular dental cleanings not only protect your pet’s teeth but also improve their quality of life by reducing bad breath, pain, and the risk of systemic illness.
What to Expect from a Dental Cleaning at Sandy Paws
At Sandy Paws Veterinary Hospital, your pet’s safety and comfort are our top priorities. Here's what a typical dental cleaning visit includes:
- Pre-procedure Exam: Every cleaning begins with a full physical exam and bloodwork to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia.
- Anesthesia Monitoring: We use modern, safe anesthesia techniques and monitor your pet’s vitals continuously throughout the procedure.
- Professional Cleaning: Our trained veterinary team will scale and polish your pet’s teeth above and below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar.
- Dental X-rays: We may take x-rays to check for hidden issues like root infections or bone loss.
- Post-Cleaning Care: After the cleaning, we’ll provide you with a home care plan, including brushing tips, dental diets, and chew options to maintain oral health.
Signs Your Pet May Need a Dental Cleaning
Not sure if your pet needs dental care? Look for these common warning signs:
- Bad breath (a major red flag!)
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown tartar buildup
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the mouth or face
If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule an appointment.
Home Dental Care Tips
While professional cleanings are essential, you can do a lot at home to support your pet’s dental health:
- Brush your pet’s teeth daily with pet-safe toothpaste.
- Use dental chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).
- Feed a vet-recommended dental diet if advised.
- Schedule regular veterinary checkups — at least once a year.
Why Choose Sandy Paws for Dental Care
We know your pet is family. That’s why at Sandy Paws Veterinary Hospital, we combine compassion with cutting-edge care to keep your companion healthy at every stage of life. Our experienced team uses the latest tools, gentle techniques, and personalized attention to ensure every dental visit is as stress-free and effective as possible.
Whether it’s your puppy’s first cleaning or a senior cat’s checkup, we’re here to support you with expert advice and care you can trust.
Don’t wait until your pet is in pain — preventive dental care can save you money and extend your pet’s life. Schedule your pet’s dental cleaning today with the friendly team at Sandy Paws Veterinary Hospital or call us at (239) 799-1011 to learn more. Let’s keep those tails wagging and those smiles sparkling!
