Teeth Cleaning at Mayer Vet in Lafayette

If you are a pet owner who is based in the greater Lafayette, LA, area, it is important that you take your dog in for regularly scheduled teeth cleanings, as they are a vital part of any dog’s dental care. Because of the importance of maintain your dog’s dental health in relation to his or her overall health, there are a number of questions that people often ask about dental cleaning for dogs. We are going to take a few moments to answer some of the most common ones below in more detail.

What Steps Need to be Taken Prior to the Dog Teeth Cleaning?

Your veterinarian will most likely begin by performing preanesthetic blood tests, which will allow them to determine if your dog’s kidney and liver are functioning well enough to allow for anesthesia. They will also likely want to evaluate the heart and the abdomen as well. Anesthesia is a vital part of any successful dental cleaning, as each tooth needs to be evaluated and cleaned on an individual basis.

What Actually Happens During a Dental Cleaning For Dogs?

When your dog gets their teeth cleaned, the process is divided into two distinct phases. After they are put under sedation, the first step is to undertake a thorough dental examination. This will allow the veterinarian to immediately identify any problem areas before they become serious at a later date. The second phase is the actual cleaning and polishing of each individual tooth.

This tooth scaling is accomplished by using both ultrasonic and hand scalars, based on the needs of the individual pet. This will remove both tartar and plaque from above and below the gum line. By doing this, you will greatly reduce your pet’s chance of having periodontal disease.

Can You Use Human Dental Scalers and Toothpaste For Your Dog’s Dental Care?

We cannot stress this enough – the answer to that question is a resounding no on both accounts. In terms of the scaler, it is not designed for canine teeth, and so it will not necessarily be effective at removing plaque and tartar buildup.

With regards to human toothpaste, it contains chemicals that are not safe for canine consumption and can harm your pet if they are swallowed. When brushing your pet’s teeth at home, only use safety-certified pet toothpaste that is intended for dogs.

The team at Mayer Vet will be happy to answer any questions you might have about dog dental care if you are a pet owner based in Lafayette, LA. Please contact us by phone or email if you have an inquiry.

If you’d like to learn more about our in-house Diagnostics, don’t hesitate to call today! Ask about our spa specials, including grooming options for any dog in your pack!