Pet Dental FAQs

At Lange Animal Clinic in Pekin, IL, we know that many people consider themselves pet parents, thinking of their pets as children. They feed their pets high-quality food, give them special treats, cuddle with them, and monitor their diet and exercise regimen closely. Just like human children, pets thoroughly enjoy being cared for. They also need routine medical and dental care. 
Shockingly, as many as 85 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats over the age of four have some degree of periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease. Periodontal disease can cause serious damage to the teeth and jawbones if left untreated. It's easy to overlook pet dental problems since they can't speak to us the way children can to let us know if their teeth are hurting or they have sensitivity in their gums. Thankfully, most pet dental issues are easily preventable and can be treated by a veterinarian.

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Pet Dental FAQ

  • Do I need to brush my pet's teeth, and if so, how often? Yes! Much like humans, brushing your pet's teeth is one of the best ways to fight the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Any vet will tell you that it's ideal to brush your pet's teeth daily, but a couple of times a week is definitely better than not at all. A good rule of thumb is to try and make it a part of your morning or evening routine, perhaps just before feeding your pet or after going on a walk together.
  • Should I get a special toothbrush or toothpaste? Human toothpaste is not safe for pets because it contains a number of ingredients that are toxic to animals. Your Pekin veterinarian is happy to offer recommendations on a good-quality, pet-safe toothpaste. Toothbrushes, on the other hand, don't have to be pet-specific. You can certainly find several for sale in your local pet store, but toothbrushes meant for humans work just fine too.
  • I know about annual vet exams, but is there such a thing as pet dental exams? There sure is! At Lange Animal Clinic, we give your pet's teeth a quick once-over during routine wellness exams, but you can also schedule an appointment specifically to address dental concerns. We also offer professional teeth cleaning, and we recommend pets have this done once a year. 
    Veterinary and Pet Dental Care at Lange Animal Clinic

Even if you've never given your pet's teeth much thought, it's not too late to start healthy dental habits. Whether you want to schedule a routine teeth cleaning or an emergency dental appointment, contact us online or by phone (309) 347-4679 today. Lange Animal Clinic also provides vaccinations, surgery, emergency services, and much more.

Location

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Pekin Office

Monday

7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Tuesday

7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Wednesday

7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Thursday

7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Friday

7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Pekin Office

Monday
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Tuesday
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Wednesday
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Thursday
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Friday
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed