Clients are often surprised to hear that cats and dogs should not have bad breath — at least not all the time! Chronic halitosis can be a sign of gum disease or a more serious underlying medical condition, such as problems in the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, or internal organs.
Regular dental cleanings not only improve your pet’s smile, they also help prevent gum disease, which can cause bad breath and can lead to painful chewing and tooth loss. Additionally, bacteria that build up in the gums can actually travel to your pet’s organs, causing issues with the heart, kidneys, or liver if left unchecked.
In addition to providing your pet with a thorough dental cleaning, Westside Animal Hospital provides full mouth digital x-rays to help spot problems beneath the surface. When necessary, we also provide tooth extractions and oral surgery.
Because dental procedures require your pet be under anesthesia, Dr. Murphy will conduct an assessment of your pet's overall health, which includes pre-anesthetic testing that adheres to AAHA’s anesthesia and dental guidelines.
Any risk factors, such as heart or kidney disease, must be evaluated, and a customized anesthesia plan will be put in place. While your pet is under anesthesia, our trained veterinary technicians will monitor your pet’s heart rate, blood pressure, reflexes, oxygen level, and temperature to ensure your pet's treatment goes smoothly.
We encourage you to contact us with any questions regarding your pet’s oral health.
