Comprehensive Dog & Cat Dental Care
Good dental health is a critical component of your pet's oral and overall health, but most pets don't get the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
We understand the importance of both cat dental care and dog dental care. Our skilled team includes dedicated cat dentists and dog dentists who specialize in providing comprehensive dental services for your beloved pets.
At our Madison animal hospital, we provide complete pet dental care for dogs and cats, from basics such as dental exams, teeth cleanings and polishing, to dental x-rays and surgeries.
We also make a point of providing dental health advice to pet owners so that they have the knowledge they need to help keep their pet's mouth healthy between visits.
Veterinary Dental Surgery at Gluckstadt Animal Hospital
Finding out that your pet needs dental surgery can be overwhelming, that's why we do all we can to make this process as stress-free as possible, for you and for your pet.
We work to ensure that our patients from Madison and beyond have an experience with us is comfortable and easy. We'll break down each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care.
We offer jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Preventative Cat & Dog Dental Care: Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Visiting Gluckstadt Animal Hospital for a veterinary dental appointment is much like your own visit to the dentist. While most pets do well with yearly appointments those who are more prone to dental problems may need to see us more often.
Our Madison vets can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
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Symptoms
If your pet is displaying any of the following symptoms, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
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Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed before your pet's dental exam.
Our team will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
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Treatment
Next, the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and x-rays are taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
The final step is to apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is found, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you. -
Prevention
We recommend that your pet attend a follow-up examination two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During this visit, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home. We can also recommend products that can help improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
If this will be your pet's first dental appointment you are bound to have questions.
Below you will find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients about pet dental care.
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Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health.
Just like in humans, when animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away regularly.
This can lead to infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums. -
How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know behavior may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams. -
What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing. -
What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.
The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take.
In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us. -
What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque.
Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
Anesthesia & Pet Dental Care
Cats and dogs simply do not understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react to them by struggling or biting.
Similar to the anesthesia provided to nervous or anxious patients by dentists, our Madison vets provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on the animals and allows us to x-ray their mouth, and perform dental procedures more efficiently.
New Patients Welcome
Gluckstadt Animal Hospital is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of Madison companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.
Contact
Hours
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- Monday:07:30 am - 05:30 pm
- Tuesday:07:30 am - 05:30 pm
- Wednesday:07:30 am - 05:30 pm
- Thursday:07:30 am - 05:30 pm
- Friday:07:30 am - 05:30 pm
- Saturday:08:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Sunday:Closed
We are open for boarding pickup on Sundays starting at 4:30 pm and ending based on client demand.