Your dog’s breath may only smell a little off, but the real trouble usually hides below the gumline, where no owner can see it. Between strolls down Salem Street and evenings on the greenway, busy Apex families can easily miss a quiet toothache.
Grace Animal Hospital in Holly Springs is a short drive from Apex, and our team offers professional pet dental cleanings for dogs and cats from across the Apex area. Our fear-free approach, dental X-rays, and family-owned care help your pet stay comfortable while we check every tooth.
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, as reported by the CSU Veterinary Health System, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. Most of these pets never act sick, so owners often have no idea a problem is brewing.
Plaque hardens into tartar, and bacteria can collect below the gums, where they may harm the teeth, the gum tissue, and the bone that holds each tooth in place. Left untreated, the same source notes this infection may contribute to heart, lung, and kidney problems. Pets also hide pain well, so a routine cleaning gives our team the chance to find trouble early, before it grows into a bigger concern for your pet and your family. Signs to watch for at home include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, dropping food while eating, and pawing at the face, though many pets show none of these at all.
The American Animal Hospital Association recommends professional cleanings and oral exams at least once a year, starting at one year of age for cats and small-breed dogs and at two years of age for large-breed dogs. That lines up with our own recommendation of a yearly cleaning for most dogs and cats.
Some pets may need more attention. Cats and small dogs tend to build tartar faster, and senior pets or pets with a history of dental disease may benefit from visits more often than once a year. We check your pet’s mouth at every pet wellness exam, so we can adjust the schedule to fit your dog or cat and your family’s routine.
Between visits, daily tooth brushing is one of the best ways to slow plaque buildup, and dental wipes or treats carrying the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal may help pets that resist a brush. We are happy to talk through which home care options fit your pet, so the work we do in our hospital carries over into everyday life in your Apex home.
Every cleaning at Grace Animal Hospital is done under general anesthesia, which lets us clean each tooth surface and look closely at the whole mouth. Your pet’s visit may include the following steps, based on their needs.
Our team monitors your pet during the procedure and tailors the anesthesia plan to their weight, age, and health. Afterward, we explain what we found and walk you through home care, so you leave with a clear plan and no surprises. If we find a tooth that cannot be saved, a pet tooth extraction may be recommended, and more involved needs may call for pet oral surgery under the same roof.
Apex pets lead active lives, from weekend trips to Apex Nature Park to laps around the neighborhood, and healthy teeth support their comfort, appetite, and energy. Dental care also ties into whole-body wellness, as we explain in our post on how pet dental cleanings improve overall health.
Grace Animal Hospital is privately owned and not part of a corporate chain, so we focus on the experience from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. We keep our pricing transparent, accept most pet insurance, and offer CareCredit and Cherry financing through our pet financing options. Our Spanish-speaking staff and low-stress, gentle handling help every family feel at ease.
A yearly cleaning is one of the simplest ways to protect your pet’s comfort and long-term health, and our team is ready to build a dental plan around your dog or cat. We pair advanced diagnostics and surgical capabilities with a caring, family-owned approach, so your pet can have dental care and any follow-up needs handled in a place they already know.
Our hospital in Holly Springs welcomes pet families from Apex and the surrounding communities, and you can reach our front desk at 919-346-0285. When you are ready, contact our office to schedule your pet’s dental cleaning.
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