From beloved household pets to horses and hardworking farm animals, all creatures can experience dental issues just like humans. Despite their happy purrs, barks, or snorts, underlying oral health problems can often go unnoticed and untreated. Pet dental care is essential for a healthier, longer life and helps prevent more serious health complications down the line. At Hammond Veterinary Hospital, proper dental care is crucial for all animals, whether beloved pets, exotic companions, hardworking farm livestock, or horses that play a vital role in work or recreation.
How We Assess Dental Health for Animals
We customize our dental care approach based on each animal’s unique needs. At Hammond Veterinary Hospital, our comprehensive dental evaluation system helps guide treatment recommendations:
Level 0: Healthy Mouth
- No disease present: teeth and gums are healthy.
- Preventive care is essential to maintain this level.
Level 1: Mild Gingivitis
- Early signs of gum inflammation due to plaque buildup.
- Redness or slight swelling along the gumline.
- Reversible with professional cleaning and improved at-home care.
Level 2: Moderate Gingivitis/Early Periodontal Disease
- Plaque and tartar buildup are more noticeable.
- Gums are inflamed, and early gum recession may be present.
- Mild bad breath and discomfort may occur.
- Requires professional cleaning to prevent progression.
Level 3: Moderate Periodontal Disease
- Significant gum inflammation and tartar buildup.
- Periodontal pockets develop, with 25–50% attachment loss.
- May see loose teeth and moderate discomfort.
- Treatment involves deep cleaning, potential extractions, and ongoing care.
Level 4: Severe Periodontal Disease
- Advanced dental disease with severe gum and bone loss.
- Teeth are loose or missing, and infection may be present.
- Significant pain and systemic health risks due to bacterial spread.
- Requires immediate intervention, including extractions and potential surgery
Why Dental Care for Pets, Horses, and Farm Animals Is Essential
More than 80% of pets over three suffer from dental disease, and farm animals, including horses, face similar challenges. Studies indicate that up to 85% of dairy cows, nearly 80% of horses, a significant percentage of sheep and goats, and around 15% of pigs experience dental issues. Untreated, these conditions can lead to chronic pain, difficulty eating, and potentially life-threatening infections. Refs: Pet Dental Care, TheHorse.com, and Researchgate.net
Neglecting oral health can result in:
- Chronic pain and difficulty eating which make it hard for animals to maintain proper nutrition.
- Bad breath is often a sign of an underlying infection that can worsen if left untreated.
- Infections that spread to vital organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, compromising overall health.
- Reduced lifespan, as untreated dental disease contributes to systemic health issues (affecting the entire body) and lowers an animal’s quality of life.
Prioritizing regular dental care is a fundamental part of responsible pet and livestock ownership. By investing in preventive dental care, you can avoid costly treatments down the road and ensure that your animals lead healthier, happier, and longer lives.
Schedule a Dental Check-Up at Hammond Today!
Whether you have beloved pets, horses, or valuable livestock, Hammond Veterinary Hospital provides comprehensive dental care to keep them healthy and thriving. Contact us today to schedule a dental check-up or cleaning and learn more about how we can support your animal’s overall health.
Hammond Veterinary Hospital
301 N Broadway St
Marlow, OK 73055
(580) 658-7300
[email protected]