Q & A

How Does Houndstooth’s Procedure Compare To anesthetic-based procedure?

Anesthetic-based or oral surgery protocols are not for and were never intended to be used for routine dental care. If your vet has diagnosed your pet as having dental disease then in a perfect world, oral surgery is the procedure to address it. But as we know every pet wont fit into the perfect scenario. What if your pet has dental disease but is medically compromised and not a candidate for oral surgery? In most veterinary clinics this pet is cast aside, there is no procedure in place to help these pets.  Our veterinary clinics have never been comfortable with neglecting the pet because of age.  
When you hear the words health and wellness, most people think it must only apply to  prime of health and the optimum of wellness.   We look at the stress being placed on the immune system impacting health and wellness. Our focus is on what can be done to lower this level of stress on that system.  Dental neglect is one of the biggest contributors  to senior decline. If we can lower the stress the pet can regain a higher  level of health and wellness.

When the immune system is healthy the body is healthy.

That’s why we always want to hear your thoughts.  Its from your input over the years that has provided Houndstooth Pet Dental  the knowledge to advance many of our procedures.  We never stop listening.

Below are the answers to your most requested questions.

 

How Can I Tell If My Pet’s Teeth Need Cleaning?

Having clear pictures of your pets teeth is a must.  Also, an import part of your pets wellness check during your veterinary visits should include providing you with current pictures of your pets teeth. These frequently updated photos will provide insight into as to how your pets oral health is aging. Now look for a yellow or brown build-up on the tooth surface and areas of inflammation along the gumline. If you are unsure of what the pictures represent, we will help you. Just email us a photo of your pet’s teeth. We will contact you and help answer concerns you may have.

How Often Should I Clean My Pet’s Teeth?

Daily home care should always be considered as part of having a pet just as feeding, watering and walking are an absolute.  The average pet over two years old should be having a regularly scheduled dental cleaning every 3 – 6 months. This is especially needed for small breeds. The frequency of dental cleanings depends on breed, diet, age, health and how often home care is given.

How Do You Hold The Pet Still?

Every pet is cuddled comfortably in the technician lap. Your technician uses our gentle relaxation techniques to create a calm bubble of safety around the pet. Our Soft Touch skills establish a trusting relationship with each pet. Even feisty pets with challenging personalities are usually very cooperative. Many even fall asleep.  The quiet calmness of the procedure is especially beneficial to senior and nervous pets.

Does It Hurt The Pet?

Absolutely not, and take great care in establishing a safe, calm and trusting setting.  Our approach uses some of the same gentle approaches as a pediatric dental office uses to calm children. This is a voluntary procedure. It depends on the pet being at ease.

What Equipment Do You Use?

We use an array of professional dental instruments specifically designed for each pet’s individual needs.

Who Is Eligible For This Procedures?

Eligible patients include:

Is Every Pet A Candidate?

• Unfortunately, some pets are not candidates for this procedure. However, we have an extremely high success rate, even among pets assumed to be ineligible.
• Pets with dangerously aggressive personalities & some forms of dementia are not eligible.
• Pets with advanced periodontal disease.