Plaque regularly forms in the mouth of cats and dogs, which is difficult to clean at home, especially at the edge of the gums, so germs accumulate there. Over time, plaque thickens, becoming tartar. It grows and gets under the gum, forming periodontal pockets, which causes an inflammatory process that causes pain for the pet. If left untreated, teeth can become loose and then fall out.
Professional teeth cleaning for animals is done to remove accumulated plaque and tartar, preventing possible complications. In this article Vet.firmika.ru we will talk about two popular cleaning methods, their differences, the average cost of the service, and the specifics of the procedure for cats and dogs.
Methods for professional teeth cleaning for animals
A veterinarian-dentist removes dental plaque using one of two methods:
- Mechanical cleaning carried out using a special scraper. The veterinarian removes the stone with a sharp movement, catching it with a tool. The disadvantage of this method is that during the procedure it can scratch the enamel.
- Ultrasonic teeth cleaning the specialist uses an electric scaler, which directs microvibrations with a stream of water to the affected areas. The water cools the device so that it does not overheat and burn your pet. It washes away particles of plaque and crushed stone.
Many ultrasonic scalers have a light that helps your veterinarian find pockets of bacteria in hard-to-reach places: at the edge of the gums and under them.
How to clean animals' teeth in a veterinary clinic
Dogs require anesthesia less frequently than cats. Pets of small breeds need to be held firmly. Even when the animal tries to close its mouth, it is easier for the veterinarian to open it again to see lesions on the teeth.
Contraindications to the procedure
Remember that although brushing your teeth is a painless operation, it has contraindications:
- Pregnancy;
- Injuries to the head and other parts of the body;
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- Infections;
- Milk teeth in puppies and kittens.
If you ignore these factors, an inflammatory process may develop, which will lead to complications: loss of offspring in the female, diseases of the internal organs, serious damage to the oral cavity or other health problems.
In what cases does an animal need anesthesia to brush its teeth?
As a rule, the procedure does not require anesthesia. The pet may feel slight discomfort, but the sensations are tolerable. However, if he is very nervous or behaves aggressively, the doctor gives general anesthesia.
Usually, the procedure is performed under anesthesia on large breed dogs that are difficult to hold, as well as cats. Sometimes it is replaced sedatives, under their influence the pet calms down, but remains conscious.
Many animals take a long time to regain consciousness after anesthesia. In addition, the doctor may calculate the dose incorrectly, then there is a risk that the pet will not wake up. Anesthesia is especially dangerous for small dogs: the smaller the body weight, the stronger the effect of the injection on the body.
Price for teeth cleaning for cats and dogs
The cost of cleaning is affected by the breed, size of the animal, complexity of the procedure and additional services. The total price includes enamel polishing and varnish treatment:
- The minimum price is 1200₽ for the entire range of services.
- Maximum - 10000₽.
- Average - from 2500 to 5000₽.
Our portal contains contacts of veterinary clinics in Moscow, where a dentist will examine the animal and clean its teeth. For your convenience, there is a filter with which you can select the clinic closest to your home.
Each organization’s card contains information about current promotions for the procedure. Some clinics offer discounts of up to 15% on preventive oral examinations and cleanings.
Tartar deposits in pets are a common problem. Owners of older pets especially often turn to veterinary clinics.
Owners often do not notice significant tartar buildup on their dog or cat's teeth unless they are in the habit of regularly checking oral cavity pet, and complain mainly of halitosis, refusal to eat, restlessness when feeding, drooling and apathy.
Often, upon examination by a doctor, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and tartar build-up are discovered as an unpleasant surprise for the owners.
Causes of tartar formation.
Tartar deposits are a foul-smelling multi-layered hard plaque formed by saliva salts and food debris. This is an ideal environment for the growth and reproduction of bacteria, therefore, when tartar forms, inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes of the gums, tongue and cheeks are always observed.
Increased plaque formation can be due to many reasons. This includes insufficient mechanical cleaning of the teeth after feeding, a genetically fixed tendency in certain breeds, roughness of the enamel, as well as improper feeding or metabolic disorders.
U small breeds dogs additional reasons are disturbances in the formation of the bite and a delay in changing teeth - in this case, difficult-to-clean areas appear between unevenly spaced teeth, in which plaque accumulates at double the speed.
Using anesthesia for ultrasonic teeth cleaning.
If this disease is diagnosed on early stages When the plaque is still soft, owners can try to clean the animal’s teeth themselves, at home, using a bandage.
When tartar deposits are already hard and firmly attached to the tooth enamel, it is necessary to thoroughly clean each tooth using a dental ultrasonic scaler. For an animal suffering from gum disease and periodontal disease, even a simple examination of the oral cavity by a doctor causes stress and pain.
Therefore, ultrasonic teeth cleaning in dogs and cats should be carried out exclusively under sedation. Owners are often afraid that their animal will be anesthetized. But not a single cat or dog will open its mouth voluntarily so that the doctor can remove tartar from deep-seated teeth, so to carry out the procedure without anesthesia, the doctor will need several assistants - after all, the animal must be fixed in one position and its mouth must be forcibly opened.
From experience, we can assure you that it is much more dangerous for an animal’s health to experience severe fear for half an hour, discomfort buzzing in the mouth and hearing strange sounds while being held tightly by several people.
If an animal has little contact, is poorly trained and is not stress-resistant, it can break out of the hands of staff with such force that respiratory stress syndromes and traumatic self-injury are quite likely (this happens especially often with small breed dogs with a congenital tendency to dislocate the joints of their limbs).
From the point of view of preventing stress during dental procedures, short-term anesthesia (sedation) - optimal choice. A relaxed animal can undergo ultrasonic teeth cleaning much faster and more thoroughly, while the cat or dog sleeps without feeling discomfort or pain. After all, people at a dentist’s appointment, even after pain relief, experience unpleasant sensations - let alone an animal that does not understand what is happening to it and is very afraid.
If a cat or dog that needs to undergo oral cavity sanitation is of advanced age and has any organ pathology (for example, renal failure) or belong to the breed risk group for heart disease (toy breeds of dogs, british cats etc.), the veterinarian may recommend a consultation with a cardiologist with an ultrasound of the heart to exclude contraindications to the administration of sedatives.
Prevention of the oral cavity of cats and dogs.
Often when carrying out ultrasonic cleaning Under the layer of stone, loose teeth, inflamed, abscessed and necrotic areas of the gums are found. This may require immediate tooth extraction and surgical correction gum tissues.
Cats often have a disease called autoimmune gingivitis, so if conventional therapy inflammatory process gums does not have an effect, the veterinarian recommends getting tested for viral infections and biopsy of altered tissues for histological examination.
Usually, for gingivitis and tartar deposits after ultrasonic cleaning, antibiotics are prescribed in the form of tablets for oral administration and preparations for local treatment of the oral cavity (solutions, gels). This allows you to reduce pain and sensitivity and prevent the development of secondary bacterial infection. Also, for animals chronically prone to oral pathologies, there are special foods, food additives and hard treats designed to mechanically remove plaque from the surface of the teeth.
Krainyuchenko Anastasia Viktorovna. Veterinarian. Specialization: therapy, dermatology, plasmapheresis.
We recommend that all dog and cat owners accustom their pet to regular examination of gums and teeth with early age. This will allow timely detection of one or another pathological condition oral cavity and cope with the disease in the early stages as quickly as possible.
Cleaning of most animals (even biting ones) is carried out without anesthesia.
If the dog is very calm- then she sits on the table, and the master brushes her teeth (see picture below):
If the dog does not allow you to clean the table (runs away, twitches or bites)- the dog is placed in a special veterinary bag, which limits the animal’s movements and the master removes the stone from the restrained animal. Owner assistance for dogs up to 5 kg. not required.
Tranquilizer- this is a strong sedative for animals (the most humane of all injections) is used with the knowledge and permission of the owner. The animal does not “pass out”; it is conscious all the time. Suitable for large, strong, very aggressive dogs and almost all cats.
Anesthesia (immobilization)- a last resort. Naturally ONLY with the owner's permission and warning about everyone negative consequences for an animal.
The price depends on weight, behavior, aggressiveness and neglect of the case.
Master Hope price from 500 rub. - experience since 2015 in teeth cleaning. The quality of cleaning is excellent, a lot of practice with nervous, aggressive, large dogs. Tooth extraction, up to 18 pcs. at a time. Cleaning without injections the inside of the teeth of medium-sized aggressive dogs.
Master Natalia - Experience since 2009 in teeth cleaning, price from 1000 rub. if in a complex. Working with all types of dogs and cats without anesthesia. Home visits by arrangement.
| Services: | Dogs up to 3 kg | Dogs up to 5 kg | Dogs up to 10 kg | Dogs from 10 kg |
| Ultrasonic teeth cleaning (not an advanced case - usually this is a dog under 2 years old or less than a year has passed since the last stone removal): | 500 | 700 | 1500 | 1500+ |
| Ultrasound teeth cleaning (if there are strong stones and loose, diseased teeth) | 1000+ | 1000+ | 1500+ | 1500+ |
| Polishing teeth after brushing (optional): | 300 | 300 | 400 | 600 |
| Fluoridation of teeth after brushing (optional): | 100 | 100 | 150 | 200 |
| Removal of a tooth: | 100 | 100 | 300 | Great Dane |
| Tranquilizer (not anesthesia) only if desired: | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Immobilization (anesthesia) of the animal, only at the request of the owner: | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Prices are given for informational purposes only. In the Mytishchi salon at master Nadezhda’s, they most often (strangely enough) round down.
For example: in combination with a haircut for not large dog in 90% I charge 500 rubles. (i.e. a complex for a Yorkie 1500 and 500 rubles, the teeth are even neglected.). I also give a smaller discount to calm, trained dogs. Calm husky - 1000 rub. frequent practice. If it’s not the season (winter), then some regular customers I brush my teeth for free.
Anesthesia (immobilization), tranquilizer in the Mytishchi salon - FREE!
Teeth cleaning at home is discussed with the dentist.
For cats in the Mytishchi salon:
Ultrasound teeth cleaning for cats - 1000 RUR.
Tranquilizer or immobilization of the cat (only at the owner’s discretion) - for free.
When brushing teeth without anesthesia, stones are removed from all teeth from the outside; the inside parts are removed from calm, non-twitching animals or with an injection.
We all know what a toothbrush and toothpaste are; we have no doubt that we should brush our teeth twice every day. But for some reason we forget that our pets, just like us, need this procedure.
What are teeth and what are they for?
Teeth- formations consisting mainly of hard tissues, intended for primary mechanical processing of food, also used as a weapon for defense and attack or threat.
Teeth are divided into primary and primary teeth.
Cats normally have 26 primary teeth and 30 permanent teeth.
Our pets use their teeth every day and every day mechanical and chemical exposure on the teeth.
Dental plaque and tartar – what is it?
Saliva, bacteria and food particles form plaque on your teeth every day. Plaque is a film that compresses over time and forms tartar (a hard deposit on the tooth yellowish color) After just 24 hours, plaque can begin to turn into tartar and cause its harmful effects.
What happens if you don't brush your teeth?
If tartar is not removed, the animal's gums begin to become inflamed and the teeth become loose. Bad breath appears increased salivation, bleeding and pain. The animal cannot tell about the suffering it is experiencing, and the owner does not always immediately notice the problem. Ultimately, all this can lead to complete tooth loss and even more serious problems. Bacteria in the mouth can infect internal organs and cause serious pathologies.
How and with what to brush your teeth
There are several options for caring for your pet's oral health.
Toothpaste.
For you and me, this is the most common and familiar method of brushing our teeth. In animals, this method has a number of nuances.
Only specialized pastes for dogs and cats should be used, since pastes intended for humans contain foaming substances that, if swallowed, cause gastrointestinal problems in an animal.
Teeth brushing should ideally be done daily, but it is almost impossible for an animal to do this due to the nature of our pets. Therefore, thorough cleaning twice a week is optimal.
Accustom your pet to cleaning gradually so that he is not afraid of this procedure and does not injure himself and you. Apply a small amount of paste to your finger and allow to smell and taste the paste. Then apply a small amount of paste to the brush and do the same. You shouldn’t try to brush all your teeth at once; get used to it gradually, increasing the volume of actions each time. Calm and praise your pet while brushing its teeth. For hard-to-reach areas, apply a small amount of paste to a finger brush and brush gently in those areas.
Hygienic lotions and gels
The so-called “liquid paste”. This option is suitable for animals that find it difficult or impossible to use a toothbrush due to their personality traits. Especially cats. These products should be used daily, applied to a soft rubber brush or gauze pad and “wiping” the animal’s teeth.
There are also special tablets reducing microbial concentration in the oral cavity and thereby reducing the likelihood of plaque formation. Tablets come in different shapes. Some of them are attached to the gums and gradually dissolve and begin to act. This drug is used in courses according to the instructions.
Another unusual one unusual option- This wet wipes for animal dental care. Typically used for daily processing teeth. The method of “wiping” the surface of the teeth. They contain enzyme components to remove (dissolve) the surface film of dental plaque.
For those prone to dental pathology and faster formation of tartar, feeding specialized dry food. Such food is everyday and balanced. They have a specific structure and granule size, which allows them to reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar from the very first use. (Regular dry food does not remove plaque).
You can encourage your pets special treats for cleaning teeth. Benefit 3. The animal and you are happy and at the same time the formation of dental plaque is prevented. These treats have a certain shape and texture, so when the cat chews the treat, mechanical cleaning of the teeth and massage of the gums occurs. Some of these treats also contain substances to reduce the formation of plaque. There is also stimulation of secretion and saliva and a certain “washing away” of food debris.
If all of the above methods did not have the desired effect or Professional dental cleaning in a veterinary clinic using an ultrasonic scaler. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, but allows for a complete sanitation and examination of the condition of your pet’s oral cavity.
If you are unable to perform the above procedures for one reason or another or have problems with the condition of your oral cavity, then do not forget to regularly visit your veterinarian. Good condition Your pet's teeth are vital to his overall health.
Pets' teeth should be checked at least twice a year to prevent possible problems.
Health to you and your pets.
veterinarian-therapist "MEDVET"
© 2016 SEC "MEDVET"
therapist, anesthesiologist-resuscitator
Regular dental care is important not only for you and me, but also for our pets.
We brush our teeth ourselves every day and understand the importance and significance of this procedure.
We visit the dentist regularly, trying to prevent serious problems with teeth.
Without exception, we all want our teeth to serve us for as long as possible.
What about our pets?! Do they have the opportunity to take care of their teeth on their own?
Most likely, we will all answer that no, they do not have such an opportunity. Dogs and cats have been living in apartments and houses for a very long time, and even if at the genetic level they have preserved natural recipes for dental care, it is not possible to use them, since they are far from nature and are not left to their own devices.
Obviously, in the current situation, we must take charge of caring for our pets’ teeth and include this task in our own list of regular to-dos.
Dental care for dogs and cats consists of several points:
- proper feeding
- regular teeth cleaning and plaque control
- regular oral examination
- removal of tartar.
As for feeding, for a number of reasons it is preferable to feed dry food to pets:
- Dry food leaves much less food residue in the teeth, which is a breeding ground for bacteria.
- dry food promotes mechanical removal of plaque. The size and texture of the croquettes are such that animals have to bite them willy-nilly. In this case, the teeth sink deeply into the croquettes, and the plaque is erased. The need to bite food causes the formation of saliva, thus “rinsing” the teeth. This is why it is important that the dry food you feed your dog or cat is appropriate for its age, weight and size. You should not give your dachshund food intended for dogs. large breed, and vice versa.
A useful additive when feeding dry food is sodium phosphate, which is also often integral part toothpaste for humans. This substance binds calcium in saliva, thereby preventing the formation of tartar.
Today in pet stores there is a wide variety of special bones, biscuits and toys that help clean teeth. Many companies produce ready-made dietary foods designed to prevent the formation of dental plaque.
Regular brushing of teeth is the key to success. Now many companies produce special products for animals toothpaste(It is not recommended for animals to use pastes for humans).
Veterinary dentists advise brushing animal teeth at least once or twice a week with this paste, using a special toothbrush. You can buy toothpaste and a toothbrush at a pet store near your home. You can do it simpler: wrap wet gauze around your finger and use it to clean off plaque ( Special attention pay attention to the areas adjacent to the gums). Gauze is moistened with warm boiled water or weak solution baking soda. Don’t forget about a small “tasty” reward after each procedure.
It's never too late to start caring for your pet's teeth. But it’s still better with young, as soon as they start living in your house, train them to open their mouth and not respond to toothpaste and brush.
Preventative measures significantly reduce the risk of tartar formation, but we must not forget that some animals are predisposed to this disease. And the importance of regularly examining your pet's oral cavity should not be underestimated. It is better to contact a specialist with this question.
Preventive examination It is enough to carry out oral cavity examinations once a year for young animals and 1-2 times a year for animals older than 5 years. This procedure can be combined with annual vaccinations or visits veterinary clinic for any other reason.
When contacting veterinarian ask him to carefully examine your pet's oral cavity, this will not take much time.
If, despite the preventive measures you have taken, the doctor finds tartar in your animal, it must be removed as quickly as possible in order to save the teeth.
Discuss with your doctor when it is best to do this, how to prepare the animal for this procedure, because it is performed under general anesthesia. Without delay, get your pet's teeth in order. By doing this, you will prevent the animal from suffering (tartar is accompanied by toothache) and you will continue to enjoy communicating with your pet (tartar is accompanied by stinking breath).
If you have removed tartar, start immediately regular care behind the teeth of a dog or cat. And remember, the better you take care of your teeth, the less likely it is that tartar will reoccur.
