Dentistry

Is bad breath driving a wedge between you and your pet?

Despite what you may have heard, stinky breath isn’t something that pet owners must simply learn to live with. To the contrary—it’s probably a sign that your pet needs to visit the dentist. 

Without proper care, your companion’s mouth can become a haven for bacteria, which can spread through the bloodstream and cause many other serious health problems. Left untreated, dental disease can even shorten your best friend’s life. 

Fortunately, with the right support, this can all be prevented.

The professional dentistry services at Richey Animal Clinic include both routine, preventative care as well as advanced treatment for existing oral conditions. 

Dental Radiographs (X-rays)

In many cases, dental issues cannot be properly identified and diagnosed through a cursory exam. Digital x-rays allow our doctors to discover what’s happening below the gumline. Dental x-rays in pets are similar to those taken in humans. The main difference is that pets must be anesthetized while being radiographed. At Richey Animal Clinic, we use only the safest and most effective anesthesia and closely monitor sedated patients at all times. 

Some of the signs of dental disease in companion animals include, but are not limited to:

• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Dropping food 
• Sudden disinterest in chew toys
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen or painful face
• Pawing at the mouth
• Yellow, broken, loose or missing teeth
• Gums that are red, swollen or bleeding

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to book a dental checkup. We’ll identify the problem and address it quickly. We’ll also show you things you can do at home to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy and disease-free year-round. 

You deserve to enjoy lots of close snuggles with your pet. The comprehensive dental services at Richey Animal Clinic can help get you there!