C L A R E V E T G R O U P O N L I N E

"Looking after your pet is what we do best."

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY

Health Care

028 9332 2223

Dentistry

Poor dental hygiene results in a build up of plaque and tartar on your pet's teeth. Plaque and tartar can lead to gingivitis and if left untreated can result in tooth decay but more importantly can have an effect on kidney, liver and heart function. There are plenty of different ways to prevent or reduce the incidence of poor oral health.

Once the build up of plaque has become too great, then your pet will need to have an anaesthetic to have his teeth descaled. We would normally recommend that your pet has a blood test to check the function of the liver and kidneys, prior to the anaesthetic.

Your pet will need to spend at least a day at the surgery. He or she will be given a pre-med (a combination of a tranquiliser and an opiate painkiller) prior to the surgery. If your pet is very old or suffers with any pre-existing liver, kidney or heart problems we would also put your pet on an intravenous drip. A full general anaesthetic is then given so the procedure can be carried out.

An ultrasonic scaler is used to remove the plaque on your pet's teeth. Once the plaque has been removed it is possible to properly examine every aspect of the tooth and check for lesions, loose or broken teeth. It is at this time that some teeth may need to be removed. Once this has been completed the teeth are polished to smooth out and protect the surface of the enamel. Antibiotics and painkillers are given routinely and we recommend that your pet receives antibiotics prior to and after the dentistry.

Oral Health 

It is never too early to begin an oral health regime for your pet. Even before their adult teeth have come through it is wise to get them accustomed to toothpaste and toothbrushes. You can ease them into the process by using a finger-brush which is softer than a proper toothbrush. Please make sure though that you buy a proper pet toothbrush and paste because human brushes are too hard and the toothpaste is not designed for swallowing. Toothpastes come in a variety of flavours and types all of which are available at the surgery.

Dental check ups can be arranged with our team of qualified nurses all of which will be able to give advise on tooth decay, dental hygiene, brushing, tooth diets and preventative dentistry.

Obesity Checks

Obesity is now as common in dogs and cats as it is in people. An estimated 60% in the UK are overweight and whilst this is occasionally related to a medical disorder, it is usually due to overfeeding. Obesity can cause many problems including joint and heart conditions as well as diabetes and urinary complaints because of the extra strain it puts on every part of the body.

Overfeeding and under exercise are the two most common reasons for overweight animals.

If you think your pet may be overweight then please feel free to contact the surgery for an obesity consult.

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136 Cavehill Road

Belfast

T 028 9071 8134

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