Your dog may not care about the whiteness of their teeth, and your cat may be perfectly content without feeling a need to smile, but routine dental checkups by a trained veterinarian will ensure that your pet's breath is fresh and that your animal's mouth and teeth are in good condition. Cavities, loose teeth, and gum problems are not uncommon.
Our team of doctors, and the entire team at Animal Medical Center in Lubbock, Tx. wants owners to know that a pet's teeth should be as healthy as their own!
Doctors Tim Polk and Justin Propp are the co-owners of Animal Medical Center, assisted by Dr. Kara Rowntree, Dr. Keri Ford, Dr. Ashley Temple and Dr. Carling Vanier. Dr. Polk has been associated with AMC since 1993, and he currently serves on the steering committee for the Texas School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Propp joined the practice in 2011 and became co-owner in 2018.
Pets Need Professional Dental Exams
Although some people think that pets cannot be plagued with cavities, toothaches, gum problems or other mouth issues, that is simply not true. Veterinarians recommend an annual check of your pet's teeth and gums to detect potential problems that can affect chewing and eating. There are also some conditions that lead to tooth loss. Vets routinely are called upon to extract, file or otherwise try to repair damaged pet teeth, and treatment procedures can be difficult. Regular teeth cleaning is recommended as a preventive measure.
Telltale signs of potential problems include red or bleeding gums, visible blood on toys or in water dishes, difficulty biting or picking up food, chewing problems, or habitual rubbing of the face against a table or chair leg. A tendency to snap or bite if someone gets too close to a pet's mouth, any visible lumps or swelling around the mouth or gums and constant yawning or whimpering can also be signs of a loose tooth or a toothache. Severe halitosis might also signal a condition that should be treated, as can changes in saliva or undue drooling.
