Pet Dental Exams
By |Last Updated: November 7, 2025|
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Proper dental hygiene is essential for your pet’s overall health and well-being. Neglecting dental care can lead to various health issues, which can affect your pet’s quality of life. At Hot Springs Animal Hospital in Murrieta, CA, we provide exams and cleanings to relieve any pain your cat or dog is experiencing and improve its wellness.

Preventing Dental Diseases

Maintaining good dental hygiene in pets helps prevent common dental diseases such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. These conditions can cause pain, discomfort, and even lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Regular brushing and professional dental cleanings can significantly reduce the risk of these issues.

Reducing Bad Breath

Bad breath in pets is often a sign of poor dental health. Proper dental hygiene can eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath. When you visit our vets regularly for cleanings, brush your pet’s teeth daily, and provide dental chews, it can keep his or her mouth clean and healthy.

Preventing Pain and Discomfort

Pets with dental problems often experience pain and discomfort. They may have difficulty eating, lose interest in food, or show signs of distress. Routine dental care helps prevent these issues, ensuring your furry friend remains comfortable.

Enhancing Overall Health

Dental health is closely linked to overall health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to infections that spread to other parts of the body, including the heart, liver, and kidneys. By keeping up with your cat or dog’s dental hygiene, you are also contributing to its well-being and longevity.

The Significance of Regular Dental Check-Ups

Scheduling dental check-ups with our veterinarians is essential. Professional dental cleanings and examinations help detect and address any issues early, which can prevent more serious problems down the line. We can also provide advice on the best dental care practices for your pet.

Contact Hot Springs Animal Hospital for an Appointment Today!

To learn more about pet dental care or to schedule your visit, contact Hot Springs Animal Hospital in Murrieta, CA, at (951) 600-0830 today. We are happy to provide you with additional details and set you up with an appointment. When you’re seeking a veterinarian near me, our team looks forward to assisting you!

FAQs

If your dog shows signs of tooth pain, first arrange a veterinary dental exam—this is the only way to properly diagnose and treat the underlying issue. In the meantime, you can offer soft food, avoid hard chew toys, and ensure gentle brushing if tolerated. Your vet may prescribe pain relief or recommend a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia. Untreated dental pain can lead to infections and more serious issues, so prompt treatment is key.

Dogs with dental pain often show subtle changes: reduced interest in dry food or chewing toys, drooling, pawing at the mouth, or eating more slowly. Sometimes they’ll drop food or favor one side of the jaw. While many dogs hide pain, these signs are red flags and should prompt a dental checkup.

The “3-3-3 rule” typically refers to emergency human dental care (3 tablets, every 3 hours, for 3 days) and isn’t a veterinary-approved protocol for pets. For dogs and cats experiencing dental pain, the best path is to get them evaluated by a vet dental specialist. Never give human pain medications without veterinary direction.

Signs of dental disease in pets include bad breath, red or swollen gums, loose or missing teeth, reluctance to chew, drooling, and changes in eating behavior. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time for a check-up, dental disease can quietly progress and impact other parts of the body.

Yes, dental disease isn’t just about bad breath. The bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting organs like the heart, kidneys and liver. That’s why a regular pet dental exam matters: it protects not just teeth, but overall health and lifespan.
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Written by : Hot Springs Animal Hospital

Hot Springs Animal Hospital is dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care in Murrieta, CA. Our experienced team is passionate about keeping pets healthy through preventive care, advanced treatments, and compassionate service. We proudly serve pet parents with a full range of veterinary services to ensure every pet lives a long, happy life.

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