Pet Dentistry
Your pet’s smile deserves expert care. From cleaning to extractions, our veterinary dentist team ensures every tail wag and purr stays pain-free. If you’ve been looking for a dog dentist near me in the Clovis or Fresno area, Alta Animal Hospital offers gentle, anesthesia-safe dental care designed to keep your pet comfortable from start to finish.
Pet Dentistry Services in Clovis
Your pet’s smile deserves expert care. From cleaning to extractions, our veterinary dentist team ensures every tail wag and purr stays pain-free. If you’ve been looking for a dog dentist near me in the Clovis or Fresno area, Alta Animal Hospital offers gentle, anesthesia-safe dental care designed to keep your pet comfortable from start to finish.
Imagine if you never brushed your teeth — your mouth would ache, your gums would bleed, and eating would hurt. Pets experience the same discomfort when dental care is overlooked. Studies show that over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop dental disease by age three, making it one of the most common health issues in pets. Dental disease doesn’t just cause bad breath; bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys, leading to more serious illness over time.
Common signs of dental disease include persistent bad breath, yellow or brown buildup on teeth (tartar), red, swollen, or bleeding gums, pawing at the mouth or reluctance to eat hard food, drooling or dropping food while eating, and loose, broken, or missing teeth.
If you notice any of these symptoms, your pet may already be in pain. At Alta Animal Hospital, our vet dentist team uses safe anesthesia and modern digital dental X-rays to assess tooth roots and bone health. We perform pre-anesthesia bloodwork through our in-house lab to confirm your pet is a safe candidate before any procedure. Our dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, helping prevent future disease.
Our In-Clinic Dental Services Include
Comprehensive dental exams and oral health evaluations, ultrasonic scaling and polishing, digital dental radiography for hidden problems, tooth extractions (when medically required, performed by our surgical team), and home-care guidance for brushing and diet. Regular dental checkups protect your pet from pain and extend their life. This is especially important for senior pets who are more susceptible to advanced dental disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my pet have a dental cleaning at Alta Animal Hospital?
At Alta Animal Hospital, we generally recommend professional dental cleanings once a year for most dogs and cats. However, some breeds — particularly small dogs like Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds — are more prone to dental disease and may benefit from cleanings every six to nine months. During your pet’s wellness exam, our veterinary team will evaluate their oral health and recommend a cleaning schedule tailored to their specific needs.
Is anesthesia safe for my pet during a dental procedure at your Clovis clinic?
Yes. At Alta Animal Hospital, we take every precaution to ensure your pet’s safety during dental procedures. Before any anesthesia, we perform a thorough pre-anesthetic bloodwork panel through our in-house diagnostics lab to check organ function and confirm your pet is a healthy candidate. During the procedure, a dedicated team member continuously monitors your pet’s heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and body temperature. We use modern anesthesia protocols and customize the plan based on your pet’s age, breed, and health status.
How much does a pet dental cleaning cost at Alta Animal Hospital in Clovis?
The cost of a dental cleaning at Alta Animal Hospital varies depending on the severity of dental disease, whether extractions are needed, and the size of your pet. We provide individualized estimates after an initial oral assessment so there are no surprises. We also offer flexible payment options through CareCredit, and Cherry Pay to help make dental care affordable. Call (559) 298-6509 for a personalized quote based on your pet’s condition.
Can I brush my pet’s teeth at home between professional cleanings?
Absolutely, and we strongly encourage it. Daily brushing with a pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste is the single most effective thing you can do at home to slow plaque and tartar buildup between professional dental cleanings. Our team at Alta Animal Hospital will demonstrate the proper brushing technique during your visit and recommend appropriate dental products. Even brushing a few times a week can make a noticeable difference in your pet’s oral health.
What are the warning signs that my dog or cat needs a dental exam?
The most common signs of dental disease in pets include persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve, red, swollen, or bleeding gums, visible yellow or brown tartar on the teeth, reluctance to eat hard food or chew on toys, drooling more than usual, pawing at the mouth, and loose or broken teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment at Alta Animal Hospital as soon as possible — early intervention is almost always simpler, less painful, and more affordable than treating advanced dental disease.
Does Alta Animal Hospital use digital dental X-rays?
Yes. Our clinic is equipped with modern digital dental radiography, which allows us to see what’s happening beneath the gum line — where approximately 60% of dental disease occurs. Digital X-rays help us detect hidden problems like tooth root abscesses, bone loss, fractured roots, and early-stage tumors that would be invisible during a standard visual exam. This technology is essential for providing thorough, accurate dental care and is included as part of our comprehensive dental evaluation at Alta Animal Hospital.