Your Pets Health Needs Can Change with the SeasonYour Pets Health Needs Can Change with the Season


About Me

Your Pets Health Needs Can Change with the Season

When I bought my first house, the number-one item on my list of new home "must-haves" was a large, fenced-in back yard, so the dogs I would soon adopt would have a place to run around! I adopted one younger dog and a senior dog, so I have learned about caring for pets of all ages. One thing I have noticed is that my dogs' health needs really change with the seasons. My older dog has a little arthritis, and it acts up more in the cold winter and I have to give him a supplement for it. Both dogs are a little less active in the winter when it is cold, so I have to feed them a little less or they gain weight. I decided to start a blog to share my pet health tips, and I hope you can learn a lot here!

Categories

Archive

Latest Posts

The Art of Grooming Long-Haired Dogs: Tips and Tricks for Pet Owners
22 September 2023

Long-haired dogs are beautiful, fluffy, and adorab

How To Improve Your Dog's Dental Health
15 June 2023

Your dog's dental health is critical. It is someth

5 Common Veterinary Services
18 January 2023

If you consider your pet a member of your family,

3 Cat Dental Care Tips
5 October 2022

If you are a responsible cat owner, you feed your

4 Reasons You Should Have A Designated Animal Hospital For Your Pets
8 July 2022

There are so many things to think about when it co

What To Expect From A Feline Dental Cleaning

Cats need dental care just like people do. However, it's understandable if you're nervous about what to expect, especially since feline dental care is a little different from people's. If you're interested in what to expect from your cat's dental examination and cleaning, read on to learn more.

Examination

Your very first step at the veterinarian's office will be a full visual examination. Your vet will look for signs of tartar, decay, and gum disease. If your vet detects that there could be problems, they may suggest x-rays. Dental x-rays will reveal problems going on deep inside the teeth, which could uncover problems that are invisible to the naked eye, like tooth resorption. Unfortunately, tooth resorption is a common problem for cats, so it's a good idea to agree to x-rays if your veterinarian suggests it.

Cleaning Process

If your vet thinks that your cat's problems can be resolved with a simple cleaning, they will suggest doing so. A dental cleaning for cats is extremely similar to what humans can expect. Your veterinarian will scale your cat's teeth to remove tartar, and carefully polish the surface to remove plaque and bacteria. They'll also clean around and under the cat's gum line to reverse gingivitis or periodontitis, the two main forms of gum disease.

However, the one big difference is that your cat will need to be placed under general anesthesia for the procedure. Cats do not respond well to dental care while awake, so this is an absolute requirement. There are some risks in general anesthesia for cats, so talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Lastly, if your vet uncovers previously unexpected problems, like severe tooth decay that requires an extraction, they will contact you to get your approval before performing the additional procedure.

Aftermath

When your cat's procedure is done, you'll be contacted to come pick them up. Most cats are a bit loopy for a while after receiving general anesthesia, and you'll need to follow some general guidelines for their safety. For example, it's a good idea to hold off on food until your vet says it's okay in order to reduce the risk of vomiting. Keep your cat indoors and watch them carefully for any problem signs, like bleeding from the gums.

Dental care is a necessity for all cats, so it's a good first step to contact a professional veterinarian. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.