February is National Pet Dental Health Month, which is a great reminder for pet owners to discuss their pet’s oral health with their veterinarian. Your veterinarian should perform an annual dental checkup to look for early warning signs of issues like bad breath, tooth decay, plaque and tartar buildup, periodontal disease, and infection. Your pet should also undergo a professional dental cleaning every one to three years or as recommended by your veterinarian. Here is what you can do to prepare your pet for a dental cleaning.
Schedule a Physical Exam with Your Veterinarian
Before your pet has a dental cleaning, he should visit the veterinarian for a physical exam. Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s oral health, as well as their overall health, to make sure they can undergo anesthesia and are healthy enough for a dental cleaning. The veterinarian may also take dental x-rays, run cardiology tests, or take a chest radiograph.
Get Blood work Done
Your pet may need to have blood work done before they undergo a dental cleaning. Blood tests can evaluate their liver and kidney functions and make sure it’s safe for your pet to undergo sedation.
Prevent Your Pet from Eating
Your pet shouldn’t eat or drink for at least 12 hours before their dental cleaning procedure. This protects your pet from vomiting while under sedation.
If your pet hasn’t had a dental exam for over a year, make an appointment with your veterinarian today for a checkup.