Primary Care

Dental Care

Although often overlooked, taking good care of your pet’s teeth can directly impact your pet’s health and contribute significantly to a long and active life. When neglected, poor dental hygiene can lead to a number of health problems for dogs and cats, including damage to the kidneys, liver, and heart.

We help all of our clients understand the importance of good dental hygiene and take time to teach you how to properly care for your pet’s teeth and gums at home, minimizing the need for professional intervention. However, even the most conscientious pet owners will find that sometimes their pets needs a little extra help from a professional.

Signs that your pet’s mouth needs a closer look are:

  • Bad breath
  • Yellowish plaque on your pet’s tooth surfaces, particularly near the gum line
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Bleeding or pain when your pet is eating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Missing or loose teeth

If you notice any of the above symptoms, we encourage you to bring your pet in for a checkup at your earliest convenience. If we determine that your pet is in need of an in-office dental cleaning, we will review the costs and schedule a time for you to bring your pet in for a thorough dental cleaning.

Pets undergoing dental work are safely put under anesthesia so that the veterinarian can thoroughly scale and clean the teeth. Your pet is fully monitored at all times while under anesthesia, with the utmost attention to your pet’s comfort and safety throughout the procedure. Dental cleaning is considered to be outpatient surgery, so you will be able to bring your pet home on the same day as the dental cleaning. We will provide detailed instructions for caring for your pet when you bring him or her home.