Professional Pet Dental Care in Hershey, PA
Oral health is a vital part of your pet’s overall well-being. At Hershey Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive dental care for dogs, cats, and small pets to keep your companion healthy and comfortable. Dental issues such as bad breath and periodontal disease can lead to serious complications if untreated.
Why Pet Dental Care Matters
Dental disease is very common in pets. By age three, over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of periodontal disease. If left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss, infections, and systemic health problems affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Watch for these signs that your pet may need dental care:
Maintaining your pet’s dental health isn’t just about fresh breath—it helps prevent pain and infection while supporting overall health.
Comprehensive Dental Services at Hershey Veterinary Hospital
We offer a full range of dental care services, including:
Dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia with patients safely intubated. Scaling removes plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line. Teeth are then polished to smooth surfaces and help prevent plaque buildup in tiny crevices created by scaling. During the procedure, teeth are carefully probed for cavities and signs of periodontal disease. When needed, we also perform tooth extraction surgeries to maintain your pet’s oral health. Before any procedure, your pet will receive a physical exam and recommended pre-anesthetic bloodwork.
Dental Cleaning and Extraction(s) Scheduling
We perform dental cleaning and teeth extraction surgeries by appointment only, Monday through Friday. On the day of the scheduled procedure, pets must be dropped off between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Prior to surgery, the veterinarian will review the dental procedure with you and perform a pre-surgical physical examination. Pets scheduled for dental surgery should not be fed after 8:00 p.m. the night before the procedure; however, water may be given up until drop-off.
Pre-anesthetic blood work is recommended for all dental surgical patients and required for all adult pets to ensure their safety during anesthesia. A detailed quote for the procedure(s) will be provided during your pet’s pre-anesthetic evaluation with the veterinarian.
At-Home Dental Care Tips
To support professional cleanings, we recommend daily teeth brushing for all dogs and cats using pet-safe toothpaste. You can use any appropriately sized toothbrush or a finger brush. The brush should be moistened with water or pet-specific toothpaste only — human toothpaste should be avoided, as it can be harmful to pets.
While many dental health products are commercially available, they are not a substitute for daily brushing. If you choose to try over-the-counter dental products, be sure they are certified by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Only VOHC-approved products have been proven effective against tartar and plaque buildup. More information and a list of approved products can be found at www.vohc.org.
Dental diets are also available to help maintain oral hygiene. Please speak with your veterinarian before starting a dental diet for your pet.
Using flavored pet toothpaste can make brushing easier and more enjoyable, turning it into a tasty treat for your pet. Hershey Veterinary Hospital offers helpful resources and guidance to teach proper brushing techniques, ensuring you feel confident caring for your pet’s dental health at home.
In addition to brushing, dental diets, treats, and VOHC-approved products can further reduce plaque buildup and keep your pets’ teeth clean. Ask our veterinary team about the best options tailored to your pet.
FAQ About Pet Dental Care
Most pets benefit from annual dental cleanings, but some breeds, ages, or oral health conditions may require more frequent care. Daily teeth brushing is also recommended to help maintain your pet’s oral health between professional cleanings.
Yes. With proper pre-anesthetic testing and monitoring, dental cleanings are safe and beneficial for senior pets.
Persistent bad breath could indicate periodontal disease or other oral health issues. Schedule an exam so we can identify and treat the cause.