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Dentistry
Free Dental Exam + 20% off on dental procedures until March 31st, 2026
Is bad breath driving a wedge between you and your pet?
Contrary to popular belief, foul breath isn’t something that pet parents simply must learn to live with. In fact, it’s probably a red flag that your pet needs to visit the dentist.
Without proper care, your pet’s mouth can become a haven for bacteria, which can enter the bloodstream and lead to a number of other health problems. Left untreated, dental disease can even shorten your best friend’s life.
Thankfully, with the right support, this can all be prevented.
The professional dentistry services at Aldershot Animal Hospital include both routine, preventative care as well as advanced treatment for existing oral conditions.
Some of the signs of dental disease in companion animals may include:
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Dropping food
- Sudden disinterest in chew toys
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen or painful face
- Pawing at the mouth
- Yellow, broken, loose or missing teeth
- Gums that are red, swollen or bleeding
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to book a dental appointment. We’ll diagnose the problem and address it quickly, improving the prognosis for your loved one. We’ll also show you how you can help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy and disease-free year-round.
You deserve to enjoy lots of kisses and cuddles with your pet. The comprehensive dental services at Aldershot Animal Hospital can help get you there!
Aldershot Animal Hospital FAQs
Bad breath is often a sign your pet needs a dental check, not something you simply “live with.” Aldershot Animal Hospital recommends a dental exam when breath becomes noticeably smelly or if other oral signs are present, because dental bacteria can build up below the gumline and may affect overall health if left untreated.
Common signs to watch for: bad breath, drooling, dropping food, appetite changes, pawing at the mouth, red/swollen/bleeding gums, and yellow/broken/loose/missing teeth.
Book a dental exam as soon as you notice symptoms like bad breath, red gums, drooling, dropping food, facial pain/swelling, or loose/broken teeth. Early evaluation often means simpler treatment and a better outcome.
A professional dental appointment starts with an oral exam, then your pet is placed under anesthesia so we can do a complete and safe dental assessment and cleaning. This includes full-mouth dental radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate what’s happening below the gumline, where many painful problems can hide. Based on the exam and X-rays, we can treat issues appropriately (for example, deep cleaning and polishing, and extractions if needed).
Why radiographs matter: teeth can look “okay” above the gumline while there’s infection, bone loss, or tooth root disease underneath.
Veterinary dentistry is done under anesthesia because it allows a thorough, accurate, and humane cleaning and assessment. Anesthesia lets us clean under the gumline, take full-mouth radiographs, probe around each tooth, and treat painful disease safely—things that can’t be done properly on an awake pet.
About non-anesthetic/pet-store cleanings: These may improve the look of the teeth above the gumline, but they typically can’t address disease under the gums or provide dental X-rays—so problems can be missed.
Home care helps a lot, especially when paired with professional check-ups. Good at-home options include:
- Regular tooth brushing using pet-safe toothpaste
- Appropriate chew toys / dental chews (vet-recommended)
- Weekly “quick mouth checks” for redness, swelling, bleeding, cracks, or plaque buildup
- A quality diet recommended by your vet
These steps support healthier teeth and gums between visits.
There isn’t one perfect schedule for every pet—needs depend on breed, age, diet, and how quickly plaque/tartar builds up. We recommend regular veterinary check-ups and consistent home care (especially brushing) to help extend the time between professional cleanings. The right timing is based on your pet’s exam findings and risk factors.
Aldershot Animal Hospital
VISIT US
320 Plains Road East
Burlington, ON, L7T 2C8
Also serving Aldershot, ON and surrounding areas.
CONTACT US
Phone:
905-632-2211
WORKING HOURS
Monday 8am-6pm
Wednesday 8am-6pm
Thursday 8am-6pm
Friday 8am-6pm
