Bad breath is just the start of your pet’s dental health. But New Berlin Veterinary Clinic is here to help you take care of your pet’s total health… from the tip of their tail to the very last tooth!

Dental disease isn’t only affecting your pet’s mouth though. When left untreated, it can contribute to major organ diseases. Heart disease and kidney disease are two common consequences of poor dental pet care. Your pet’s gums can become inflamed and infected, and bacteria begin to migrate into the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body.

Warning Signs of Dental Disease

Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions in pets — studies show that at least 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease by the time they’re 3 years old. However, as with many medical conditions — pets tend to hide their discomfort until the pain becomes too much. When in doubt, an assessment by your veterinarian can help determine if there’s a dental problem.

  • Chewing on one side of the mouth
  • Swollen or bleeding gums
  • Reluctance to eat hard food

  • A foul mouth odor
  • Facial swelling
  • Broken, chipped, or discolored teeth

  • Chewing on one side of the mouth
  • Swollen or bleeding gums
  • Reluctance to eat hard food
  • A foul mouth odor
  • Facial swelling
  • Broken, chipped, or discolored teeth

Preventative Dental Care

Dental disease in cats and dogs is very common.  However, when left untreated, can lead to dangerous health conditions. While a dental health exam is included as part of your pet’s regular exam, the best pet dental care starts at home. Prevention is always the best medicine. With these tips below you can prevent a routine dental cleaning from becoming an oral surgery (where teeth need to be removed) for severe dental disease.

Toothpastes & Toothbrushes

Using an enzymatic toothpaste along with a pet friendly toothbrush or finger brush can help reduce bad breath and stop plaque buildup. We recommend that you brush your pet’s teeth daily if they allow and starting at a young age can make this easier. We carry a variety of dental products in clinic for your convenience.

Drinking Water Additives

Animals should always have access to free choice water. If there is concern with dental health, your veterinarian can guide you to our recommended dental water additives. These products are easy to use and are great for maintaining good oral health and freshening your pet’s breath.

Dental Chews

Treating our pets to a special snack can be fun, but not all treats are the same. When dental health is a concern, choosing treats and chews created with enzymes that help loosen tartar and prevent plaque are a great option. These neat treats are great for after brushing or on days when brushing isn’t possible. You don’t have to tell you pet that it’s healthy!

Dental Support Pet Food

For some patients, it is recommended to feed specially formulated food designed to support your pet’s dental health by reducing plaque, stains, and tartar buildup. These foods are veterinary prescribed.

Before Dental Cleaning

Because our dental cleanings are done under anesthesia, we recommend pre-anesthetic blood work. It will look at how your pet’s liver, kidneys and blood sugar are functioning, their levels, and whether or not it is safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia.

Unless your pet requires a more serious dental procedure than a cleaning, our dental cleanings are typically same day discharge. On the day of your pets procedure it is important that your pet has nothing to eat or drink after midnight on the day before.

For your pets comfort, we suggest bringing something that smells like home to leave with your pet – like a blanket or a shirt you slept in overnight.+

During Dental Cleaning

Our dental cleanings are done with ultrasonic scaling.Ultrasonic scaling is done with high frequency sound waves that are administered to the teeth, which knocks off plaque and tartar buildup.  After, our dental technicians use a rotational polisher to bring your cat or dogs teeth to a clean & shiny finish.

Typically, if a tooth requires surgical extraction, it is noticed during the initial dental exam. At this time, you have the option of approving additional measures if they are necessary. This helps reduce the risk of unnecessary anesthesia and additional procedures.

If your cat or dog has an issue during the dental cleaning, we will always do our best to contact the pet parent. If we find that your pet requires a tooth extraction during their dental cleaning, we will call you for approval to remove the tooth. +

Dental Discharge

Your pet will be discharged with instructions for their care. Depending on the amount of work done during the dental cleaning, your pet may go home on a limited diet and water intake for the night. Don’t worry – each patient is different and we will make sure you have all the instructions you need before you take your cat or dog home.

Make sure to follow your take home care instructions & call us at 607-547-8488 if you have any concerns.+