Preparing Your Pet for Their First Professional Teeth Cleaning
By the ripe old age of two or three, most pets are ready for their first vet dental appointment. Preparing pets for a dental cleaning is typically not a big deal, but knowing what to expect can help you to prepare for the visit.
What Happens at a First Pet Dental Cleaning
When we do a pet dental cleaning at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital, it is a comprehensive process in which we perform an anesthetized evaluation and cleaning. Regular cleanings can help us to ward off periodontal disease, tooth loss, and other serious oral health issues.
Your pet’s first dental cleaning will include:
- A pre-anesthesia evaluation including a physical exam and recommended bloodwork to evaluate safety
- Administration of general anesthesia to allow a thorough and safe cleaning and exam
- A full oral examination including dental X-rays
- Cleaning and ultrasonic scaling
- Polishing to remove grooves in the teeth
- Treatment of any dental issues through things like extractions or periodontal treatments as indicated
- Recovery from anesthesia
- Recommendations for home care
With regular cleanings and good dental care at home, typically future dental cleanings are fairly efficient as we stay ahead of major issues.
Preparing Your Pet
When it comes to preparing pets for a dental cleaning, a lot of the work is in the hands of our expert staff. There are definitely some things that you can do, though, to help things go smoothly, including:
- Ask questions! — A pre-procedure consultation is a great time for us to ensure that your pet is healthy for anesthesia, discuss details and concerns, and answer all your questions. Don’t be shy, our staff is here to help.
- Follow instructions — We will ask you to help us set your pet up for success by withholding food, administering medications, and being sure that they are current on routine care. Your ability to follow these directions can help your pet have a better experience.
- Prepare for drop off success — When you drop your pet off for their procedure, please plan on taking some time to answer our questions. It is helpful if someone who is knowledgeable about your pet and their care is present.
- Pack accordingly — A familiar toy or blanket can help your pet feel safer during their stay if practical.
- Create a recovery space — After anesthesia your pet will need a quiet, comfortable space to recover. Plan where this will be ahead of time.
Proper preparation ensures your pet has the safest and most stress-free experience possible. If you have concerns or need assistance preparing your pet for a dental procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.