Find us on FacebookDental Health for Pets
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."
— Josh Billings, American Humorist
Pet Dental Health
Dental disease is the most overlooked disease in veterinary medicine. Current statistics estimate that 95% of dogs and cats will have dental disease requiring correction at some time during their lives. This can range from the build up of dental tartar and plaque to a severe form of dental disease called periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is dental disease that has progressed to the point of losing supporting bone around the tooth. As the tooth begins to loosen, your pet becomes vulnerable to even more damage. Dental disease can lead to seeding other areas of the body with infection, harming vital organs such as the:
- Heart
- Lungs
- Liver
- Kidneys
Approximately 20% of dogs and cats suffer from periodontal disease (infection of the bone surrounding the tooth), so we see this as a significant and potential problem for every pet. Our board-certified veterinary dentist, Dr. James Auvil, is the only such specialist in the state of Ohio. In addition to his work for patients of Grady Veterinary Hospital, he takes referrals for difficult veterinary dental cases and performs root canals and other advanced dental procedures that most veterinarians can’t do. Meet Dr. Auvil and read why he became a veterinarian.
As an AAHA-accredited veterinary facility, we follow the AAHA Dental Care Guidelines. These guidelines recommend regular oral examinations and dental cleanings, under general anesthesia, for all adult dogs and cats. AAHA recommends these procedures at least annually starting at one year of age for cats and small-breed dogs, and at two years of age for large-breed dogs.
Home Dental Care for Your Pet
Bringing your pet to us is not the only measure to take in preventing dental problems. As a pet owner, you play an important role in your pet’s dental health through regular teeth brushing. For more information on getting started, click on the links below
Brushing your dog's teeth
Brushing your cat's teeth
To find out more about dental health in pets, explore these informative websites:
- Veterinary Oral Health Council—This site offers extensive information on oral health care for pets.
- Pets Need Dental Care, Too—This Pet Dental Health Campaign site provides information, instruction, and fun activities for kids.
- C.E.T. Home Dental Care—This site offers an extensive line of at-home dental care products for your pet.
- Veterinary Partner’s The Dental Care Series, by Dr. Jan Bellows—This site offers a comprehensive series of articles aimed at helping pet owner better understand their pets’ oral health.