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If your dog or cat has bad breath, yellow or brown tartar, red or bleeding gums, drooling, or trouble chewing, it is time for a dental check. Dental disease is common in pets by age three and often hidden. A veterinary exam on Vancouver’s West Side can catch problems early, before they become painful.
Why Dental Health Matters for Dogs and Cats
Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions that veterinarians see, and most dogs and cats show some sign of it by the age of three. Because pets are skilled at hiding discomfort, the early stages often go unnoticed at home. Left unaddressed, dental disease can affect not only the mouth but also a pet’s appetite, energy, and overall comfort.
The reassuring news is that dental problems are very manageable when they are found early. Regular attention to your pet’s mouth, paired with professional pet dental care, helps keep your dog or cat comfortable and happy for years to come.
How Dental Disease Can Affect Your Pet’s Whole Body
Dental disease begins with plaque, a soft film of bacteria that forms on the teeth every day. When it is not removed, plaque hardens into tartar and works its way beneath the gum line, where it can inflame the gums and, over time, loosen the teeth. This process is usually gradual, which is why a mouth that looks only lightly stained can still hide real discomfort.
Because the mouth is rich with blood vessels, ongoing dental infection can place extra strain on a pet’s body and change how they eat, play, and rest. Caring for your dog or cat’s teeth early is one of the most practical ways to protect their comfort and quality of life, and it often means simpler, gentler treatment than waiting until problems become advanced.
Signs Your Dog or Cat May Need a Dental Check
Because our pets cannot tell us when their mouth hurts, it helps to know what to watch for. Consider booking a dental check if you notice any of the following:
- Persistent bad breath that does not improve
- Yellow or brown buildup along the gum line
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Drooling more than usual
- Reluctance to eat, or chewing on only one side
- Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
- Loose, broken, or discoloured teeth
- A change in behaviour, such as becoming withdrawn or irritable
Not every sign points to something serious, but each one is a good reason to have your pet’s mouth examined by a veterinarian rather than waiting to see whether it passes on its own.
What Happens During a Professional Dental Visit
A dental visit usually begins with a thorough oral exam as part of your pet’s regular check-up. If a cleaning or treatment is recommended, the team explains the plan and provides a clear, written estimate before anything proceeds, so there are no surprises.
A complete cleaning for a dog or cat is carried out under anesthesia, which lets the team examine every tooth, clean below the gum line, and take dental images safely and without stress. Detailed pet diagnostics, including in-house blood work and digital imaging, help the team assess your pet beforehand. If a tooth is badly damaged, surgical services such as extractions may be recommended to relieve pain and protect the surrounding teeth.
Throughout the visit, the veterinary team monitors your pet closely and keeps you informed about what they find and what they suggest as the next step.
Caring for Your Pet’s Teeth at Home
Professional care works best alongside a simple home routine. Between visits, you can support your dog or cat’s dental health in a few easy ways:
- Brush their teeth with a pet-safe toothpaste, ideally a little each day
- Offer dental chews or diets designed to help reduce plaque
- Provide safe chew toys rather than hard objects that can crack teeth
- Check the mouth regularly so any changes are noticed early
- Keep up with routine visits through a wellness program that includes dental checks
Never use human toothpaste, which can contain ingredients that are not safe for pets. If you are unsure where to begin, your veterinary team can show you simple techniques that make home care easier for both you and your pet.
Consistency matters more than perfection. Even a short daily routine, built up slowly and paired with praise or a favourite treat, can make a real difference over time. If your dog or cat resists at first, start by simply touching the muzzle and lips, then introduce the toothbrush gradually over several days so the experience stays positive.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my dog or cat have a dental check?
Most pets benefit from having their mouth examined at every routine visit, since signs of dental disease can appear by age three. Your veterinarian can advise how often a fuller dental assessment is right for your individual pet.
Is anesthesia necessary for a pet dental cleaning?
A thorough cleaning below the gum line and a complete exam of every tooth are performed under anesthesia so they can be done safely and without stress for your pet. The team discusses your pet’s health and how they will be monitored before the procedure.
Do you treat both dogs and cats?
Yes. Alma Animal Hospital provides veterinary care, including dental care, for both dogs and cats across Vancouver’s West Side.
What are your hours?
Alma Animal Hospital is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clinic is closed on Sundays and statutory holidays.