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Clear guides to dental health in dogs and cats: symptoms, diagnostics, safe anaesthesia, treatment and home care.
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What is COHAT and why is it more than a dental clean?
COHAT is not just a professional dental clean — it is comprehensive dental diagnostics under anaesthesia with assessment of every tooth and a treatment plan when indicated.
Why does my dog have bad breath?
Persistent bad breath should not be dismissed as just a quirk — it is most often linked to the condition of the mouth.
Tooth resorption in cats (TR)
Tooth resorption (TR) is one of the most common causes of oral pain in cats. Without an examination under anaesthesia and radiographs, it's easy to miss.
Is anaesthesia safe for a dog or cat?
Being wary of anaesthesia is understandable. Modern monitored veterinary anaesthesia significantly reduces risk, especially with proper preparation.
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When should you see a veterinary dentist?
Dental problems in pets often develop unnoticed. Here's when an examination is genuinely needed.
Why does my dog have bad breath?
Persistent bad breath should not be dismissed as just a quirk — it is most often linked to the condition of the mouth.
Why does my cat have bad breath?
In cats, bad breath is often linked to specific mouth conditions — tooth resorption, chronic gingivostomatitis or periodontal disease.
What is COHAT and why is it more than a dental clean?
COHAT is not just a professional dental clean — it is comprehensive dental diagnostics under anaesthesia with assessment of every tooth and a treatment plan when indicated.
Why do pets need dental X-rays?
Without an X-ray it's impossible to see the roots, bone and hidden disease — which is often where the main problem is hiding.
Why is dentistry done under anaesthesia?
Anaesthesia in veterinary dentistry isn't a convenience — it's a necessity for safe, high-quality work.
Is anaesthesia safe for a dog or cat?
Being wary of anaesthesia is understandable. Modern monitored veterinary anaesthesia significantly reduces risk, especially with proper preparation.
What is periodontal disease in dogs?
Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs. Left untreated, it progresses and can lead to tooth loss.
What is periodontal disease in cats?
Periodontal disease is also common in cats, but it's often combined with other feline conditions — resorption and stomatitis.
Why is scaling off tartar not enough?
Tartar on the surface is only the visible part of the problem. Inflammation requiring full treatment is often hiding below the gumline.
Can a broken tooth in a dog be saved?
The decision to save a broken tooth in a dog depends on the type of fracture and the condition of the pulp and root — this can only be worked out after an examination and X-ray.
Tooth resorption in cats (TR)
Tooth resorption (TR) is one of the most common causes of oral pain in cats. Without an examination under anaesthesia and radiographs, it's easy to miss.
Stomatitis in cats: what FCGS or gingivostomatitis means
Chronic feline gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is painful inflammation of the mouth lining — not "simple gingivitis" — and needs comprehensive diagnostics.
Retained temporary canine teeth in puppies
When a temporary tooth doesn't fall out in time, the adult tooth erupts alongside it — creating "double canines". This needs a dentist's attention.
How to brush a dog's teeth properly
Regular brushing slows plaque build-up, but only with the right technique and a pet-safe toothpaste.
How to brush a cat's teeth
Brushing a cat's teeth is harder than a dog's, but it's possible — with patience and the right approach.
Why you can't use human toothpaste
Human dental products are not designed for animals that swallow toothpaste. For home care, use only veterinary products.
How to prepare a dog or cat for a dental procedure
Individual preparation for a dental procedure under anaesthesia: what to tell the vet, how to reduce stress, and what to bring.
Aftercare following tooth extraction
After tooth extraction, a pet needs a calm recovery and to follow the vet's instructions.
When does a dog need a tooth extracted?
Extracting a tooth in a dog isn't the first option, but sometimes it's the most sensible way to relieve pain and infection.
When does a cat need a tooth extracted?
In cats, tooth extraction is often linked to resorption or stomatitis — causes specific to cats.
Why is my dog refusing dry food?
Refusing dry food often means eating is painful — the cause is usually found in the mouth.
Why does my cat only eat on one side?
One-sided eating in cats often points to pain on one side of the mouth — typical behaviour with resorption or stomatitis.
What to do if your dog breaks a canine tooth
A broken canine tooth is a common injury in dogs. A prompt examination helps save the tooth or avoid infection.
Why are my dog's gums bleeding?
Bleeding gums in a dog are an early sign of inflammation that shouldn't be ignored.
Why has a tooth changed colour?
A darkened tooth isn't cosmetic — it can be a sign of pulp or root disease.
Can a diseased tooth cause swelling under the eye?
Swelling under the eye or on the face can be linked to infection in an upper canine — a dental emergency.
How often does a dog need a dental check-up?
Regular check-ups help catch problems before they become painful. Frequency depends on age, breed and dental history.
Which chew items can break a dog's tooth?
Hard "natural" chew items often break canines and premolars — especially in active dogs.
Oral cavity treatment and COHAT
Oral cavity treatment can mean very different things in practice. I explain how it differs from a routine clean and from the full COHAT protocol.
How to choose a veterinary dentist
An owner checklist: how to assess a veterinary dentist's approach, which questions to ask before a procedure, and what a full diagnostic work-up should include.
Blood from the mouth in a dog or cat: when an urgent examination is needed
Blood-tinged discharge from the mouth is not a minor issue: it often signals injury, inflammation or another painful condition in the oral cavity.
Why has my cat stopped grooming properly?
If a cat grooms less, the coat becomes dull or matted — among the causes may be pain when moving the jaw and tongue.
Why pets keep eating even with diseased teeth
Pets often mask chronic oral pain and may keep eating while changing how they chew. WSAVA guidance highlights this directly.
Tooth restoration (filling) in dogs
Tooth restoration (filling) is rebuilding tooth structure for medical reasons — not a cosmetic procedure "for appearance".