Preventative Care

Our focus at Fairfield Veterinary Hospital is on the prevention of health problems. The following is a brief summary of our recommendations. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Dental Care

Dogs and cats are susceptible to dental problems and diseases just like their owners.  Early detection and prevention is the best way to avoid these problems.

Dental care should start when your pet is young.  Puppies and kittens begin to get their temporary teeth at two or three weeks of age.  Because of these new teeth, it's a good idea to provide them with hard rubber toys or chew toys.  Gnawing on these toys will help their teeth develop and may save your furniture and shoes.

Permanent teeth should start to come in at three to four months, and all adult teeth should appear by six to seven months.

When you bring your pet in for a check-up, you may be asked to start brushing your pet's teeth on a regular basis.  Brushing is necessary to break down the plaque and tartar buildup on your pet's teeth.  Bacteria develop in the plaque and begin to cause damage, especially in the crevices between the teeth and gums.  This can lead to gum infection which may produce abscessed teeth and gums, or periodontal disease.

To begin a brushing routine, wrap a gauze square or washcloth around a finger and use it like a toothbrush.  Wipe all teeth, front to back, with strokes from the gumline to the tip of the tooth.  Do this once or twice a day for a few weeks.  Gradually work up to a rougher cloth and then a very soft toothbrush and plain water.  Always be sure to accompany the “brushing” with lavish praise. After a week of using a soft toothbrush, gradually apply more pressure to the teeth and add a very small quantity of pet toothpaste. Do not use human toothpaste; it may foam, cause stomachache, or promote vomiting.

If you notice that your pet's gums are red and swollen and tender to the touch, periodontal disease is probably the cause.  Other signs of periodontal disease include a persistent foul mouth odor, a formation of pus between gums and teeth, and loose teeth.  Gums may recede and bleed when your pet eats.  If you notice any of these signs, contact us for a dental examination.