Dental Care

Your dog has been turning away from his food bowl. Your cat has started drooling more than usual. You write it off as a quirk, but these small changes can be early signs of a much bigger problem growing just below the gum line. Dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed health issue in dogs and cats, and it often goes unnoticed until it has already caused real damage to your pet’s teeth, gums, and even their internal organs.

At Fish Creek Animal Hospital, we provide thorough dental care for dogs and cats right here in Montgomery, TX. Our team takes a whole-pet approach to oral health, understanding that what happens in your pet’s mouth directly impacts the rest of their body. As part of our comprehensive veterinary services, dental care is a priority at every life stage, from puppies and kittens getting their first exams to senior pets managing age-related oral conditions. Our team provides dental care for dogs and cats from Montgomery, New Caney, and Woodforest.

Why Pet Dental Health Cannot Be Ignored

Dental disease in pets is far more common than most owners realize. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, studies show that 80 to 90 percent of dogs over the age of three have some degree of periodontal disease. When it progresses beneath the gum line, it creates infections that can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.

The trouble is that pets are skilled at hiding discomfort. A dog or cat in significant oral pain may still eat, play, and behave relatively normally, making it easy for the problem to go undetected. That is precisely why routine dental evaluations with our veterinarians are so important. Catching disease in its early stages allows us to address it before it escalates into something that requires more extensive and costly treatment.

Signs Your Pet May Have a Dental Problem

Knowing what to watch for at home can help you act quickly when something is off. Here are some of the most common warning signs of oral health problems in dogs and cats:

• Bad breath: Persistent, foul-smelling breath is one of the earliest indicators of dental disease, not just a normal part of having a pet.
• Difficulty chewing: Dropping food, chewing only on one side, or avoiding hard food can all point to tooth pain or sensitivity.
• Red or bleeding gums: Healthy gums should be pink and firm, so any redness, swelling, or bleeding warrants attention.
• Drooling: Excessive drooling, especially if it is a new behavior, can signal oral pain or infection.
• Visible tartar buildup: Yellow or brown deposits on the teeth, particularly near the gum line, indicate that plaque has hardened and cannot be addressed with brushing alone.

Any one of these signs is worth mentioning at your next visit. When multiple symptoms appear together, scheduling an appointment sooner is the right call.

What to Expect During a Professional Dental Cleaning

A professional dental cleaning at Fish Creek Animal Hospital involves much more than a quick polish. Because our patients cannot hold still or open wide on command, dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia. This protects your pet from the stress and discomfort that would otherwise come with the procedure, and it allows our team to do a thorough job.

The Dental Cleaning Process

Before anesthesia is administered, we conduct a pre-anesthetic evaluation that typically includes a physical exam and bloodwork to confirm your pet is healthy enough for the procedure. Once your pet is safely under anesthesia and monitored by our veterinary team, we perform a detailed oral exam, remove tartar above and below the gum line, and take dental X-rays to assess tooth and root health that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

If we find broken, abscessed, or severely damaged teeth, extraction may be recommended to relieve pain and prevent infection from spreading. Dental services at Fish Creek Animal Hospital range from $550 to $1,400, depending on the extent of the cleaning and whether any extractions are needed. Flexible payment options, including Cherry payment plans with no impact to your credit to apply, can help make care more accessible.

At-Home Dental Care Between Visits

Professional cleanings are essential, but daily home care plays an equally important role. The most effective thing you can do is brush your pet’s teeth regularly using toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs or cats. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that are unsafe for pets to swallow, so always use a veterinary-approved product. Starting this habit early and being consistent with it can slow plaque buildup between professional cleanings.

For pets that resist toothbrushing, dental chews, water additives, and prescription dental diets can all help. Look for products carrying the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval, and explore our pet owner resources for additional guidance on keeping your pet healthy at home.

Choose Fish Creek Animal Hospital for Dental Care in Montgomery, TX

Fish Creek Animal Hospital was founded by Dr. Kevin Wheeler, who earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Our team also includes Dr. Melissa Pawlowski and Dr. Crenshaw, both Texas A&M University-trained veterinarians who bring a thorough, whole-patient perspective to every visit. Dr. Pawlowski’s special interests include dentistry and internal medicine, making her an especially valuable resource for pets with chronic or recurring oral health concerns.

We are proud to serve the dogs and cats of Montgomery, Conroe, Magnolia, The Woodlands, and the surrounding communities. If you have noticed any signs of dental disease in your pet or simply want to stay ahead of problems before they start, request an appointment with our team today.

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