Well everyone, I’m embarassed to say that my dad told me that my breath was smelling pretty awful recently. I didn’t understand what he meant since I thought it smelled awesome! Apparently stinky breath can be a sign of dental disease…I had no idea!
My dad told me I needed a dental cleaning to help my breath smell better and to clean the tartar and plaque off of my teeth. I didn’t like the sound of this, but since I know he loves me and wants only the best for me, I agreed.
They wrote me on the surgery board at the animal hospital, so everyone would know that I was going to be one of their VIP surgery patients that day.
Then they gave me an injection of something that made me feel sleepy, and they shaved a little hair on my front leg to place a catheter. This was so I could get fluids while I was having my dental cleaning. (I overheard them saying that it would help keep my blood pressure regulated while I was under anesthesia.) They lifted my sleepy self up and placed me on the dental table. I was hooked up to a monitor so they could keep an eye on my heart rate, my blood pressure, my ECG, and my oxygen saturation. I also got to lay on a warming pad to keep my temperature regulated during my cleaning.
I had a comprehensive dental cleaning including ultrasonic scaling, polishing, and even a sealant applied to my teeth! Luckily my dad had this done when my dental disease was pretty mild, so I didn’t need any tooth extractions.
After my dental cleaning, I was still pretty sleepy. My tongue was having a problem staying in my mouth. My dad let me take a long nap in his office.
To keep my teeth looking great and to keep my breath fresh, my dad (and my friends on the staff at Cornerstone Animal Clinic) are going to help me with some preventative dental care. We have dental diets, dental treats and chews, toothbrushes, and even toothpaste made just for dogs and cats!
If your furry family member has stinky breath (like I did), it’s time to get them checked out by one of our awesome animal doctors so you can see if they need a dental cleaning too! Call us to schedule an appointment at 972-385-3555.
I hope to meet you soon! I would love to show off my fresh breath and clean teeth (and have you give me a treat!)
Have a pawsome day!
Bernie Morse, Fresh Breath King
Additional Notes on the Benefits of Dental Care at Our Animal Clinic
Keeping your pet’s teeth clean is just as important as taking care of any other part of their body. Regular dental care, including professional teeth cleaning, keeps your dog’s oral hygiene in check and prevents potential health issues. Here are some important reasons to bring your best friend to our animal clinic for a dental cleaning:
- Prevent Dental Disease: Just like humans, dogs can develop dental problems such as plaque buildup, tartar, gum disease, and tooth decay. While brushing at home does help, there is no substitute for professional care. Regular teeth cleaning at an animal clinic helps remove plaque and tartar, preventing the progression of dental disease. Taking a proactive approach can save your dog from pain, discomfort, and potential tooth loss.
- Freshen Breath: Bad breath is a common sign of dental issues in dogs. Investing in a professional cleaning at an animal clinic can eliminate the underlying causes of bad breath, such as bacterial buildup, stubborn food particles, and infections. Eliminating your dog’s stinky breath makes cuddle time much more pleasant!
- Detecting Dental Issues: During your dog’s professional cleaning, our veterinarians will thoroughly examine their mouth, teeth, and gums to see whether there are any dental issues such as broken teeth, oral tumors, or signs of infection. Early detection is key to addressing these problems promptly and preventing them from worsening.
- Pain Management: Dental problems can cause significant pain and discomfort for your dog, which makes it more difficult to eat, chew, or even play. By getting their teeth cleaned at our clinic, you can help alleviate any pain your dog may be experiencing, which improves their overall quality of life.
- Prevent Systemic Health Problems: Poor oral health in dogs can lead to more than just dental problems. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect other organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys. Professional teeth cleaning helps reduce the risk of these systemic health issues, keeping your dog healthy and happy.
- Professional Expertise: While regular at-home dental care is essential, only professional clinics have the training, tools and equipment to get the job done safely and effectively. Our team will make sure that your dog receives the highest standard of care during the cleaning process.
Professional teeth cleaning at an animal clinic complements your efforts and provides a more comprehensive approach to maintaining your dog’s oral health. By bringing your best friend to us for dental care, you are taking proactive steps to protect their long-term well-being and happiness.
