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When our pets have bad breath, it’s often accepted as normal. However, bad breath in pets can be a sign of a more serious dental problem, including dental disease.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Association, up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease by the age of three. While bad breath and other dental problems can develop at any age, it’s never too late to start your pet on a preventive oral care program.

How Pet Dental Disease Starts

Without daily cleaning, bacteria in the mouth combine with saliva and food on the teeth and gums, causing a sticky plaque to form. This plaque eventually turns into tartar, which is a hard, mineralized build up.

Over time, plaque and tartar continue to accumulate, causing inflammation of the tissues around the teeth. This painful process is called periodontal disease. When left unchecked, it results in both oral and systemic infection, tooth decay and loss of the teeth.

Preventive dental care in pets is important, and why routine oral examinations, home dental care, and
professional dental cleanings play into your pet’s overall well-being.

Symptoms of Pet Dental Problems

An oral examination is part of your pet’s annual check-up and can alert us to problems that can be addressed early on, before they become serious and expensive issues.

It is also wise to bring your pet in for a checkup if you notice:

• Bad breath
• Change in eating habits
• Pain when touching the mouth
• Obvious tartar buildup
• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding or loose teeth
• Drooling
• Swelling of the muzzle

Sometimes, pets with dental disease will not show outward signs of trouble, because they are good at
concealing pain. However, most dental disease occurs below the gum line and only visible on X-rays where the condition of the roots and jawbone can be seen. It’s why we do full mouth X-rays as a part of any dental procedure.

Preventive Pet Dental Care at Home

Caring for your pet’s teeth at home is key to preventing and slowing the progression of pet dental disease. It also helps with awareness of your pet’s ‘normal’ and in noticing issues early.

Home dental care starts with regular tooth brushing. It takes a little time, but most pets learn to tolerate it well. We recommend starting as early in your pet’s life as possible.

Tooth Brushing Tips

• Aim to brush daily. Three times a week is a good start.
• Introduce the toothbrush slowly, using lots of praise and treats.
• Start by rubbing the teeth using a pet-specific finger brush. After your pet gets used to this, move to a pet-specific toothbrush.
• Keep brushing sessions gentle and short. You only need to brush the outer side of the teeth. It should take less than a minute to brush both uppers and lowers
• Use only a pet-specific toothpaste containing enzymes to break down plaque. These come in different flavors, so you can find one your pet likes.
• Do not use human toothpaste! It contains ingredients that are toxic to pets, including fluoride and Xylitol.
• It is normal for pets to lick the toothpaste and toothbrush while you’re brushing. Don’t let this distract you.
• If your pet won’t tolerate brushing, don’t force it, be patient. Most pets will get used to it over time.

Pet Dental Care Products

There are many pet dental care products available to help prevent dental disease. These include prescription dental diets, chews, treats, and rinses. While these will help, they don’t replace daily brushing and routine professional care. We carry many of the products our veterinarians recommend in our onsite retail shop, as well as at our online store. You can also check out the list of products recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council at https://vohc.org.

Professional Pet Dental Care

Pets require comprehensive dental examinations and thorough dental cleanings throughout their lifetime.

Recommendations for an oral care plan will be provided during your pet’s wellness visit.

Pet Dental Exams and Cleanings

To be performed correctly, in-depth exams and cleanings require that your pet be under general anesthesia. This allows us to examine the entire mouth, probe the teeth and obtain dental radiographs for a full assessment of your pet’s oral cavity.

After this assessment, the teeth are scaled on all surfaces and under the gum line to remove plaque and tartar. They are then polished to remove microscopic grooves. During the anesthetized examination, any diseased or painful teeth can also be extracted or other recommended treatments performed.

Don’t Ignore Your Pet’s Bad Breath!

Left untreated, dental disease can be painful and debilitating. It can also affect a pet’s quality of life and longevity.

If you need help getting your pet’s dental health on track, just give us a call. It’s always a good time to give your pet a fresh start!

Pet dental disease, also called periodontal disease, is one of the most common clinical conditions seen by our veterinarians. This isn’t surprising when we consider that most  dogs and cats show some signs of the disease by the time they reach 3 years of age. If left untreated, dental disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, infection, and even damage to the vital organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.

At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we prioritize dental health because it is key to a pet’s overall well-being. This discussion focuses on dental disease in pets and how pet owners can prevent and/or properly manage it with comprehensive oral care.

What Is Pet Dental Disease?

Dental disease in pets occurs when plaque, film and tartar (hardened plaque) build up on the teeth both above and below the gum line. This accumulation irritates the gum tissue and allows bacteria to flourish, leading to damage of the supportive structures of the teeth. Significant pain, oral infection, bone and tooth loss, and even systemic damage can occur as a result of untreated periodontal disease.

Stages of Pet Dental Disease

We use these four stages to categorize the progression of dental disease:

Stage 1 – Early stage gingivitis is inflammation of the gums in response to the presence of tartar and bacteria. You may observe some gum swelling. A thin red line on the gums next to the teeth may also be visible during this stage.

Stage 2  – Early periodontitis occurs when there is a small amount of bone loss – less than 25% – visible on oral radiographs. You may notice inflammation of your pet’s gums, bad breath, and some visible plaque and tartar. A professional cleaning is needed to remove the plaque and tartar, and to reverse the progress of dental disease.

Stage 3 – Serious dental damage begins to occur at stage 3, also known as moderate periodontitis. Bone loss of  25-50% is visible on oral radiographs. Gums become swollen and irritated, and bleed easily. There is loss of gum attachment to the tooth, forming areas known as periodontal pockets. Your pet may also experience bad breath and significant pain, and need to have infected and/or damaged teeth removed.

Stage 4 – Extreme, chronic periodontal disease is the 4th and final stage. Bone loss of 50% or higher is visible on oral radiographs. Your pet is not only in severe pain but is at risk of losing multiple teeth. Your pet is also at risk of developing a systemic infection. This infection causes damage to internal organs by entering through the mouth and into the bloodstream and spreading throughout the body.

Preventing and Treating Pet Dental Disease

An oral examination is an important part of your pet’s annual wellness exam. A thorough exam of your pet’s mouth will help our veterinarian determine the next step in your pet’s oral care. 

Regular dental cleanings play an important role in keeping a pet’s teeth clean and healthy over its lifetime. To be thorough, as well as to correct any problems caused by periodontal disease, we perform an ultrasonic scaling both above and below the gumline This requires that the pet be under general anesthesia. This is also why dental cleanings are considered a surgical procedure. 

Regular home tooth brushing is another important part of a pet’s oral care regiment. We recommend brushing the outer sides of the upper and lower teeth at least 3 times a week. Use only a pet specific toothpaste and toothbrush. Regular brushing can also help reduce the number and frequency of dental cleanings that are needed over time.

Your veterinarian or technician will be happy to demonstrate proper brushing technique and answer any questions you have. Daily brushing, combined with checkups and dental cleanings will help your pet have a healthier and more comfortable life.

As always, your team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center is here for you and your pet! Don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule your pet’s next visit.

Our pets rely on their paws to transport them everywhere they need to go and in all types of weather, and it is easy to assume that their paws can withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at them. Unfortunately, cracked pads, frostbite, chemical burns, and more present numerous hazards to the well-being of our pet’s paws, especially, this time of year. With this in mind, the team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center would like to walk you through the basics of winter paw protection for your furry loved one!

Adorable Anatomy

Paw pads are some of the cutest parts of any pet, but they also serve many important functions. Pads provide cushioning and shock absorption by protecting the ligaments, tendons, and bones from the impact of walking and running. They also provide insulation from hot and cold surfaces, as well as traction when a pet traverses across varying types of terrain. Paw pads also protect against bacteria, parasites, and other nasty contaminants present on any surface or terrain they come in contact with.  

As a pet matures, the surface of the pads will become more tolerant to heat, cold, and rough surfaces. That doesn’t mean, however, that they don’t need some additional protection. Their paws remain vulnerable to the damage caused by extreme cold, ice, and chemical de-icers.

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With Thanksgiving almost here, our tables will soon overflow with delicious food. While your pet’s cute face will certainly tempt you into sharing, it’s crucial to remember that many popular human dishes are not safe or healthy for them. Knowing what they can and can’t eat—like whether dogs can eat stuffing or if cats can have pumpkin—will help you resist the urge.

To ensure a safe celebration for everyone this holiday, and to avoid a trip to the emergency room, we’ve compiled a clear list of Thanksgiving foods to skip and the healthy options you can safely share with your pet.

Thanksgiving Foods To Avoid

The items below are Thanksgiving foods that will cause more harm than good for your cats and dogs. To keep them healthy, ensure these dishes are inaccessible. And remember: You aren’t the only one feeding your pet! Please inform your family and dinner guests about these dangerous or toxic foods to prevent well-meaning but risky table scraps.

Turkey Bones

Never share leftover bones. Bones can easily cause choking or splinter and puncture the intestines, necessitating emergency veterinary care.

Fatty Foods

Fatty foods such as turkey skin, ham, bacon, dark meat, rich sauces and mashed potatoes must be avoided. They are too rich and can trigger painful digestive issues like pancreatitis in your pet.

Onions, Garlic, Shallots, Leeks & Chives

Onions, garlic, shallots, leeks and chives are highly toxic to both dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause immediate damage to your pet’s red blood cells. While small amounts might not show immediate symptoms, large doses or chronic exposure can lead to severe, life-threatening anemia.

Unbaked Yeast Dough

Keep all raw dough completely out of reach. If ingested, it creates a dual emergency: The dough can expand dramatically inside your pet’s stomach, causing a dangerous blockage and severe bloating. Simultaneously, the active yeast ferments and produces alcohol, leading to the rapid onset of alcohol poisoning.

Grapes/Raisins

Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to pets, especially dogs. Even a very small amount can trigger potentially fatal and irreversible kidney failure. Always keep fruit salads and baked goods containing these ingredients strictly out of reach.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause painful symptoms, including weakness, tremors, vomiting, and overheating.

Chocolate

Chocolate is an absolute no-go for pets, even during the holidays. It contains the stimulant theobromine, which is poisonous to both dogs and cats. Be aware that the danger level directly relates to the color: darker chocolate (baker’s or dark cocoa) contains higher concentrations of theobromine and is therefore much more dangerous than milk chocolate.

Xylitol

Xylitol is an ingredient that is extremely toxic and potentially fatal to dogs, and it is hidden in an increasing number of household items. Since even small amounts can cause a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure, you must always check the ingredient label on anything your pet might chew or consume.

To complicate safety, manufacturers often use other names for Xylitol on product labels. Be vigilant and watch out for these aliases:

• Birch sugar
• Birch bark extract
• Birch sap
• Sugar alcohol

Thanksgiving Foods To Share…In Moderation

While the “danger list” is long, the good news is that your pet doesn’t have to miss out entirely! In fact, there are still several foods your dog or cat can enjoy this Thanksgiving (in moderation). Here are some examples:

Turkey Meat

Plain, cooked turkey meat is safe for both cats and dogs. Just ensure you only offer a small piece of white meat that is completely unseasoned and free of all fat.

Pure Canned Pumpkin

While the pie filling is unhealthy, plain, canned pumpkin is actually great for pets. A little spoonful of pure pumpkin makes a safe, delicious dessert treat for your dog or cat. Crucial: Ensure it is 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling.

 Plain Sweet Potatoes or Plain Potatoes

Plain, fully cooked potatoes and sweet potatoes are perfectly safe to share with your cat or dog in small amounts this Thanksgiving. Just ensure they are free of butter, cream, seasoning, or garlic/onions!

Plain Green Beans

Plain, cooked green beans are great, healthy treats you can safely share with your dog or cat. However, you must avoid the green bean casserole. Set aside a small serving of cooked, unseasoned green beans before you start assembling the casserole.

Plain Carrots

Just like sweet potatoes, carrots are a powerful, healthy snack for your pet! They are loaded with beta-carotene, vitamins, fiber, and are an excellent source of antioxidants. You can serve them raw for a satisfying crunch, or offer them cooked—just make sure they are completely unseasoned.

What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Toxin

If you suspect your dog or cat has consumed something toxic this Thanksgiving, contact your veterinarian immediately—do not wait! Calling your vet or a pet poison control hotline immediately allows professionals to determine the correct treatment. Some toxins require induced vomiting; others need specific emergency care. The outcome often depends on how fast you act, so do not delay.

We’re Here For You

Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center provides year-round comprehensive care to protect your pet’s health and safety, no matter the season. Contact us today.

Keeping your dog calm during vet visits doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, there are several steps you can take to make your next trip a little easier for both you and your pet.   

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Is Your Pet’s Bed Overdue for a Cleaning?

Sharing our home with pets brings many joys. But along with that joy comes dirt, hair and parasites. While vacuuming up fur may be a daily habit, it’s easy to overlook your pet’s bed and let it go weeks without a wash. These cozy sleeping spots are prime breeding ground for hair, fleas, and unwelcome germs.

Pet Beds Same As Bed Sheets

Think of it this way: your pet’s bed deserves the same washing routine as your own sheets. If you’re ready to banish the funk, eliminate germs, and keep your pets healthy, you need to know the facts. Here is what every pet parent needs to know about keeping those pet beds truly clean.

Why You Need To Clean Your Pet’s Bed

It’s easy to overlook that cozy pet bed, but think of it as a silent collector. Day after day, it gathers more than just fur and dirt—it becomes a hotspot for some seriously unwelcome guests:

• Allergens: Your pet’s bed traps dust mites, pollen, and dander, triggering miserable allergies for both your pet and your family.
• Parasites: Washing is your best defense! Fleas, ticks, and mites can hide and thrive in bedding. But regular washing helps break their life cycle and keeps pests at bay.
• Odors: Let’s banish the funk! Frequent washing prevents that noticeable “doggy smell” or strong cat musk from taking over your living room.

Choosing A Pet Bed

Not all pet beds are created equal. A quality bed is a smart investment that does more than just offer comfort—it actively works to keep your home cleaner. By choosing the right materials, you can significantly reduce odors, allergens, and bacteria.

Shopping for a new one? Keep these essential features in mind:

• Removable covers: Beds with removable covers make cleaning a breeze. You can toss the cover into the wash without dealing with bulky padding.
• Machine-washable materials: Got a washing machine that can handle bulky items? Look for beds made of fabrics and fillers that can tolerate machine washing and drying. This helps ensure a deep clean.
• Waterproof liners: A waterproof layer between the cover and the stuffing keeps potty accidents, drool, or muddy paws from soaking into the core of the bed.

How Often Should You Clean Your Pet’s Bed?

How often should you wash that pet bed? While there’s no single perfect answer, follow this general rule of thumb:

• Dogs: Once a week, especially for pups who spend a lot of time outside or seem to collect odors quickly.
• Cats: You can usually stretch this to every two weeks, thanks to their meticulous self-grooming habits.
• Wash More Often If: Your pet suffers from allergies, is a heavy shedder, or if you’re dealing with a recent flea/pest problem.

Pro Tip: Always check the washing instructions on the tag! And don’t forget to vacuum the area around the bed to keep stray fur and dust under control.

Fresh Beds Equal Happy Home

Your pet deserves a clean, cozy haven—not a breeding ground for smells, parasites, or allergens. The solution is simple: regular cleaning and choosing a bed made with waterproof, machine-washable materials. This combination makes all the difference for a healthier, happier home.

Got Pet Health Questions? Contact Us.

Your pet’s comfort and health are our top priority. If you need expert advice on managing allergies, preventing parasites, or addressing other health concerns related to your pet’s environment, the team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center is standing by. Call us directly at (303)708-8050.

Halloween is a highlight of the year for many of us, with adventurous costumes, spooky decorations, and of course, tons of candy. But for pets, Halloween can be a confusing and even scary time. 

From the constant ringing of the doorbell to people appearing in strange outfits—not to mention the tempting treats all around—it’s easy for furry family members to get overwhelmed.

Whether your pet loves the chaos or hides under the bed, these Halloween safety tips from Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center will help them stay safe and stress-free. 

Candy and Chocolate

Halloween is synonymous with candy, but for pet owners, those bowls of treats pose serious risks. While delicious for us, it’s crucial to understand why all that sugar and chocolate can be dangerous for our cats and dogs. 

Sugar-Free Candies

The biggest danger in that Halloween candy bowl is often the sugar-free kind! Many sugar-free candies and gums contain xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic and potentially fatal to dogs and cats, even in small amounts. 

Chocolate

All chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, but dark and baking chocolate pose the biggest threat. If you suspect or know that your dog or cat has ingested any amount of chocolate, you need to act fast and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Preventing a candy catastrophe is surprisingly simple, but it requires everyone in the house to be on board:

• Elevate and Secure: Keep all candy in sealed containers or bowls placed high up and far out of your pet’s reach. A closed pantry or high shelf is much safer than a coffee table or kitchen counter.
• The Treat Bag Rule: Remind children (and guests!) not to leave their trick-or-treat bags sitting on the floor. We all know how quickly a curious cat or dog can find and empty a bag of tempting snacks!

Pet-Friendly Snacks

Have alternatives to Halloween candy such as:

• Raw carrot sticks
• Small slices of apple (be sure to remove all seeds and cores)
• Their favorite store-bought doggy biscuits or kitty treats

Think Twice About Halloween Costumes

We all love cute Halloween costumes, and few things are more adorable than seeing our pets dressed up as hot dogs, cupcakes, or superheroes. But not every pet enjoys dressing up. If your pet seems nervous or uncomfortable in their costume, it’s totally okay to skip the outfit. A festive collar or bandana works just as well as a complicated getup.

If your pet does like wearing a costume, make sure it fits well and doesn’t block their vision, breathing, or movement. Avoid any costumes with small parts your dog or cat could chew off. And never leave your pet unsupervised while they’re in costume. Wardrobe accidents can happen fast.

Double-Check Their ID

With all the commotion of Halloween—open doors, trick-or-treaters, and spooky sounds—it’s easy for pets to slip out the door unnoticed. That’s why pet ID is so important this time of year.

Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with an up-to-date ID tag. If they’re microchipped, check that your contact info is current in the system—and if they aren’t microchipped, now is the ideal time to get that done. If your pawsome pal happens to sneak out, a good ID can help get them back home safe and sound.

Halloween Doesn’t Have To Be Scary

The key to a successful holiday is thoughtful preparation. By following a few Halloween safety tips, you can ensure your pets stay safe, calm, and stress-free.

It’s that time of year when the weather turns, the days are shorter, and there is a crisp feeling in the air. Along with the beauty of the season, fall also brings many familiar tasks, including preparing our yards for winter, cleaning the garage, and holiday decorating. Learn how to keep your furry friends safe and healthy during the fall season with these essential tips for fall pet safety.

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What Is Sedated Grooming?

Sedated grooming involves administering mild sedation to ensure a smooth and stress-free grooming experience for both pets and groomers. Most pets can be professionally groomed without sedation. However, there are some who require this procedure.

Candidates for Sedated Grooming

Candidates for sedated grooming include pets that struggle with aggression, easily stressed and those who struggle with physical pain due to heavy matting.  

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Colorado is full of majestic mountains and scenic trails that are hard to resist, especially, when
sharing them with your canine hiking companion. At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we believe that hiking the trails safely with your dog involves proper training and preparation.

To ensure a great experience, you need to get your dog ready for different terrains, weather conditions—from heat and cold to rain and snow—and changing elevations. Keep reading for tips on staying safe and avoiding common mistakes that could get you into trouble.

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