Appointment Desk: 515-285-1297
The Best Grooming and Pet Care in Des Moines, IA
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Appointment
Number
515-285-1297
Number
515-285-1297
Copyright 2007 Fleur Critter Spa. All Rights Reserved.
We Use The Best!
Business Location
4525 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, IA
OPEN WIDE…HUGH?
Have you ever wondered how it would feel to NEVER, I mean NEVER have your teeth cleaned or brushed? With every passing year our pets pearly whites, without proper care, begin to show signs of wear and tear. Because they are pets, not people, we don’t think about our pet’s teeth and don’t realize their teeth are really not unlike our own. Pets have plaque build up and loose teeth, tooth decay, broken or cracked teeth, pulp exposure, root damage and pain, just like we do. They don’t show it in the way we do.
Have you ever wondered how it would feel to NEVER, I mean NEVER have your teeth cleaned or brushed? With every passing year our pets pearly whites, without proper care, begin to show signs of wear and tear. Because they are pets, not people, we don’t think about our pet’s teeth and don’t realize their teeth are really not unlike our own. Pets have plaque build up and loose teeth, tooth decay, broken or cracked teeth, pulp exposure, root damage and pain, just like we do. They don’t show it in the way we do.
As a groomer, I have the unfortunate experience of seeing many of our pets with teeth that are so infected and in critical need of care. Many owners feel they can’t afford to have their pets teeth cleaned but the truth is if they don’t get them cleaned things will only worsen and it will be much more costly. Don’t ignore your pets bad breath, that is one of the first signs. Plaque and tartar form naturally in your pet’s mouth when food remains in the crevices of the teeth, especially in the gum line. Ultimately this leads to periodontal disease that can cause bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream with potentially harmful effects on their internal organs.
By the age of 3, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have developed gum disease. Unchecked dental disease can not only result in a loss of teeth, but may damage your pet’s heart, kidneys, liver and other organs of their body. Oral disease is #1 health problem diagnosed in dogs and cats. It’s vitally important to have your pet undergo a dental exam by a veterinarian every 6 to 12 months and establish a home dental care routine that includes a healthy diet and regular brushing.
Febuary is Dental month for all pets BUT at Fleur Pet Hospital EVERY DAY is dental month. Offering special pricing for your pet to have his/her teeth cleaned (Dog or Cat). Estimates for dental work are honored for 30 days from the date on the estimate. Use this opportunity to have Doctor Lisa examine your pets teeth.
Symptoms include: bad breath, broken or missing teeth, changes in eating (usually decreased eating) chewing habits, depression, gum issues (red, swollen, painful or bleeding), Nasal discharge, pawing at the face or mouth, swelling or tearing below one eye, weight loss and yellow, gray looking teeth. This is the same for Cats.
Symptoms include: bad breath, broken or missing teeth, changes in eating (usually decreased eating) chewing habits, depression, gum issues (red, swollen, painful or bleeding), Nasal discharge, pawing at the face or mouth, swelling or tearing below one eye, weight loss and yellow, gray looking teeth. This is the same for Cats.
Domestic cats are very susceptible to Feline Oral Resorptive Lesions. In fact, these painful lesions are the most common tooth disease in domestic cats. Some studies report that 60% of cats over 6 years of age have at least one.
What is the difference between plaque and tartar? Plaque is a colony of bacteria, mixed with saliva, blood cells and other bacterial components. Plaque often leads to tooth and gum disease. Dental tartar, or calculus, occurs when plaque becomes mineralized (hard) and firmly adheres to the tooth enamel then erodes the gingival tissue.
What can happen if my pet’s teeth aren’t cleaned? Both plaque and tartar damage the teeth and gums. Disease starts with the gums (gingiva). They become inflamed, red, swollen and sore. The gums finally separate from the teeth, creating pockets where more bacteria, plaque and tartar build up. This in turn causes more damage and finally tooth and bone loss. This affects the whole body. Bacteria from these inflamed oral areas can enter the bloodstream and affect major body organs. The liver, kidneys, heart and lungs are most commonly affected. Antibiotics are used prior to and after dental cleaning to prevent additional infection.
What can happen if my pet’s teeth aren’t cleaned? Both plaque and tartar damage the teeth and gums. Disease starts with the gums (gingiva). They become inflamed, red, swollen and sore. The gums finally separate from the teeth, creating pockets where more bacteria, plaque and tartar build up. This in turn causes more damage and finally tooth and bone loss. This affects the whole body. Bacteria from these inflamed oral areas can enter the bloodstream and affect major body organs. The liver, kidneys, heart and lungs are most commonly affected. Antibiotics are used prior to and after dental cleaning to prevent additional infection.
My pet doesn’t seem like she/he is in any pain. Do they experience oral pain? They may not verbalize or complain like we do as in the human world but animals most likely feel pain with periodontal disease. The pain levels may be low, or very noticeable and it varies with each animal. Obvious signs of oral pain may include: “chattering” teeth, while eating or drooming, drooling, crying out and refusing to eat. They have roots and pulp in their teeth so it is obvious that their pain is very real.
My pet lost a tooth the other day, She/he seems fine. Do I need to do anything? Yes, please see your veterinarian as soon as possible to check the pocket and other teeth. Exposed tissue can be very painful and are open to infection.
My young pet has two rows of teeth in some places, is this a problem? Yes, your pet is retaining its baby teeth and needs to be seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible. The baby teeth will cause the permanent teeth to become decayed if not taken care of.
If Doctor Lisa suggests a dental for my pet, what should I expect? If your pet has a lot of periodontal disease, she will likely prescribe antibiotics for a few days prior to the dental. This will reduce the infection in the mouth and the spread of bacteria via the bloodstream. Pets need to be anesthetized for a full dental cleaning. For a thorough oral exam and cleaning, pets must be anesthetized. Scaling tartar on an awake pet, without polishing the teeth, leaves a rough surface to the tooth, predisposing the tooth for more plaque and tartar accumulation, quicker. Doctor Williams strongly urges pre anesthetic blood work to ensure that everything else is OK with your pet. Any medications or fluids will be administered at time of surgery. Your pets teeth will be scaled and a complete exam of the gums (any pockets), extract diseased teeth, and then polish the teeth. Also administer Ora Vet on the freshly cleaned teeth. The equipment used on your pet’s teeth is much like you would find in a human dental office.
I try to brush every grooming pets teeth. I am so excited to have found a Latex glove that is so wonderful even the animals don’t mind having their teeth brushed. It is a powdered latex glove, it has a brush on the thumb and pointer finger. Put a little toothpaste on the fingertip and into the pets mouth. It is wonderful and much more sanitary than using a toothbrush, after use you just throw it away. We presently have them for sale in the reception area.
My pet lost a tooth the other day, She/he seems fine. Do I need to do anything? Yes, please see your veterinarian as soon as possible to check the pocket and other teeth. Exposed tissue can be very painful and are open to infection.
My young pet has two rows of teeth in some places, is this a problem? Yes, your pet is retaining its baby teeth and needs to be seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible. The baby teeth will cause the permanent teeth to become decayed if not taken care of.
If Doctor Lisa suggests a dental for my pet, what should I expect? If your pet has a lot of periodontal disease, she will likely prescribe antibiotics for a few days prior to the dental. This will reduce the infection in the mouth and the spread of bacteria via the bloodstream. Pets need to be anesthetized for a full dental cleaning. For a thorough oral exam and cleaning, pets must be anesthetized. Scaling tartar on an awake pet, without polishing the teeth, leaves a rough surface to the tooth, predisposing the tooth for more plaque and tartar accumulation, quicker. Doctor Williams strongly urges pre anesthetic blood work to ensure that everything else is OK with your pet. Any medications or fluids will be administered at time of surgery. Your pets teeth will be scaled and a complete exam of the gums (any pockets), extract diseased teeth, and then polish the teeth. Also administer Ora Vet on the freshly cleaned teeth. The equipment used on your pet’s teeth is much like you would find in a human dental office.
I try to brush every grooming pets teeth. I am so excited to have found a Latex glove that is so wonderful even the animals don’t mind having their teeth brushed. It is a powdered latex glove, it has a brush on the thumb and pointer finger. Put a little toothpaste on the fingertip and into the pets mouth. It is wonderful and much more sanitary than using a toothbrush, after use you just throw it away. We presently have them for sale in the reception area.