Prevent Bad Breath & Disease with Dog and Cat Teeth Cleaning In Pasadena, TX
Does your cat or dog have bad breath? Despite the general myth, “dog breath” is not normal. The reason your dog (or cat) has bad breath is likely due to gum disease or periodontal disease. This disease will affect your pet’s oral hygiene, and cause damage to their teeth and gums. If left untreated, the bacteria from their mouths can affect your pet's overall health and even damage internal organs. Gum disease is the single most common disease in cats and dogs, yet it is entirely preventable. At Spencer Animal Hospital, we put a strong focus on preventive dog and cat teeth cleaning in Pasadena, TX so your pets can be healthy and happy, and you can enjoy their kisses again. Call us at (281) 476-0066 to schedule a teeth cleaning appointment for your pet today.
Catch a whiff of dog breath? Schedule a dental evaluation for your pet today!
Our Safe, Effective Dental Procedures
The technicians and veterinarians at our animal hospital are trained in dental cleanings and procedures and will ensure your pet gets the best clean in the safest way possible. When your pet is scheduled for a dental cleaning, we first do pre-anesthetic blood work to make sure they are healthy enough for the anesthesia and the procedure. For senior pets, we may also recommend chest X-rays and/or an electrocardiogram to assess their heart health. Once your pet is cleared for the procedure, we perform the following services:
- Digital dental X-rays to assess the degree of periodontal disease below the gum line
- Ultrasonic scaling of each tooth to remove tartar above and below the gum line
- Polishing of each tooth to slow future dental plaque and tartar buildup
- Extraction of broken or damaged teeth only as needed (and with your consent)
- Appropriate pain medication administration to minimize any discomfort
How Often Does Your Cat or Dog Need Teeth Cleaning?
You might be wondering how often your dog needs regular dental care and if your cat is on the same timeline. For at-home care, the answer is every day! For professional care, we recommend all pets come in for an annual wellness exam during which we will perform a dental evaluation. If we find excessive tartar buildup, we will recommend a cleaning. Usually, an annual teeth cleaning is needed. However, depending on their oral health and how diligent you are with home care, that timeline could be extended, and we may even recommend cleaning on an as-needed basis.
Effective At-Home Pet Dental Care
The most effective form of at-home dental care is tooth brushing on a daily basis. It’s the single best way to remove built-up plaque and tartar on teeth. Brushing your cat’s or dog’s teeth can be a challenge if they haven’t been trained since puppy- or kitten-hood to accept it, but with patience (and some help from our skillful team), your pet should learn to tolerate it. Still, we understand that for many, brushing your pet’s teeth daily can be difficult. Fortunately, there are several other options we can recommend (although brushing your pet’s teeth once or twice a week should still be a goal!):
- Water additives
- Oral sprays
- CET Hextra Chews
- Greenies Dental Chews
- Prescription dental diets
Please talk to our staff at your next appointment for tips on brushing your cat or dog's teeth and for recommendations on other dental care products that will keep your pet’s breath fresh and their mouth healthy!
Call us at 281-476-0066 to schedule your next cat and dog teeth cleaning with one of out expert veterinarians today.