Pet Dental Care

Specialized Veterinary Dental Services We offer

  • Dental exams and professional cleanings under anesthesia. We clean above and below the gumline so the job is complete and comfortable for your pet. This is a routine service at our Murrieta clinic.
  • Oral X rays and full dental charting. X rays help us find cracks, infections, or bone loss that you cannot see.
  • Tooth extractions and dental surgery when needed. If a tooth is painful or loose, we remove it to stop the pain and help the mouth heal.
  • Polishing at the end of the cleaning. Smooth teeth make it harder for plaque to stick again.
  • Fluoride or sealant when it helps. Your vet will decide what protects best.
  • Dental health diet guidance. We show you what to feed and how to brush. We also review chews and rinses that actually help.
  • Straight talk on costs. You get a written estimate and options that fit different budgets. Our team is easy to reach during our extended hours if you have questions.

Whether you are looking for a cat or dog dental cleaning in Hot Springs this is the same full service list we use for both, adjusted to your pet’s age and health.

Signs of Dental Disease in Pets

When it comes to detecting potential oral health problems in pets, owners must be vigilant in noticing changes in behavior. This is because pets often do not act like they are in pain until the pain is severe. If you notice any of the signs below, it is important that you contact us to schedule a dental checkup, teeth cleaning and gum disease treatment. As a trusted animal dental clinic, we help identify early warning signs and offer expert care.

  • Broken or Loose Teeth
  • Discomfort While Eating
  • Extremely Bad Breath
  • Drooling
  • Red Gums
  • Staining on the Teeth
  • Swollen or Inflamed Gums
  • Weight Loss or Loss of Appetite
dog teeth cleaning

Expert Guide to Your Pet’s Dental Appointment

Pre exam and cleaning steps

  • We ask about age, breed, and any meds your pet takes.
  • A doctor exam makes sure anesthesia is safe.
  • We may run bloodwork based on age or history.
  • We share a clear plan and price before we begin. These basics match how our dental service works at Hot Springs Animal Hospital in Murrieta.

Staff, sedation, and procedure flow

  • You check in with a nurse, then the doctor reviews the plan with you.
  • Your pet is sedated and placed under general anesthesia with steady monitoring.
  • We take full mouth X rays, scale above and below the gums, and polish every tooth.
  • If we find a problem tooth, we call you first, then treat what you approve.
  • We save photos and notes to your pet’s record so you know what we did today and what to watch for later.

Pain management and aftercare

  • We use local numbing blocks and safe pain medicine so wake up is calm.
  • Most pets go home the same day with simple feeding and rest steps.
  • If we do extractions, we send soft food and give activity limits.
  • You get a printed aftercare sheet and a number to reach us if you worry. Our clinic hours run into the evening on weekdays and we are open on weekends, which makes follow up questions easier for busy families.
Periodontal Disease in Pets

The Importance of Pet Dental Care

  • A healthy mouth supports a healthy body. Plaque and tartar irritate gums, cause bad breath, and loosen teeth.
  • Mouth pain can make pets drop food or avoid chewing. Cleanings help stop this, and X rays catch problems early.
  • Good dental care also supports overall wellness so your pet feels better day to day. For many pets, a yearly cleaning and oral exam is a smart routine.
  • When you bring your pet in for a dental exam at our Murrieta clinic, we explain the schedule, the price, and what the visit will include.

Quick scan list you can save

  • Bad breath that does not go away
  • Yellow or brown tartar at the gumline
  • Red gums, drooling, or face pawing
  • Dropping food or chewing on one side
  • Loose or broken teeth

If you see any of these, set up an exam. We will guide you on the next step and keep the plan simple.

Pet Wellness Exam

Pet Dental Care FAQs

Yes, veterinary dental care is pain-free for pets because it is performed under safe anesthesia. This ensures your dog or cat is comfortable during the procedure. After the cleaning or treatment, we provide proper pain management so your pet recovers quickly without discomfort.
Most pets should have a professional dental cleaning once a year, though some breeds may need it every 6 months. Regular cleanings help prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth loss. Hot Spring veterinarians in Murrieta can recommend the best schedule for your pet’s dental health.
The cost of pet dental cleaning typically ranges from $400 to $800 in the USA, depending on your pet’s size, age, and whether extractions or x-rays are needed. At Hot Springs Animal Hospital in Murrieta, we provide transparent estimates so you know the cost before treatment begins.

Professional Dog and Cat Dental Cleanings in Murrieta

Hot Springs Animal Hospital recommends that all dogs and cats receive their first dental checkup shortly after they are weaned and continue with pet dental cleanings at least once a year for every year of their lives. Pet dental checkups include an examination of your pet’s head, neck, face, ears and mouth in order to check for signs of health problems. Once the basic examination is complete, your veterinarian will completely clean all the plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth and below the gum line. Once your pet’s teeth are clean, we can give you tips and tricks to help you remove food particles and plaque at home between professional pet dental cleanings, like pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes as well as dental chews to extend the benefits of professional veterinary dental services.