Posted on 2011-10-26 13:27:40

The Importance of Pet Dentistry

Proper pet dental care helps to prevent bacteria from multiplying on your animal's tooth surface. Over time, this bacteria can produce plaque and irritate the gums. As more time passes, the gums Asheville veterinarians provide pet dentistry become sore, red, and swollen. The inflamed gums start to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets. These pockets are particularly dangerous because food gets trapped in them, which causes more bacteria to grow. Eventually, this causes tooth loss. But, what's even more serious, the bacteria can travel through your animal's bloodstream where it can hit major organs and cause them to become infected.

There are some things that you can do at home to keep your animal's mouth healthy and there are things that must be done by a veterinarian. For example, regular brushing of your pet's teeth at home will help to remove plaque and prevent build-up. Regular teeth brushing will also help to reduce or eliminate your animal's bad breath. What's more, by examining your animal's gums for redness, bleeding or swelling, you'll notice potential problems with your pet's oral care before they become more serious. This will also allow you to notify our emergency vet should you find any particularly concerning problems, such as pus oozing from your animal's gums.

Charlotte Street Animal Hospital & Pet Dental Care

Most of our Asheville animal clinic pet owners are aware of the importance of proper oral hygiene for their pets, as well as the need to have regular pet dental check-ups from our Asheville veterinarians. Our animal hospital is committed to providing comprehensive pet dental care.

Proper pet dentistry includes professional cleaning from our veterinarian. Our ultrasonic pet dental cleaning tools not only polish your animal's teeth, but they also prevent plaque build-up. For diagnostic purposes, our veterinarians use a modern and advanced digital dental X-ray machine to determine if any root canals or tooth extractions are needed. Our advanced technology also enables us to measure your pet's dental bone to determine if there is any dental bone loss.

What creative ways have you discovered to make your pet tolerate at-home teeth cleaning?

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Companion Animal Food and Supplies Drive

Charlotte Street Animal Hospital is proud to sponsor a chilly weather pet food and supplies drive for the needy animals of our region!
From November 15, 2011 to April 15, 2012, Charlotte Street Animal Hospital will be collecting donations for six local animal rescue organizations including Animal Compassion Network, Asheville Humane Society, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Catman2, Meals on Wheels for Pets, and Phoenix Landing Parrot Rescue.

Each organization's wishlists are outlined below. Please make donations at our hospital or via phone. And thank you! for helping ensure that the furry members of our community stay nourished, cozy, and happy this cold season!

Animal Compassion Network:
-Scoopable kitty litter
-Dog & Cat food (our dogs & cats LOVE Chicken Soup for the Soul!)
-Blankets & towels
-Nutrical
-Mother's Milk Replacer (puppies and kittens)
-Stamps (1st class & higher)
-Long-distance calling cards
-Collars & leashes
-Printer toner and ink (call 274-3647 for specifics!)
-Cleaning supplies
-Gas cards for transport program
-Kongs and other interactive toys for dogs and cats

Asheville Humane Society:
  -Towels/blankets
  -Canned dog & cat food (please, no fish)
  -Clay kitty litter
  -Latex exam gloves (size small & medium)
  -Hot dogs
  -Bleach
  -55-gallon trash bags
  -White copy paper
  -Beef and chicken bullion
  -Hard plastic toys (Nylabones are awesome!)
  -Peanut butter
  -Cat toys that dangle
  -Cardboard scratching posts (only the ones that lay on the ground)
  -Rawhides and pig ears
  -Kong/interactive toys
  -Rope toys
  -Paper towels
  -Chewy dog treats/dried liver
  -Monetary donations

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue:
  -Blankets/towels
  -Dry & canned puppy, kitten, dog and cat food (Pedigree is preferred, but any is welcome)
  -Dog treats
-Peanut butter
  -Dog toys (Kongs, Nylabones, squeaky toys, etc)
  -Leashes
  -Non-slip collars
  -Scoopable (clumping) kitty litter
  -Cat treats
  -Cat toys (including disposable catnip scratch pads and teaser toys)
  -Thundershirts for anxious/scared doggies
  -Bleach & Pine Sol
  -Laundry detergent
  -Gift cards to Petsmart & Petco
  -Gas cards for the Northern Transport program
  -Office supplies & 1st class stamps
  -Universal Microchip scanner
  -Monetary donations

Catman2:
  -Friskies canned food
  -Purina/Meow Mix/Iams/Friskies dry food
  -Old pillow cases/blankets/towels/crib sheets
  -Litter deodorizer
  -New or gently used crib mattresses
  -Laundry detergent
  -Gift cards to purchase supplies (Lowe's & Wal-Mart)
  -Non-toxic cleaners (ex. Simple Green, Greenworks, etc)
  -Paper towels
  -Litter scoops
  -Sterilite/Rubbermaid tubs (we use them as litter boxes)
  -White vinegar
  -Office supplies (printer paper, binders, tape, etc)
  -Air fresheners (citrus blocks, sprays, etc)

Meals on Wheels for Pets:
  -Dog and cat food of any kind

Phoenix Landing Parrot Rescue:
*Any perishable items will be picked up by a volunteer upon donation
  -Clean, unused bird toys
  -Raw, unsalted nuts (our birds LOVE walnuts!!)
  -Grains (quinoa, millet, kamut, etc)
  -Fold-down carriers (for transport)
  -Grocery store gift cards
  -Fresh fruits & vegetables
  -Monetary donations for vet bills