Did you know that 42 percent of Americans fail to visit the dentist at least once per year? This statistic is particularly shocking, especially since 85 percent of Americans believe there is a strong correlation between oral health and overall health. A large swath of the population actively chooses not to visit the dentist, even though they know they should.
The same logic applies to pet owners. Most pet owners know that healthy teeth and gums are essential components of their pet’s overall health. However, many of them fail to schedule annual dentist visits for their dog or cat. If you are one of these pet owners, then you are putting your pet at an increased risk for experiencing oral health problems, including periodontal disease and possible organ failure.
Thankfully, it is never too late to pay attention to your pet’s oral health. You can schedule an annual appointment with a dog or cat teeth cleaning professional in Phoenix. In the following post, we explain our methods for finding the right veterinary dentist for your pet. Our advice will help you find a veterinary dentist in your local area with a long list of happy clients and a range of veterinary resources at his or her disposal.
1. Ask Your Family and Friends for Trusted Referrals
Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find a trustworthy and experienced veterinary dentist for your pet. If someone you know has only good things to say about a pet dentist, then you should add that person to your list of potential candidates. However, you should never make any decision about a veterinary dentist solely on the basis of a referral. It is important for you to meet each potential candidate in person and see how they interact with you and with your dog or cat.
2. Ask Your Primary Vet for His or Her Recommendations
If your dog or cat already has a primary vet, and he or she does not perform teeth cleanings, then you can ask him or her for some local recommendations. Your primary veterinarian will know which veterinary clinics have the best pet dentists on staff and can help you book an initial appointment. Further, you may not be aware that your veterinary clinic offers pet dental cleanings, so you should always ask before jumping ship to another clinic.
3. Conduct an Online Search to Find Potential Candidates
Third, to round out your list, you can conduct an online search to find veterinary dentists near your location. If you are located in Phoenix, Arizona, then you can type the search phrase “veterinary dentist near me” into the Google search engine. A list of potential candidates will show up immediately.
If you are like most people, then you will probably pick a veterinary dentist that winds up on the first page of your search. You should always thoroughly vet each clinic that shows up on the first page. There are many reasons why a veterinary clinic can show up on the first page of Google, and quality of service is not always the primary factor. When perusing a veterinary dentist’s website, you should pay close attention to the following details.
- How long has your potential candidate been practicing veterinary dentistry?
- Does your potential candidate have any positive testimonials from current or former clients?
- If so, is it possible for you to speak to one of them before making your final decision?
- Who will handle your dog or cat teeth cleaning appointment? Is it the main veterinary dentist or one of the technicians/assistants?
- Is the website easy to access? Were you able to book an appointment online or speak to someone over the phone?
If you cannot find the answer to one of these questions, then you can always book an initial consult and assess for yourself whether or not the dentist is the right fit. During your initial appointment, make sure to ask how medical surprises are handled during pet teeth cleanings. If he or she finds a tooth that needs pulling, are you contacted before the procedure is performed? You should also ask whether general anesthesia is used for pet dental cleanings and procedures.
Contact an Experienced Veterinary Dentist in Phoenix, Arizona
If you are located in or near Phoenix, Arizona, then you may have come across the Phoenix Veterinary Center during your online search. Our Phoenix animal hospital performs state-of-the-art pet dental cleanings, along with many other important veterinary services. To book an appointment with canine and feline dentist Dr. Emily Baldwin, contact us today at (602) 559-5500. We will answer your most pressing questions and give you a better understanding of what to expect during a dental health checkup.
