Veterinary Dentistry

Lifelong Oral Health for Happier, Healthier Pets
Dental health is a critical part of your pet’s overall well-being. At Kelowna Veterinary Hospital, we take a proactive approach to oral care—offering both state-of-the-art in-clinic treatments and guidance for at-home dental maintenance. Whether your pet is due for their first cleaning or you’ve noticed signs of discomfort, our team is here to help.

Preventive Dental Care
Many pets don’t show obvious signs of dental disease until it’s advanced. In fact, we often see pets for their first dental cleaning at age 10 or older—by which time there may already be significant decay, pain, or infection. Early and routine cleanings can reduce discomfort, extend your pet’s life, and help you avoid larger dental bills later on.
We recommend:
- Annual dental checkups as part of your pet’s wellness care
- Professional cleanings every 1–2 years depending on breed and oral health
- At-home brushing several times a week (or daily, if possible)
- Dental-friendly toys and treats to help reduce tartar buildup
- Regular monitoring for signs like bad breath, gum redness, or reluctance to eat
Our team is happy to show you how to brush your pet’s teeth and recommend products that support oral hygiene at home.
Advanced Dental Technology
Our hospital is equipped with an industry-leading dental suite, designed to deliver exceptional precision and care. A 40-inch monitor allows us to closely examine detailed dental X-rays, giving our team a clear view of your pet’s mouth—including the roots and jawbone beneath the surface.
This technology supports:
- Early diagnosis of dental disease
- Accurate treatment planning
- Reduced need for unnecessary extractions
- Better outcomes and less discomfort for your pet
What to Expect During a Dental Procedure
If your pet requires a dental cleaning or treatment, they will be placed under general anesthesia. This ensures a stress-free experience and allows us to perform a full evaluation and deep cleaning, including areas beneath the gum line. Dental X-rays may also be taken to assess the overall health of each tooth and the surrounding bone. Depending on what we find, treatment could include scaling, polishing, extractions, or follow-up care recommendations.
Symptoms of Dental Problems
If your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms, a dental assessment may be needed:
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen gums
- Tartar build-up
- Exposed tooth roots
- Mouth or lip ulcers
- Rubbing their face on carpets or furniture
- Dropping food or poor appetite
Why We Don’t Support Anesthetic-Free Dentistry
While anesthetic-free procedures may seem like a cheaper or safer alternative, they fall short in both effectiveness and safety. Cleanings on an awake animal:
- Cannot assess or treat disease below the gum line
- Require uncomfortable restraint and cause unnecessary stress
- Provide a misleading impression of health, as problems may go undetected
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) does not support anesthetic-free dentistry, and neither do we. Proper dental care requires a full-mouth examination and imaging—something only possible under anesthesia.
Book Your Dental Consultation
Your pet deserves a comfortable, healthy mouth at every stage of life. Contact us to book a dental consultation or take advantage of our free dental estimates in October and February.