Dentistry
Dental care that supports comfort, appetite, and whole-body health — because dental disease is one of the most common problems we see in pets.
- Under anesthesia
- Safe, monitored cleanings
- Includes
- Scaling, polishing, and X-rays
- Dental X-rays
- Reveal problems below the gumline
- Why it matters
- Oral health affects the whole body
Healthy mouth, healthier pet
By age three, most dogs and cats already have some dental disease — and because pets rarely show it, it often goes unnoticed. Left untreated, it causes pain and can affect the heart, kidneys, and liver. Good dental care protects far more than your pet's smile.
What are the common signs of dental disease in dogs and cats?
Bad breath
Persistent foul-smelling breath is one of the earliest and most common signs of dental disease.
Yellow or brown tartar
Visible buildup along the gumline, especially on the back teeth, points to plaque and tartar.
Red or bleeding gums
Inflamed, red, or bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis and irritation that shouldn't be ignored.
Changes in eating
Chewing on one side, dropping food, eating more slowly, or a reduced appetite can signal mouth pain.
Drooling or pawing
Excessive drooling — sometimes tinged with blood — or pawing at the mouth suggests discomfort.
Loose or missing teeth
Wobbly, broken, or missing teeth are signs of advanced disease that needs prompt attention.
Behaviour changes
Irritability, hiding, less interest in toys, or shying away when the face is touched can all reflect pain.
Weight loss
In cats especially, a painful mouth can lead to eating less and gradual, unexplained weight loss.
What is a COHAT?
A COHAT — a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment — is the complete dental procedure we perform under safe, monitored anesthesia. It goes well beyond a surface "scale and polish": it's a full evaluation and treatment of your pet's entire mouth, including the parts hidden below the gumline where most dental disease actually begins.
What a COHAT includes
- Tooth-by-tooth assessment — every tooth charted and checked for disease, fractures, and mobility.
- Full-mouth dental X-rays — to reveal roots, bone, and problems hidden below the gumline.
- Scaling & polishing — plaque and tartar removed above and below the gumline, then polished smooth.
- Treatment as needed — periodontal care or extractions for diseased teeth, with pain management throughout.
- Anesthesia & monitoring — tailored to your pet and monitored closely from start to recovery.
What a Dental Procedure looks like
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1
Anesthesia & monitoring
Your pet is safely anesthetized and monitored for a still, pain-free clean.
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2
Oral exam
We check your pet's mouth and check each tooth with a dental probe.
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3
Cleaning & X-rays
We scale, polish, and take dental X-rays to see below the gumline.
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4
Treat or extract
Diseased teeth are treated or removed as needed.
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5
Recovery & home care
Your pet recovers and you leave with a simple home routine.
Frequently asked questions
Why does dental cleaning need anesthesia?
Anesthesia lets us clean below the gumline, take X-rays, and treat problems safely and pain-free — none of which is possible with an awake pet.
How do I know if my pet has dental disease?
Bad breath, yellow-brown tartar, red gums, drooling, or eating on one side are common signs. Often, though, there are none — which is why exams matter.
Is anesthesia safe for dental work?
Yes. We tailor anesthesia to your pet, recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork, and monitor them closely throughout the procedure.
What can I do at home?
Daily brushing is the gold standard, and we can recommend dental diets, chews, and rinses to slow tartar between cleanings.
Explore more services
Comprehensive care for dogs and cats, all under one roof in Welland.
Vaccinations
Core & lifestyle vaccines for every stage.
Preventive Care
Wellness exams and early screening.
Diagnostics
X-ray, ultrasound, and in-house lab.
Surgery
Soft-tissue and orthopedic procedures.
Orthopedics
Cruciate, fractures, and joint care.
Flea & Tick Prevention
Year-round parasite protection.
Pet Passports & Travel
Records and documents for travel.