By Julie Wenger Watson | Photos courtesy of Tulsa SPCA
Pet ownership is incredibly rewarding, and animals are wonderful companions. Depending on the species, they can provide everything from comfort and entertainment to protection and aid. In return, we owe it to them to provide for their health and welfare. As any pet owner can tell you, the cost of that care can add up — as much as $700 to $1,000 a year for food, medical care, and other expenses, according to many sources.
Fortunately for pet owners in the greater Tulsa area, the Tulsa Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers a wide range of affordable pet health services. Those include low-cost preventive medicines and vaccinations, affordable spay and neuter procedures, and an economical preventive care clinic with wellness exams and treatment for minor medical issues. In 2021, the Tulsa SPCA expanded its services to include dental care for cats and dogs.
Dental Health for Pets Is Important
According to Dr. Cristen Thomas, Tulsa SPCA veterinarian, dental care is important to an animal’s overall health, just as it is for a human.
“But our pets don’t tell us when their teeth hurt or are loose,” she notes.
There are many reasons for
taking good care of your pet’s oral hygiene. Dental problems can cause or be caused by other health problems. For example, bad breath, or halitosis, in dogs
isn’t just unpleasant; it can also be a symptom of bigger health issues that should be investigated. Severe dental
disease can be painful for cats
and dogs, causing them to be irritable.
With advanced periodontal disease, the tissues around the tooth are destroyed, and the socket that holds the tooth in place erodes. That can make the tooth
loose or even cause it to fall out. Bacteria in the plaque can enter an animal’s bloodstream, spreading to the heart, kidneys, and liver, which can damage organs and make the animal sick. It’s estimated that more than 70 percent of cats and 80 percent of dogs have some form of periodontal disease by the age of three
In Dr. Thomas’ practice, the most common issues she sees are gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), root abscesses, and loose or diseased teeth. Effective preventive care can help protect pets and catch problems such as those before they become more serious.
Signs of Dental Disease
Signs of dental disease in dogs can include the previously mentioned halitosis; unusual bumps or lumps in the mouth; and red, bleeding, or inflamed gums. Changes in chewing habits, tooth loss, and drooling are also indications that something is amiss.
Dental disease is more common in older animals, and some breeds are more prone than others to overcrowded or misaligned teeth, which can make it more difficult to keep them clean. Food and diet can also influence dental health.
How To Promote Better Dental Health for Your Pet
To promote good dental health for your animals, “Brush their teeth, use appropriate dental chews, and be careful with bones,” Dr. Thomas advises.
Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth with a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste might seem odd if it’s not part of your routine, but it’s highly recommended. Go slowly, making sure your animal is comfortable with your touching his mouth and teeth with your fingers before introducing a brush. Certain toys and treats are formulated to reduce bacteria in your pet’s mouth too.
You can also talk to your vet about “dental diets,” specially formulated food made for reducing the amount of plaque and tartar that accumulates on the teeth.
Dental Care Offered by Tulsa SPCA
Dental services available at the Tulsa SPCA complement the organization’s existing pet health-care offerings, providing a great option for pet owners who seek affordable care or who live in an area of the state with few veterinary options. Services include low-cost dental cleanings, dental extractions, and dental X-rays. Many veterinarians recommend annual dental cleanings. Those procedures can be done under anesthesia so the vet can clean under the pet’s gums and in other hard-to-reach places.
To make a dental appointment for your pet, first contact the SPCA to schedule a health exam at the preventive care clinic where the vet will assess your pet’s overall health and teeth. Animals older than six years require bloodwork prior to the anesthetic and dental cleaning. That can be done at the health exam appointment, when service pricing will also be discussed.
For more information on all the services available, visit www.tulsaspca.org.
