Dental Health
Keep your pet’s smile healthy with expert dental care for dogs and cats at Gehrman Animal Hospital in Minnetonka, MN.
Pet Dental Care for Dogs & Cats in Minnetonka
Keeping your pet’s mouth healthy is more than just about fresh breath—it’s an important part of their overall well-being. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in both cats and dogs, and it can lead to pain, infection, and even complications in the heart, liver, and kidneys if left untreated.
Regular dental exams and cleanings are key to preventing these issues. Our team at Gehrman Animal Hospital provides gentle, thorough dental care for dogs and cats in Minnetonka and surrounding areas, with a focus on early detection, treatment, and long-term prevention.
Why Dental Health Matters for Pets
Dental health has a significant impact on your pet’s overall well-being and comfort. Plaque and tartar can begin accumulating on teeth as early as age three, often going unnoticed until more serious problems develop. As plaque hardens into tartar, it can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease, which not only damages the teeth and gums but can also allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria can affect vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver, creating systemic health concerns far beyond the mouth.
The tricky part is that many pets with dental disease show no obvious symptoms, making routine dental checkups even more important. Regular professional cleanings, combined with careful monitoring at home, are important for prevention and early detection. Even subtle signs can point to discomfort or infection.
Some of the most common signs of dental problems in dogs and cats include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar on teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Drooling or trouble chewing
- Pawing at the mouth or showing oral sensitivity
- Loose or missing teeth
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
- Swelling around the face or nasal discharge
- Noticeable changes in behavior or energy levels
Without treatment, these symptoms can lead to chronic pain, reduced quality of life, and more intensive procedures down the road. Fortunately, regular dental exams and cleanings can help catch issues early and prevent more serious complications.
Gehrman Animal Hospital offers dental services designed to support every stage of your pet’s life—from routine cleanings and exams to advanced treatments. By keeping up with dental care, you help ensure your pet stays healthier, more comfortable, and more active for years to come.
Dental Services for Cats and Dogs
Dental care at Gehrman Animal Hospital is thoughtfully designed to support both immediate and long-term oral health for cats and dogs. Each visit includes a complete evaluation, safe treatment options, and personalized follow-up—all with your pet’s comfort in mind. Services include:
Dental Examinations
Every appointment begins with a thorough oral exam to check for plaque, tartar, gum inflammation, loose or damaged teeth, and oral masses. This helps identify any problems early and determine if further treatment or imaging is needed.
Professional Teeth Cleanings Under Anesthesia
Cleanings are done under general anesthesia to ensure your pet is relaxed and still during the procedure. This allows our team to safely remove plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline, where most dental disease begins. Teeth are then polished to smooth the enamel and prevent future buildup.
Digital Dental X-rays
Radiographs allow our team to assess tooth roots and jawbone health. These high-quality images can reveal hidden issues such as abscesses, root infections, bone loss, or fractures that aren’t visible during a routine exam.
Tooth Extractions
When a tooth is damaged beyond repair or causing pain, extraction may be recommended. The procedure is performed with careful surgical techniques and pain management to minimize discomfort and protect your pet’s overall well-being.
Pain Management and Recovery Care
After any dental procedure, your pet receives personalized pain relief and at-home care instructions. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor healing and ensure your pet is recovering comfortably.
These services work together to maintain a clean, healthy mouth and prevent more serious health issues in the future. Whether it’s a first-time cleaning or treatment for advanced dental disease, Gehrman Animal Hospital provides skilled, compassionate care at every stage.
What to Expect During a Dental Visit
Dental visits are carefully planned to ensure your pet’s safety, comfort, and health from start to finish. Whether your pet is coming in for routine cleaning or more advanced treatment, the process is designed to be as smooth and supportive as possible for both pets and their owners.
Before the Procedure: Wellness Exam & Pre-Anesthetic Testing
The visit begins with a full physical exam to assess your pet’s overall health. This includes listening to the heart and lungs and checking vital signs. To make sure your pet can safely undergo anesthesia, pre-anesthetic bloodwork is performed to evaluate organ function and detect any underlying health concerns. You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan, cost estimate, and the chance to ask questions before moving forward.
During the Procedure: Anesthesia and Dental Care
Once cleared, your pet is anesthetized and continuously monitored using advanced equipment to track heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and temperature. Our veterinary team performs a complete oral exam, scales away plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, and polishes the teeth to smooth the surface. Digital dental X-rays are taken to examine the roots and jawbone for hidden issues. If damaged or diseased teeth are found, extractions may be performed to minimize discomfort.
After the Procedure: Recovery & At-Home Care
Pets are closely monitored in a warm, quiet recovery space as they wake from anesthesia. Pain management is tailored to your pet’s needs, and our team provides detailed at-home care instructions, including feeding guidelines, medication information, and what to watch for during recovery. Follow-up visits may be scheduled to ensure your pet is healing well and to support ongoing dental care.
Gentle, Personalized Care from a Trusted Team
Gehrman Animal Hospital offers consistent, compassionate care from a familiar team that knows your pet’s history and personality. As a privately owned clinic, they focus on building strong relationships and providing personalized service—not corporate protocols. With advanced dental equipment and a collaborative approach, the team delivers thorough, low-stress dental care for cats and dogs.
Conveniently located in Minnetonka, our hospital proudly serves the surrounding west metro area. Families across the region trust the team for both expert care and heartfelt service.
Caring for Your Pet’s Teeth at Home
At-home dental care is a key part of preventing oral disease and keeping your pet comfortable between professional cleanings. Even small daily habits can have a big impact on your pet’s health, breath, and overall quality of life.
- Brushing at Home: Use pet-safe toothpaste and a soft brush. Start slow and aim for regular brushing a few times a week.
- Dental Chews & Diets: VOHC-approved chews, dental diets, and water additives can help reduce plaque, especially for pets that resist brushing.
- Monitor for Issues: Watch for bad breath, gum redness, or changes in chewing habits—early signs of dental disease.
- Annual Checkups: Yearly dental exams help catch problems early. Some pets may need more frequent visits based on their dental health.
Combining at-home care with professional dental cleaning provides the best long-term protection against periodontal disease and helps your pet live a healthier, more comfortable life.
Fresher Breath, Healthier Pet |
Book a Dental Cleaning Today!
Dental care is one of the best investments you can make in your pet’s long-term health. Whether your pet needs a routine cleaning or you’re noticing signs of dental disease, our team at Gehrman Animal Hospital is ready to help with skilled, compassionate care. Contact us at (952) 545-9161 to speak with our team and schedule an appointment.
Do you still have questions?
Call us at (952) 545-9161 or email us at reception@gehrman-animal.com.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Dental Care
How often should pets get dental cleanings?
Most pets benefit from yearly dental cleanings, though some may need them more frequently depending on their age, breed, or existing dental health.
Are dental cleanings safe for older pets?
With appropriate pre-anesthetic testing and monitoring, dental procedures are safe for senior pets.
What are the signs of dental disease in pets?
Bad breath, red or swollen gums, difficulty eating, and loose or missing teeth are some common signs. Some pets show few symptoms, which is why regular exams are important.
Is anesthesia necessary for dental cleanings?
Yes. To clean below the gumline and fully evaluate each tooth, anesthesia is required. It keeps your pet still and comfortable while ensuring thorough cleaning.
Can I brush my pet’s teeth at home?
Absolutely! Daily brushing with pet-safe products helps reduce plaque and tartar. Your vet can show you how to make brushing a positive part of your routine.
