Bad breath may be easy to joke about, but dental disease is no small thing for pets. Plaque, tartar, and infection can cause pain below the gumline long before your dog or cat shows obvious signs at home.
Cat and dog teeth cleaning gives pets a much more thorough level of dental care than brushing or chews can provide. At Indian Peaks Veterinary Hospital, our pet dental cleanings in Boulder, CO include a full oral exam, digital dental X-rays, cleaning above and below the gumline, polishing, anesthesia monitoring, and pain control when needed.
If your pet has bad breath, visible tartar, red gums, trouble chewing, or is due for a dental exam, call or text us at (303) 938-9474.
How to Spot Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats
Pets often hide mouth pain. Many will keep eating even when they have inflamed gums, infected teeth, or painful disease under the surface.
Signs your pet may need dental care include:
Bad breath
Yellow or brown tartar buildup
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Dropping food while eating
Chewing on one side of the mouth
Excessive drooling
Loose, broken, or missing teeth
Pawing at the mouth
Facial swelling
Sneezing or nasal discharge
Less interest in toys, treats, or food
Lower energy or behavior changes
Untreated dental disease can lead to chronic pain, infection, tooth loss, difficulty eating, and a lower quality of life. Bacteria from the mouth can also enter the bloodstream and affect organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
A Look Behind the Scenes of Your Pet’s Dental Cleaning
A professional dental cleaning allows our veterinarian to fully evaluate your pet’s mouth and treat disease where it often starts: below the gumline.
At Indian Peaks Veterinary Hospital, pet dental cleanings include:
A full oral exam of the teeth, gums, and mouth
Pre-anesthetic evaluation before the procedure
An individualized anesthesia plan
Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature
IV fluids to support a smoother recovery
Digital full-mouth dental X-rays to look below the gumline
Scaling to remove plaque and tartar from each tooth
Cleaning below the gumline
Polishing to smooth the tooth surface
Pain control when needed
If we find damaged, infected, or painful teeth, we’ll discuss the recommended next steps. Our team performs extractions and oral surgery when needed, and we focus on saving healthy teeth whenever possible.
What to Expect After Your Pet’s Dental Cleaning
Most pets go home the same day after a dental cleaning. They may be a little sleepy from anesthesia and should rest quietly as they recover.
Your pet may have mild tenderness, especially if extractions or oral surgery were needed. We’ll send home detailed instructions, explain medications if prescribed, and let you know when your pet can return to normal meals and activity.
You may notice fresher breath, improved comfort, and better interest in food or toys once your pet’s mouth has healed. We’ll also talk with you about at-home dental care, follow-up needs, and when your pet should return for their next dental exam.
Dental Care That Helps Pets Feel Like Themselves Again
Dental disease can sneak up slowly, but the difference after treatment can be remarkable. Many pet owners notice their dog or cat seems brighter, more comfortable, and more interested in eating or playing once painful dental problems are addressed.
At Indian Peaks Veterinary Hospital, we take dental care seriously because your pet’s mouth affects how they feel every day. With full-mouth dental X-rays, careful anesthesia monitoring, clear treatment plans, and a team trained in low-stress handling, we work to make the experience safe, clear, and centered on your pet’s comfort.
If your pet is due for a dental exam or cleaning, contact us at (303) 938-9474 to set up a visit.