Your dog or cat may be hiding a painful mouth behind a happy tail wag, and for many Cary pet owners the first clue is a whiff of bad breath after a long walk. Pets rarely show dental pain, so a regular cleaning schedule is one of the best ways to catch problems early. Between strolls through Downtown Cary Park and weekends at Bond Park, a healthy mouth helps your pet enjoy every outing.
Grace Animal Hospital welcomes pet families from the Cary area at our Holly Springs hospital, just a short drive away at 116 Collins Crossing Road. Our team offers pet dental cleanings in a calm, family-centered setting, with a preventive focus that may help keep your pet comfortable for years to come.
Most adult pets do best with a professional cleaning and oral exam at least once a year, though the right schedule depends on your pet’s breed, age, and oral health. Here is how we think about timing for Cary dogs and cats.
According to Colorado State University’s Veterinary Health System, American Animal Hospital Association guidelines recommend dental cleanings at least once a year. The guidelines call for cleanings to begin at 1 year of age for cats and small-breed dogs and at 2 years of age for large-breed dogs. We check your pet’s teeth and gums during every pet exam, which gives us a chance to talk through timing.
The same article notes that, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3. Many pets show no symptoms at home, so our team may recommend cleanings more often for pets with heavy tartar, red gums, or a history of dental disease.
Professional cleanings work best alongside home care. Daily brushing with a pet-specific toothpaste is the most effective way to slow plaque, and dental chews or diets with the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal may help too. Never use human toothpaste, which can be harmful to pets.
Dental disease often stays hidden, but a few changes at home may tell you it is time to schedule a visit. Watch for these signs during everyday routines like feeding, play, and cuddle time.
Gum infection can spread beyond the mouth, which is why regular dental care may support your pet’s overall health. If a tooth is badly damaged, our team may discuss options such as tooth extractions to help relieve pain.
Pet owners make the drive from Cary because we are a privately owned, family-oriented hospital that treats every pet like part of the family. From the moment you walk in until you head home, our caring team focuses on the experience for you and your pet.
We use low-stress, gentle handling to help nervous pets feel more at ease. Walk-ins are welcome, we offer same-day and urgent care, and our Spanish-speaking staff helps more families feel comfortable.
More than half of a tooth’s structure sits below the gumline, according to the American Animal Hospital Association, and that part can only be seen on X-rays. Our hospital offers dental radiography and state-of-the-art technology, so our team can look at what is happening beneath the surface.
We believe in transparent pricing, and we accept most pet insurance. CareCredit and Cherry financing are also options, and we offer military discounts.
A clean mouth may help your pet eat comfortably, play freely, and feel like themselves at home and on the trail. Our team at Grace Animal Hospital provides pet dental cleanings, dental radiography, and follow-up care, all focused on prevention and a gentle experience for every patient.
Call us at 919-346-0285 to ask about the right cleaning schedule for your dog or cat, or contact our office to schedule your pet’s dental cleaning.
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