Essex Area Veterinary Clinic Emphasizes  Pet Dental Care

At Paw Prints Pet Hospital, we emphasize the importance of pet dental care to all of our clients. Why? Recent studies have shown that the great majority of all cats and dogs over the age of three will suffer some form of periodontal disease. This alarming statistic can lead to infection, loss of teeth, inability to consume food and even illness later in life. A serious infection called Stomatis can also develop when the immune system of the animal becomes allergic to plaque buildup and begins shedding teeth. If left untreated, Stomatis can even lead to malnutrition and death.

What responsible pet owner would want their companion to suffer through all that?

Pet Dental Care is Easier than Most Owners Think

The truth is pet dental care is a lot easier than most owners think. By giving your pet the gift of an annual dental examination and cleaning during their normal veterinary hospital checkup, there is a great chance most problems can be caught early. Routine dental cleaning, very similar to the process undergone by humans while in a dentist's chair, can also prevent infection.

But, not all pet dental care happens at a veterinary hospital. Choosing foods and toys that help reduce tartar and minimize tooth damage can also help. Dog and cat teeth brushing at home is also recommended by our Essex veterinarian. For tips on toys, treats, and how to brush your pet’s teeth at home, just ask our staff. We are happy to provide advice on pet dental care.

What are you doing to make sure your pet is getting adequate dental care?

Paw Prints Pet Hospital offers routine pet dental examinations, cleanings and teeth polishing. In certain cases, we also offer tooth extractions and minor oral surgery procedures. Nottingham, Essex, Parkville, Rosedale and Dundalk pet owners interested in scheduling a dental appointment with our clinic may do so by calling us.

What steps do you take to keep your pet’s mouth healthy?

Halloween Safety Advice from Our Essex Veterinarian

For people, Halloween means costumes and candy. For pets, those same costumes and candy can spell danger, leading to a visit to the local animal clinic or emergency vet. At Paw Prints Pet Hospital, serving the Essex, Nottingham, Parkville, Rosedale and Dundalk areas, we have some tips to keep your pets happy and safe this Halloween.

Avoid the Chocolate, Avoid the Emergency Trip to the Veterinary Clinic

While your pet may want to eat all the chocolate she sees, don't let her as doing so may result in an emergency trip to our veterinary clinic. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and other pets. The stronger the chocolate, such as dark chocolate, the more harm it can cause your pet. Keep all candies well out of the reach of your pet.

Take Care Around Jack O' Lanterns

If you have a pet that likes to run around the house or yard, be especially careful about carved pumpkins. A happy puppy can accidentally knock over the pumpkin, spelling disaster if it has a lit candle inside. Pets that get too close to the flame can burn themselves, even if they don't knock the pumpkin over. Avoid the risk of fire and burns by using an electric candle or LED tea light.  If your pet does get burned, take him to your local animal clinic for care right away.

Rethink the Costume

Just like people, not every pet likes dressing up. Some pets may chew on or eat parts of their costume, making the costumes a choking hazard. If your pet struggles when you try to put a costume on him, skip the costume this year. If your pet does let you put a costume on him, make sure it is free of choking hazards and that any loose pieces, such as zipper pulls or ties, are well out of the reach of his mouth.

What do you do to keep your pet happy and safe at Halloween?