Periodontal (dental) disease is the most common health condition seen by veterinarians. In fact, by age three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some evidence of periodontal disease. It’s not just about bad breath: at advanced stages, it is a problem that can significantly impact an animal’s quality of life, causing mouth pain, tooth loss, and eventually, serious illness.

Bellingham Veterinary offers complete pet oral health services, including:

Dental exams
Scaling (cleaning)
Dental X-rays
Extractions

Following American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines, Bellingham Veterinary only does cleanings and dental work on anesthetized pets. To ensure your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia, we do require a routine blood test before the procedure.

Preventive Dental Care

While some people might laugh at the idea of brushing their pet’s teeth, it is one of the best ways to prevent plaque and tartar build-up and avoid more serious dental problems. If you’re interested in learning how to brush your pet’s teeth, our veterinarians will be happy to help you get started. If you have a pet that won’t tolerate brushing, we can also recommend products that will help keep your pet’s mouth healthy in between cleanings.

You can also help prevent severe oral problems by looking at your pet’s teeth from time to time, investigating bad smells, growths and discolorations. If you’re uncertain about something you find, you can always call us and bring your pet in for an assessment. Catching the problem early can help your pet live a longer, healthier life.

To make an appointment for a dental exam or cleaning, call us at 360-734-0720.