Healthy Teeth, Happier Pets
Most pet owners think about food, exercise, and regular check-ups when it comes to keeping their pet healthy — but dental care often gets overlooked. The truth is, your pet’s teeth and gums need just as much attention as the rest of their body. At DOKO Animal Hospital, we make pet dental care simple, stress-free, and affordable so your furry friend can keep smiling.
When bacteria build up on your pet’s teeth, it can travel through the bloodstream and put extra strain on the heart, kidneys, and liver over time. Catching and treating dental problems early can protect your pet’s overall health, not just their teeth.
Signs Your Pet May Have a Dental Problem
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs and cats. In fact, most pets show signs of dental issues by the time they’re three years old.
Pets can’t tell you when their mouth hurts, but there are a few things to watch for:
- Bad breath that seems worse than usual
- Drooling more than normal
- Trouble chewing or dropping food
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown buildup on the teeth
- Eating less or avoiding hard food
- Loose or missing teeth
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to bring your pet in for a dental check-up. The sooner we catch a problem, the easier it is to treat.
What Does a Pet Dental Cleaning Involve?
A professional dental cleaning at DOKO is much more thorough than brushing your pet’s teeth at home. Here’s what the process looks like:
- Pre-dental exam and bloodwork: Before the cleaning, we’ll check your pet’s overall health and run bloodwork to make sure they’re ready for anesthesia. This step helps us make the procedure as safe as possible.
- Cleaning under anesthesia: Your pet will be under anesthesia during the cleaning. This keeps them still and comfortable while we do a thorough job — including cleaning below the gum line where bacteria tend to hide.
- Full oral exam: While your pet is under, we’ll take a close look at every tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. We check for signs of infection, loose teeth, fractures, or anything else that needs attention.
- Scaling and polishing: We remove built-up tartar and plaque from the teeth, then polish the surface to help slow future buildup.
- Post-cleaning care instructions: Before you take your pet home, we’ll walk you through how to care for their teeth at home and when to schedule their next cleaning.
How Often Should Your Pet Have a Dental Cleaning?
For most dogs and cats, a professional cleaning once a year is a good starting point. Some pets — especially smaller breeds — may need more frequent cleanings. Our team will help you figure out the right schedule based on your pet’s age, breed, and current dental health.
In between cleanings, brushing your pet’s teeth at home and offering dental-friendly treats or toys can also help keep their mouth in good shape.
Experience the Doko Difference!
THE BESt
EXPERIENCe
Our team has worked hard to become masters of their fields giving them the experience to handle a multitude of medical procedures.
The Best
Care
DOKO’s abundance of services ensures your pet not only feels good, but looks good too!
The best
equipment
Our facility features brand new top of the line equipment to ensure the best care for our patients.
