February is Veterinary Dental Health Month! According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), periodontal disease is the most common dental condition affecting both dogs and cats. This month, our hospital is proud to join the AVMA in promoting the importance of lifelong dental care for pets.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease begins when plaque accumulates on the teeth and hardens into tartar. While tartar above the gumline is often visible and removable, plaque and tartar below the gumline cause the most damage, leading to infection, pain, and destruction of the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
The AVMA grades periodontal disease on a scale from 0 (normal) to 4 (severe). You can learn more about these stages HERE.
Dental issues can cause the following problems:
- Bad Breath
- Broken, loose, or discolored teeth
- Dropping food, abnormal chewing, or excessive drooling
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Pain, swelling, or bleeding around the mouth
- Behavior changes or irritability
Please use caution when checking your pet’s mouth as pets in pain may bite. Any of these signs should prompt a veterinary visit.
What happens during a COHAT at DePorre Veterinary Hospital?
A COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) is essentially a professional pet teeth cleaning performed by a team experienced in pet dental care.
- Pre-Anesthetic Blood Work: Typically done before the procedure to assess parameters important for anesthesia safety, including liver and kidney function.
- Drop-Off & Anesthesia: Your pet will stay for most of the day. Under anesthesia, dental radiographs are taken to assess issues beneath the gumline.
- Cleaning & Polishing: One of our licensed technicians will clean and polish your pet's teeth to remove tartar buildup.
- Comprehensive Exam & Treatment: The veterinarian will examine each tooth, review X-rays, and perform any necessary extractions or oral surgeries.
- Safety & Comfort: Your pet’s vitals will be monitored throughout by a technician, and they will receive pain and nausea medications, as well as IV fluids for hydration.
- Recovery & Aftercare: Your pet will be monitored during recovery, and the dental team will go over results and at-home care instructions with you before discharge.
Meet Our Surgeons
Dr. DeHondt | Dr. Brothers | Dr. Viney | Dr. Clarke | Dr. Castle
Prevention Starts at Home
Daily brushing is ideal, but even brushing 2–3 times per week can significantly reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Some pets may be uncomfortable with teeth brushing at first but will improve with gradual desensitization. For brushing tips, click here.
If you're not able to brush your pet's teeth everyday, there are many other oral health products available. The VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) has a list of approved dental products for dogs and cats you can find here.
Looking for more information on your pet’s oral health? Check out Dr. Viney’s video on cat oral health and Dr. DeHondt’s video on dog dental care. They take a deeper dive into dental disease and share tips to help keep your pet’s teeth in tip-top shape.
Year Round Prevention Goes Beyond Oral Health
Just like dental care, flea and tick prevention requires consistent, year-round protection. Unpredictable weather, long parasite life cycles, and pests seeking warmth indoors mean pets are at risk no matter the season.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we offer multiple flea and tick prevention options to fit every pet and lifestyle.
NEW! Injectable Prevention
Bravecto Quantum - One injection, one full year of protection for canines.
Pros of Injectable prevention:
- Continuous protection for a full year.
- 100% effective at eliminating flea egg production for 12 months.
- No pills, no topical mess, and no monthly reminders.
- Ideal for busy households and dogs that struggle with oral or topical medications.
Oral Prevention
Simparica Trio - An all-in-one monthly chew that provides protection against fleas, ticks, and heartworm for canines.
Credelio - A monthly flea and tick prevention given with food. Feline and canine formulas available.*
Pros of oral prevention:
- Easy to administer and mess-free.
- Best for pet parents who can maintain a monthly schedule.
- Often preferred by pets who dislike topical products.
Topical Prevention
Frontline - An effective flea and tick control that is applied to the nape of your pet's neck once a month.
Revolution - A monthly prevention used to protect your pet against heartworm disease, fleas, ticks and ear mites.
Pro's of topical prevention:
- A safe option for pets with neurological disorders or a history of seizures.
- Ideal for pet parents comfortable with topical applications.
- Great for pets who don't like the taste of oral prevention or have food allergies.
- Feline and canine formulas available.
*Please note: Oral and injectable preventions are not recommended for pets with neurological disorders or a history of seizures. Our veterinary team will review your pet’s medical history to ensure this option is appropriate. Feline formulas are not currently available for Simparica Trio or Bravecto Quantum. Feline Credelio is available to order through our online pharmacy.
Whether it’s protecting your pet’s smile or preventing parasites year-round, consistent care makes all the difference.
If you have questions or would like help choosing the best preventive plan for your pet, our team is always happy to help. Give us a call at (248) 609-1625 or click below to schedule an appointment:
Check out our online pharmacy coupons below to save on your pets medications, prevention, and dental products.
