Services
To maximize your pet’s health and happiness,

Hunter Animal Hospital’s veterinary health care team recommends the following:


Dentistry

Diseases of the oral cavity are some of the most frequently diagnosed conditions in pets. In people, the most common tooth disease is Dental Caries, also known as cavities. Pets get Periodontal Disease caused by accumulation of dental calculi, which leads to painful gum inflammation and micro abscess formation. The bacteria present can then enter the blood stream, putting your pet at risk for organ damage, especially to the heart and kidneys.

Periodontal disease can be easily recognized by looking at your pet’s gums (or gingiva) and teeth. The gingiva should be pink in color, and the teeth should be clean and white. If the gums are red, the teeth appear to have a yellow or dark brown coating, or you notice your pet has bad breath or trouble eating, your pet has dental disease and needs to be seen by a veterinarian. When left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth root abscess. At that point expensive endodontic treatment or extraction of the affected tooth is often the only option.

Unfortunately, most owners do not routinely brush or examine their pet’s teeth and gums. By simply checking the teeth and gums periodically, and having the teeth professionally cleaned and polished under anesthesia, your pet’s lifespan could be extended significantly by avoiding complications caused by dental disease.

February and August are “Pet Dental Health Month” at Hunter Animal Hospital. During these months we offer free oral exams and discounts on dental procedures.