3 Tips To Help You Find A Good Pet Dentist For Your Dog

Just like people, dogs occasionally need to go to the dentist. Canines don't go to someone who has a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) degree, but rather to a veterinarian who has a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree and advanced training in pet dentistry. If your pooch has a toothache or hasn't had their teeth cleaned in a while, here are some tips to help you find a good pet dentist.

Look for a Board-Certified Pet Dentist

Pet dentists, like doctors and dentists who see people, can be board-certified. Providers earn board certification after completing vet school. To become board-certified, they must complete all training requirements and pass a rigorous exam.

The American Veterinary Dental College provides board certification for pet dentists. The association has a certification program for general pet dentistry and an equine-specific program. Dog owners, of course, should look for someone who is board-certified to treat all species, not just horses.

Make Sure They Use Anesthesia

Animals don't cooperate as well as people do during dental cleanings. Dogs often don't want their teeth touched, especially if they have a toothache or sensitive gums. Even the rare canine that doesn't mind having their mouth touched doesn't understand commands like "open," and "turn your head."

In order to perform a thorough cleaning, a pet dentist will have to use anesthesia. Only after anesthesia has been administered will they be able to  manipulate your dog's mouth to fully inspect and clean the teeth.

By taking your dog to a  pet dentist that insists on using anesthesia, you can be confident that they'll be able to clean your pet's mouth well.

Find Out How Much the Dental Work will Cost

The most reputable pet dentists provide itemized estimates that help dog owners know how much their pooches' dental work will cost. These estimates ensure there aren't any surprise charges after the procedure and make budgeting for dental work easier. They also help pet owners wisely decide what optional services they want to pay for and which ones they'd like to skip.

If you can't afford to pay up front for all of the work that your dog needs, ask if the pet dentist, such as, http://www.loop494vet.com, you're considering offers flexible payment terms. Many do, although their payment options may differ. After all, no one wants financial constraints to prevent a pet from receiving the care they need.