Pet Dental Care in Bellevue, WA
Dental care is vital to the overall health of every pet. At Animal Wellness and Rehab Center, we provide complete dental care for dogs and cats, including oral exams, professional cleanings, digital dental X-rays, and extractions when needed. Dental disease can lead to problems with the heart, liver, and kidneys as bacteria enter the bloodstream. In fact, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats over three years of age have some form of dental disease, making it one of the most common health issues we see.
Why Pet Dental Care Matters
When plaque and tartar build up on your pet’s teeth, bacteria can cause painful gum infections, tooth loss, and inflammation that affects the entire body. Pets are very good at hiding mouth pain, so many owners don’t realize there’s a problem until disease is advanced. Routine dental care helps prevent discomfort, protects vital organs, and helps your pet eat comfortably for life.
Signs Your Pet May Need Dental Care
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown buildup on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating, chewing on one side, or dropping food
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Loose, broken, or missing teeth
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Every professional cleaning begins with a pre-anesthetic exam and blood work from our in-house laboratory to make sure your pet is a safe candidate for anesthesia. While your pet is carefully monitored, we perform a comprehensive oral exam, take digital dental X-rays to evaluate tooth roots and bone below the gumline, remove plaque and tartar above and below the gums, and polish the teeth. If we find diseased or damaged teeth, we’ll discuss treatment or extractions and provide pain management to keep your pet comfortable.
Caring for Your Pet’s Teeth at Home
Regular brushing, dental chews, and an appropriate diet can significantly slow plaque buildup between cleanings. We’ll give you personalized at-home care recommendations, and we check your pet’s teeth at every wellness exam. Senior pets especially benefit from routine dental care as part of their geriatric care.
Pet Dental Care FAQs
How often does my pet need a dental cleaning?
Most pets benefit from a professional dental cleaning once a year, though some breeds and older pets may need cleanings more often.
Why does my pet need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Anesthesia allows us to clean below the gumline, take dental X-rays, and examine every tooth safely and thoroughly without causing your pet stress or pain.
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
We perform pre-anesthetic blood work and monitor your pet closely throughout the procedure to make anesthesia as safe as possible.
What are the signs of dental disease in pets?
Common signs include bad breath, tartar buildup, red or bleeding gums, trouble chewing, pawing at the mouth, and loose or missing teeth.
Can dental disease affect my pet’s overall health?
Yes. Bacteria from dental disease can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.
How can I care for my pet’s teeth at home?
Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly, offering approved dental chews, and keeping up with annual exams all help prevent dental disease.
Do you perform tooth extractions?
Yes. When a tooth is badly diseased or damaged, we can safely extract it and provide pain relief during recovery.
Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Visit
Protect your pet’s smile and overall health. Call Animal Wellness and Rehab Center at (425) 455-8900 or request a dental appointment online.