Dental Care Services for Pets

Years of plaque and tartar can build up, frequently leading to dental disease. Dental disease can be painful for your pet and affect their overall quality of life. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by age 3. While we recommend brushing your pet's teeth daily, we know that's not possible for everyone, which is why dental cleanings performed by a veterinarian are essential.

What are the signs of dental disease?

When your pet has dental problems, they begin in the mouth and can spread to other areas of their body. The mouth is a vascular organ which means an infection in the mouth can spread through the bloodstream. Here are some common signs that your pet may have dental disease:

• Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Changes in eating or chewing habits
• Pawing at the face
• Loose teeth
• Depression

If your pet is showing these signs, please contact a veterinarian immediately. Reach out to us at 250-478-4075.

What is a professional dental cleaning and exam?

While not all pets with dental disease will show obvious signs, having your pet's teeth examined annually can help catch dental disease before it progresses. Our hospital offers COHATs (Complete Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) under general anesthetic. A COHAT begins with a full mouth scale and polish, similar to what you would have done at the dentist. It also includes dental X-rays to detect problems under the gum line, where most infections begin. Advanced cases of dental disease often require tooth removal, where some teeth may be broken, may have become infected, or have started to decay.