Veterinarian in Ramsey Your Local Veterinary Clinic in Ramsey SEE UPDATED HOURS BELOW
Veterinarian in Ramsey Your Local Veterinary Clinic in Ramsey SEE UPDATED HOURS BELOW
Dental hygiene is an important part of your pet’s health. Your Ramsey Animal Clinic veterinarians know that dental disease can be associated with other serious health problems, such as heart and kidney disease. Prevention of disease through regular oral exams is the first step toward enhancing health and extending the life of your pet.
At every wellness visit, we thoroughly inspect your pet’s teeth and gums to help determine if there are any dental issues. After this assessment, we may recommend a more detailed examination requiring sedation and a dental cleaning or options for at-home dental care.
Pets may not demonstrate pain in an obvious way, but sometimes we see behaviors that indicate painful problems in the teeth, mouth, or jaw. Broken teeth, mouth sores, or oral tumors are often difficult to identify by pet owners, but are revealed in behaviors such as pawing at the face, drooling, or difficulty eating. Contact our clinic if you see any such changes in your pet’s behavior.
We may perform dental X-rays for a complete view of the teeth below the gum line, to identify developing problems or diseases before they become a serious issue. Diagnostic tests such as blood work may also be ordered when disease is suspected. Our veterinarians will discuss any concerns with you, explain recommended tests, and offer information and options to assist you in making the best treatment choice for your animal companion.
Does your animal companion have bad breath? Pet owners should know that “dog breath” is not only a nuisance, but also a sign of an unhealthy mouth.
Bacteria cause bad breath. Over time, these bacteria will lead to plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth. The result is bad breath, reddened gums, and other common signs of dental disease.
As dental disease progresses, other signs can include drooling, discomfort while chewing, and loose or missing teeth. Even if you’re using treats and chews to help control tartar, they are frequently not enough to keep dental disease in check. At your next visit, ask us about the best ways to control plaque and help protect your pet from dental disease.
After the teeth have been professionally cleaned, we offer expert advice to help you keep them that way. Fortunately, many dental problems in pets can be managed through simple techniques at home, regular dental checkups, and teeth cleanings.
Learning to brush your pet’s teeth is easy, and the whole family can share in the activity. For help in this area, WebMD’s Pet Health website offers a video demonstration on How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth and the comprehensive article Ten Steps to Cat Dental Health.
For more information on getting started with your pet’s home dental care regime, read the AAHA’s teeth brushing article. Review the AAHA Pet Dental Care Guidelines.
As an essential business, Ramsey Animal Clinic remains open and we are taking all the necessary precautions to maintain the health and safety of our dedicated team, patients and the community. At this time only staff members are permitted to enter the hospital. Emergencies, drop offs, appointments, discharges and Rx pick-ups must be coordinated by phone from our parking lot. Additionally, we ask you, our clients, for everyone's safety, to please wear a face covering whenever you are interacting with a member of our team. We appreciate your patience and support as we navigate this outbreak.