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A dog out in the forest
A cat being held for a tooth brushing

Pet Dental Care

Oral health is an essential part of your pet’s overall wellness, but the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop oral disease by age three. Regular dental care helps protect your pet from gum disease, tooth decay, and other systemic illnesses caused by an accumulation of bacteria in the mouth.

Hancock Animal Hospital & Rehabilitation Center is committed to providing your pet with state-of-the-art dental care. We’ll perform a comprehensive evaluation of your pet's mouth and administer the necessary treatments.

Conditions we look for include:

  • Problems with deciduous (baby) teeth in puppies and kittens.
  • Oral development.
  • Missing or broken teeth.
  • Extra teeth.
  • Swelling of the gums and mouth tissue.
  • Excessive plaque or tartar buildup.
  • Periodontal disease (affecting the gums and bones in the mouth).
  • Oral tumors.

Dental problems in pets cause more than discomfort—they can lead to a variety of issues, including heart, liver, and kidney problems, as well as diabetes.

Signs of dental disease include:

  • Bad breath (halitosis).
  • Reduced appetite or weight loss.
  • Excessive drooling or salivation (ptyalism).
  • Dry mouth or "tacky" gums (xerostomia).
  • Restricted jaw movement (trismus).

What You Can Expect from Our Dental Services

Before the Procedure

We’ll do a physical examination, check for signs of pain, and run pre-procedure bloodwork. Because we want your pet to remain safe and comfortable throughout the dental appointment, we complete the entire procedure under anesthesia with careful monitoring.

During the Procedure

After anesthesia has been administered, we’ll do a thorough dental cleaning, including scaling and polishing the teeth. We can take full-mouth dental x-rays to check below the gumline when needed. We’ll also perform any necessary tooth extractions.

After the Procedure

Many pet owners express concern about their pet’s ability to eat after teeth have been extracted. Most pets feel great after their dental procedure and can resume their regular diet immediately. Others may need a modified diet until they’re feeling 100% again.

After your pet's dental procedure, we'll provide home care instructions for you to follow based on the procedure performed and your pet’s specific needs.

Hancock Animal Hospital & Rehabilitation Center also has an online pharmacy for all your pet’s medications and supplements, preventives, food/treats, and prescription refills.

At Hancock Animal Hospital & Rehabilitation Center, we’re dedicated to keeping your beloved pet healthy and happy. Good dental health is essential.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our dentistry services or

Schedule an Appointment