Fresher Kisses with Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning in Puyallup, WA
Bad breath might seem like part of the pet package, but stinky kisses, dropping food, chewing on one side, or slowing down at mealtime can be signs that something more serious is happening beneath the surface. At Toptails Vet, we provide cat and dog teeth cleaning services to help pets stay comfortable, pain-free, and ready for plenty more treat dances and squeaky toy victories.
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems our Puyallup, WA team sees, and pets are experts at hiding pain. By the time they stop eating or show obvious signs of discomfort, they may have been dealing with painful teeth and inflamed gums for quite some time.
If your furry bestie has dragon breath or it has been a while since their last dental cleaning, schedule a visit today.
How to Tell if Your Pet Has Dental Disease
Pets rarely complain about tooth pain, but they often leave little clues.
Some signs that your dog or cat may need professional dental care include:
Bad breath that clears a room
Yellow or brown tartar buildup
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Difficulty chewing or dropping food
Pawing at the mouth
Excessive drooling
Changes in appetite
Loose or broken teeth
Facial swelling
Less interest in toys or treats
Even pets that seem perfectly happy can have dental disease hiding below the gumline. In fact, much of what causes pain can't be seen without dental X-rays. That is why every dental patient at Toptails Vet receives full-mouth dental X-rays. We do not just look at problem areas; we evaluate every tooth to make sure hidden troublemakers are not quietly causing discomfort.
What Happens During a Pet Dental Cleaning?
We know anesthesia can sound scary, and trust us, we treat every patient like they are our own furry VIPaw.
Before your pet's procedure, we perform a preanesthetic examination and recommend lab work to help us evaluate their health and make anesthesia as safe as possible.
During the procedure, your pet is monitored closely by a trained veterinary professional whose entire job is to stay by their side and keep a watchful eye on them from start to finish. Advanced monitoring equipment tracks important vital signs throughout anesthesia so we can provide a safe and comfortable experience.
Once your pet is asleep and relaxed, we:
Take Full-Mouth Dental X-Rays
Every patient receives dental X-rays because many painful problems hide beneath the gumline. These images help us evaluate roots, bone health, and teeth that may look normal on the surface.
Perform a Thorough Cleaning
We remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline and polish the teeth to help slow future buildup.
Address Problem Teeth
If damaged, infected, or painful teeth need to come out, our Puyallup veterinarians are comfortable performing most extractions. Removing unhealthy teeth may sound intimidating, but painful teeth do not win any popularity contests. Extracting them often helps pets feel happier, eat better, and return to being their goofy selves.
Prioritize Pain Management
We tailor pain medication and supportive care to your pet's individual needs so they stay comfortable before, during, and after their procedure.
After the Sparkle: What to Expect
Most pets are back to being their lovable, energetic selves within a day or two.
Your pet may feel sleepy after anesthesia, and if extractions were needed, we will send home instructions, medications, and recommendations to support healing. Soft food may be recommended temporarily, and our team will walk you through everything before your pet heads home.
Many families tell us they notice positive changes after dental care. Pets often seem more energetic, more playful, and more interested in food and toys. It turns out living with a toothache can really put a damper on zoomies.