Dental disease in pets is far more common than most owners realize—and it often goes unnoticed until it becomes painful or advanced. At Phoenix Mobile Veterinarians and Animal Hospital, we regularly treat dogs and cats from Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, and Mesa who show clear signs of dental problems that could have been prevented with professional cleanings.

By recognizing the symptoms early, you can protect your pet’s oral health and overall wellbeing.

Common Symptoms of Dental Disease

Here are some of the most common signs that your dog or cat may need a professional dental cleaning:

  • Bad breath (halitosis) – Persistent foul odor is one of the earliest and most noticeable signs.
  • Excessive drooling – Caused by irritation, infection, or oral pain.
  • Tartar buildup – Yellow or brown discoloration on the teeth near the gumline.
  • Red or bleeding gums – A sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease.
  • Difficulty eating or chewing – Pets may drop food, chew on one side, or eat less.
  • Pawing at the mouth or face – Indicates pain or discomfort.
  • Loose or missing teeth – A sign of advanced dental disease.

Why These Signs Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Dental disease doesn’t just cause bad breath—it can lead to serious health problems. Untreated infections can spread to the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Pets may also experience chronic pain, weight loss, and decreased quality of life.

Cats in particular are prone to tooth resorption, a painful condition where the tooth structure breaks down, often times beneath the gumline, often only detectable with dental X-rays.

How We Can Help

At our Scottsdale animal hospital, every dental procedure includes:

  • Full-mouth dental X-rays to detect hidden disease.
  • Ultrasonic scaling and polishing to remove tartar above and below the gumline.
  • Comprehensive oral exam under anesthesia for a complete evaluation.
  • Treatment or extractions if advanced disease is found.

We provide thorough, compassionate dental care for both dogs and cats, ensuring they live longer, healthier, and more comfortable lives.

Local, Award-Winning Dental Care

Families throughout Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, and Mesa trust us because we combine advanced technology with compassionate expertise. As a two-time Best of the Valley winner (2024 & 2025), we take pride in setting the standard for veterinary dentistry in Arizona.

Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Cleaning

If your pet is showing any of these signs, it’s time to act. Phoenix Mobile Veterinarians and Animal Hospital offers complete dental cleanings—including full-mouth X-rays—for dogs and cats at our Scottsdale hospital.

Call us today at (480) 233-7276 to schedule your pet’s dental consultation and give them the care they deserve.