As a trusted veterinary clinic here in Washakie County, Cloud Peak Veterinary Services cares deeply about the complete health of your pet. From head to tail, your pet deserves to receive top-quality care administered by compassionate and competent professionals. While you may think that fixing broken bones and treating insect-borne illnesses, we care about the small details that have a huge impact, like your pet’s oral health. You may be thinking that your pet doesn’t need a dental cleaning or oral exam, but whether or not your pet’s mouth is healthy, having a professional’s opinion and diagnosis offers you peace of mind and guaranteed health to your furry family member. In fact, there are numerous dental diseases that are not noticeable to the naked eye, which is where a trusted professional comes into play.
If you are reading this in the month of February, then we have great news for you! Because February is National Pet Dental Health Month, Cloud Peak Vet offers a discount on teeth cleaning during the entire month! We perform a very comprehensive and thorough examination that will determine your pet’s oral health and suggested at-home tips that will improve your furry friend’s quality of life. Not to mention, we will send you home with a complimentary bag of dental-specific dog or cat food. As pet owners, you should have as many resources as possible, so let us know how we can provide the resources you need!
At Cloud Peak Veterinary Services, we want all pet owners to have access to the information they need to assist them in making good decisions regarding pet healthcare. If you have specific questions or concerns, give us a call at (307) 247-2781 and we would be more than happy to help. In the meantime, here are some important facts regarding your pet’s dental wellness.
What We Want to Avoid
With our years of experience, we have come to understand that there are two major diseases that commonly threaten your pet’s dental health: gingivitis and periodontal disease. While plaque is often overlooked, both of these diseases are a direct result of the buildup of plaque. When the plaque is not addressed, the buildup will continue to worsen, which will allow more bacteria to grow and spread around your sweet kitty’s mouth. This plaque buildup can lead to tartar or calculus deposits, which can cause serious damage. The tartar pushes down on the gums and exposes more of the root of the tooth, which leads to more pain and sensitivity for your pet. If it isn’t addressed in a timely fashion, we may need to remove some of your pet’s teeth in order to minimize pain and reduce infection.
Symptoms to Be Aware of
As mentioned, the main goal of dental care is to prevent serious issues from plaguing your pet later in life. To properly care for and monitor your pet’s mouth, you need to be aware of the symptoms associated with dental disease. If you want more information about the potential dental diseases, check out our other blog. Tackle your pet’s bad breath and its underlying cause by keeping an eye out for:
- Swollen gums
- Loose teeth
- A line of red along the gums
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Plaque/ tartar buildup
- Reluctance/ difficulty in eating
- More drooling than normal
If your pet has any of these symptoms, call our clinic immediately! Even if you are experiencing concerns or an emergency outside our hours, give us a call to access our emergency hours. We are here to ensure your pets are at their healthiest, so do not hesitate to reach out!
Top Quality Pet Dental Care in Washakie County
Prevention Tips
Do not overwhelm you or your pet with many sudden changes, instead, slowly introduce all our prevention tips into your routine. We recommend making the following critical prevention steps to provide your pet with a happy and healthy life. These steps are:
- Regularly clean your pet’s teeth, or have it done professionally.
- Incorporate wiping or brushing your animal’s teeth into your routine to prevent plaque buildup and tartar development.
- Double check the ingredients in your pet’s food and treats. You want to look for foods with an ingredient list that mostly contains whole, pet-safe foods. There are even prescription diets that might be perfect for your furry friend.
- Use a water additive that will reduce the amount of bacterial growth in your pet’s mouth.
- Use Veterinary Oral Health Care (VOHC) approved chews and products to ensure your animal is getting the benefits advertised. Check out their list of endorsed products here.
Give you and your pet the best shot at preventing serious dental and oral diseases when you consult a trusted professional. Your buddy’s treatment plan should be tailored to them, their needs, and their lifestyle, which is what our Cloud Peak Clinic provides. If you have any concerns or specific questions, give us a call at (307) 347-2781, and we would be happy to answer them!
Keep Their Smile Bright
If you’ve noticed that your pet has oral pain or they are self-grooming more than usual, they are more likely to contract a dental disease. Stay on top of their mouth by taking extra care when checking your furry baby’s teeth and stinky breath. As you provide your pet with the best at-home care, it is important to keep in mind that early, professional intervention will ensure that any problems you come across are quickly treated. Our Cloud Peak Clinic would love to be a part of your pet’s health journey, especially when it comes to their oral health. Schedule a standing appointment with us so we can consistently monitor your pet’s health and their needs. Request an appointment online or give us a call at (307) 347-2781, and we would love to set up a time convenient to you. If you have immediate questions or concerns, swing by our office in person, no appointment needed! Let us know how we can improve your furry friend’s dental health today.
