dog dental cleaning - before and after

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs and cats, and proper care is crucial in maintaining your pet's overall health. Even minor issues, such as tartar buildup, can lead to serious heart, lung, liver, and kidney problems if they're left untreated. At Countryside, we include an oral exam with every pet's annual wellness check. If our veterinarian discovers signs of dental disease including swollen guns (or gingivitis), dental tartar, plaque, or tooth decay, cleaning for your pet will most likely be recommended. Including an oral exam in your pet's annual wellness check is effective not only in prevention but in positively impacting overall health.

Symptoms Of Dental Disease May Include:

  • Bad Breath
  • Broken or loose teeth
  • Teeth that are discolored
  • Teeth covered in tartar
  • Reduced appetite
  • Refusal to eat
  • Swelling around the mouth
  • Discharge from the nose
  • Redness or sores on the face
Straight From Your Pet’s Mouth

Anesthesia-Free vs. Anesthesia Dental Cleaning

You may have heard about the new trend in anesthesia-free dental cleanings for your pet.  Initially, an anesthesia free dental may sound less complicated and better for your pet and wallet. However, anesthesia-free cleanings can cause more harm than good.

Here is why we choose to only do dentals under anesthesia:
1
Hold Still
Anesthesia free dentals require your pet to be restrained while their teeth are cleaned. Just consider, even the slightest head movement could result in an injury to your pet's oral tissues. Also, imagine the stress your pet will be under as they are held down for a teeth cleaning.
2
Merely Cosmetic
Your pet's teeth may look clean after an anesthesia free dental, but they are still just as at risk for peridontal disease. The most critical part of a pet's dental is cleaning and scaling below the gum line.
3
Incomplete Care
Prior to your pet receiving anesthesia, a thorough examination and bloodwork will be completed to ensure your pet is healthy enough to undergo the procedure. In order to provide our patients with the highest level of care, dental radiographs are also performed with every dental patient. ​

Our guidelines for dental procedures align with the standards of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Don't Let Dental Disease Threaten The Health And Comfort Of Your Pet, ​Schedule An Appointment Today For An Annual Dental Exam!

Normal vs abnormal dog denture
From the Blog

News & Articles

As many of our clients know, we love sharing our knowledge and important animal health news. Our blog contains valuable educational resources in one easy location.

Nov 1

Caring for Your Senior Dog: A Guide to Their Golden Years

Caring for a senior dog involves adjusting their diet, exercise, and environment to support aging joints and health needs while prioritizing regular vet check-ups and providing extra comfort. By focusing on these areas, you can help your dog enjoy their golden years with happiness and vitality.
More
Jul 8

July: Pet Hydration Awareness Month – Ensuring Your Pets Stay Hydrated

National Pet Hydration Awareness Month in July emphasizes the importance of keeping pets well-hydrated to prevent dehydration. This blog goes over some great tips for ensuring pets drink enough water and recognizing early signs of dehydration in cats and dog.
More
Jun 1

Understanding Skin Allergies in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Discovering the causes, symptoms, and management of skin allergies in dogs is crucial for pet owners. From environmental triggers to dietary adjustments and veterinary guidance, our vets provide essential insights to help dogs lead comfortable lives despite skin allergies.
More
Mar 30

8 Ways to Ensure Your Pet is Living Their Best Life

Ensuring your beloved pet lives a happy, healthy life is every pet owner's top priority. In this post, we explore eight strategies to help you optimize your pet's well-being.
More
Jan 31

Chew on This: The Ultimate How-To for Happy Pet Teeth!

Preventing oral diseases in our furry friends is easier than you might think. Here's our Step-by-Step Guide.
More
Dec 28

Healthy Pets: Tackling Weight Loss

January: Pet Weight Loss Awareness Month! Is Your Pup Pudgy? Is Your Kitty Chunky? Dr. Childers shares her expertise on combatting this health-threatening condition for both dogs and cats.
More
Dec 5

Cracking the Code: Understanding the Purr-fect Language of Cats

In honor of December being "National Cat Month", we're going to unravel the captivating history of cats and decode the unique language they use to communicate with us.
More
Nov 2

Senior Pet's Arthritis Guide: Keep Them Painless & Playful!

Learn how to spot the signs and explore proactive steps that can make a significant difference in enhancing your senior pet's well-being.
More
Oct 2

Best Local Trails to Walk Your Dog

Walking your dog is the best form of mental and physical exercise for both of you. Find your momentum and explore new hiking trails with our handy list for locals.
More
1 Nov

Caring for Your Senior Dog: A Guide to Their Golden Years

Caring for a senior dog involves adjusting their diet, exercise, and environment to support aging joints and health needs while prioritizing regular vet check-ups and providing extra comfort. By focusing on these areas, you can help your dog enjoy their golden years with happiness and vitality.
More
8 Jul

July: Pet Hydration Awareness Month – Ensuring Your Pets Stay Hydrated

National Pet Hydration Awareness Month in July emphasizes the importance of keeping pets well-hydrated to prevent dehydration. This blog goes over some great tips for ensuring pets drink enough water and recognizing early signs of dehydration in cats and dog.
More
1 Jun

Understanding Skin Allergies in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Discovering the causes, symptoms, and management of skin allergies in dogs is crucial for pet owners. From environmental triggers to dietary adjustments and veterinary guidance, our vets provide essential insights to help dogs lead comfortable lives despite skin allergies.
More
30 Mar

8 Ways to Ensure Your Pet is Living Their Best Life

Ensuring your beloved pet lives a happy, healthy life is every pet owner's top priority. In this post, we explore eight strategies to help you optimize your pet's well-being.
More
31 Jan

Chew on This: The Ultimate How-To for Happy Pet Teeth!

Preventing oral diseases in our furry friends is easier than you might think. Here's our Step-by-Step Guide.
More
28 Dec

Healthy Pets: Tackling Weight Loss

January: Pet Weight Loss Awareness Month! Is Your Pup Pudgy? Is Your Kitty Chunky? Dr. Childers shares her expertise on combatting this health-threatening condition for both dogs and cats.
More
5 Dec

Cracking the Code: Understanding the Purr-fect Language of Cats

In honor of December being "National Cat Month", we're going to unravel the captivating history of cats and decode the unique language they use to communicate with us.
More
2 Nov

Senior Pet's Arthritis Guide: Keep Them Painless & Playful!

Learn how to spot the signs and explore proactive steps that can make a significant difference in enhancing your senior pet's well-being.
More