9802 Herriot Ln, Peoria, IL 61615
Dental Care That Protects Your Pet's Whole Body Health
Good dental care is crucial to the overall health of dogs and cats. That's not something a lot of people think about, but it's true. At Meadowbrook Veterinary Clinic[/s, we take dental care for pets very seriously because bad teeth can lead to a host of other problems, including systemic disease and even heart conditions.
The same high quality dental work that you get for your teeth can be done at our hospital, on your pet's teeth. We do ultrasonic teeth cleaning and polishing. We treat periodontal disease. We do digital dental x-rays, and we even do extractions.
Signs Your Pet May Have a Dental Problem
We highly recommend annual checkups and cleaning on your pet's teeth. But in the meantime there are some things you should watch for that may indicate a tooth problem. They include:
- Bad breath
- Broken or loose teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Bleeding from the mouth
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
With our dental cleanings, each patient receives a thorough preoperative examination prior to any sedation. All pets over the age of 7 years old are required to have pre-anesthetic blood work within 30 days of anesthesia to ensure their safety. All pets under the age of 7 years old have the option for preanesthetic blood work.
Each procedure at Meadowbrook Veterinary Clinic[/s is performed under an individualized anesthetic plan, and one of our certified and skilled veterinary technicians will monitor your pet before, during, and after the procedure. All patients receive an IV catheter with fluid therapy and are hooked up to full anesthetic monitoring. We ensure all pets are given medications to alleviate pain and nausea associated with anesthesia.
Each pet will receive full mouth digital x-rays to allow our veterinarians to see the health of each tooth under the gumline. The veterinary technician will then individually scale and polish each tooth before the doctor performs a full intraoral exam. Based upon the x-ray findings and their exam, the veterinarian will make recommendations such as an extraction or referral for a root canal.
At-Home Dental Support
After treatment, Meadowbrook veterinarians will work with you on a continuing treatment plan, including how to brush your pet's teeth, and recommend products that promote good dental care for animals.
Home care plays a major role in maintaining the results of a professional cleaning. Our North Peoria team will help you build a simple at-home routine, which may include:
- Brushing your pet's teeth regularly using pet safe toothpaste, since human toothpaste can be harmful to animals
- Dental chews designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup between visits
- Water additives that support ongoing oral hygiene
- Specially formulated dental diets recommended based on your pet's needs
- Routine at-home checks for bad breath, discoloration or gum irritation
We will also talk with you about how often your pet should return for a recheck, based on their breed, age and the severity of any dental disease found during their procedure. Small breed dogs, for example, are often more prone to periodontal disease and may benefit from more frequent monitoring.
Schedule a Dental Exam in North Peoria
If you ever notice your pet pawing at their mouth, chewing on one side, or showing renewed bad breath after a cleaning, do not wait for the next scheduled visit. Reach out to Meadowbrook Veterinary Clinic's North Peoria team to schedule a dental exam, so we can evaluate what is going on and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Compassionate Care and a
Warm Welcome for Every Pet
