The Importance of Dental Care for Pets
Dental disease is the most common disease seen by veterinarians. In fact, 70% to 85% of pets over the age of 2 have some form of dental disease.
Poor dental hygiene can be the cause of serious health problems for your pet. If dental problems are left untreated, your pet’s heart, liver, and kidneys are in danger of being infected by bacteria. Unfortunately, these threats are often difficult to identify, so bringing your pet in for a routine check-up is encouraged.
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Dental Disease in Pets
Many pet owners are unaware that dental disease can seriously impact their pet’s overall health. Harmful bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. More than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by the age of three, making it one of the most common health concerns in companion animals.
At Hartsdale Veterinary Hospital in Hartsdale, NY, we offer advanced dental care and emphasize the importance of at-home dental hygiene to help protect your pet's overall well-being. Regular checkups and cleanings are essential, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Signs of Dental Disease Include:
- Persistent bad breath ("doggy breath")
- Red, inflamed, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty chewing or reluctance to eat
- Loose, broken, or discolored teeth
If you notice any of these signs, contact us. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing more serious health issues.
Our Dental Services
At Hartsdale Veterinary Hospital in Hartsdale, NY, we carefully examine your pet’s teeth and gums during every wellness visit to check for signs of dental disease. If any issues are found, our team will explain their impact on your pet’s health and recommend appropriate treatment. In some cases, a follow-up exam may be needed for a more thorough oral assessment, which could include a professional dental cleaning.
Comprehensive dental care includes three essential components: regular dental exams, professional cleanings, and consistent at-home maintenance. After evaluating your pet’s oral health, we’ll create a custom dental care plan tailored to their specific needs. Most pets benefit from dental exams and cleanings every 1–2 years. At-home care is equally important, and we’ll equip you with tools and guidance—like toothbrushes, dental treats, and chew toys—to help maintain your pet’s dental health between visits.
To ensure dental care is accessible and affordable, we offer a dental package that includes a visual dental exam, pre-anesthetic evaluation, anesthesia with monitoring, digital dental x-rays, and a professional cleaning. Contact us to learn more about this convenient option.
Teeth Cleaning
At Hartsdale Veterinary Hospital, we’re committed to maintaining your pet’s oral health with comprehensive dental care in Hartsdale, NY. Annual dental cleanings and oral exams are essential in preventing conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease. Left untreated, bacteria from plaque and tartar can enter the bloodstream and contribute to serious health problems affecting the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Signs of dental disease may include bad breath, excessive drooling, difficulty chewing, plaque buildup, loss of appetite, weight loss, sneezing, irritability, and even nasal discharge. These symptoms can cause your pet significant pain, which is why early detection and routine care are so important.
Dental Radiography
Because much of a tooth is hidden below the gumline, dental radiographs are a vital part of evaluating your pet’s dental health. These X-rays allow our veterinary team to detect hidden issues like infections, fractures, or bone loss, and they help us provide precise, effective treatment during dental procedures.
Professional Dental Cleaning
All cleanings at Hartsdale Veterinary Hospital are performed under general anesthesia to keep your pet safe, pain-free, and still during the procedure. Before cleaning, we perform a full physical exam and pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the procedure. Once under anesthesia, we remove tartar from the teeth, clean beneath the gum line, polish the teeth, and rinse with an antibacterial solution. Throughout the procedure and recovery, your pet is closely monitored by our experienced medical staff.
At-Home Dental Care
Daily brushing is the best way to maintain your pet’s dental health between professional cleanings. If brushing feels challenging, we’re here to help you introduce the habit gradually. Starting when your pet is young can make a big difference in their willingness to accept brushing as a normal part of their routine. We also offer recommendations for dental treats, chews, and rinses that support oral hygiene.