Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrea Oas, DVMPet Dental Care in Lake Stevens, WA
Protect your pet’s smile and their overall health with professional dental care at North Davies Veterinary Hospital.
More Than a
Clean Smile
Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions in dogs and cats, and one of the most preventable. Left untreated, oral bacteria can travel into the bloodstream and contribute to serious problems affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver. Regular professional dental cleanings are not just about fresh breath. They are a meaningful part of keeping your pet healthy from the inside out.
Dental care is also something Dr. Oas is genuinely passionate about. She spent over four years focused almost exclusively on surgery and dentistry and has pursued advanced training through the dental forum to continue developing her skills in this area. When your pet comes in for a dental procedure, they are in experienced, caring hands with someone who truly loves this work.
Whether your pet is due for their first cleaning or you have noticed something that does not seem quite right in their mouth, our team will perform a thorough oral exam, walk you through everything we find, and put together a care plan that fits your pet’s specific needs and your budget. No surprises, no pressure.
What Is a COHAT?
Dental disease is one of the most common — and most underdiagnosed — conditions in companion animals. Studies show that the majority of dogs and cats show signs of dental disease by age three, yet oral health is frequently overlooked until pain or infection becomes visible. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) certifies dental products that meet established standards for reducing plaque and tartar in dogs and cats, and North Davies follows VOHC-recognized protocols in our dental care recommendations.
Your Pet's Dental Appointment
Step 1: Oral Exam and Assessment
Every dental appointment starts with a thorough oral exam. Dr. Oas will assess your pet’s teeth, gums, and oral tissues for signs of tartar buildup, periodontal disease, fractures, or other concerns. We walk you through what we are seeing in plain language and talk through a recommended care plan together before anything else happens. You will always know what we found and why we are recommending what we are recommending.
Step 2: Professional Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings for pets are performed under general anesthesia so we can clean both above and below the gumline, where the majority of dental disease actually develops, while keeping your pet completely comfortable and still throughout. Our team monitors your pet closely from the moment they go under anesthesia to the moment they are fully recovered, following current safety protocols every step of the way.
Step 3: Recovery and At-Home Care Guidance
After your pet’s dental procedure, our team will walk you through recovery expectations and at-home care instructions. For a list of approved at-home dental products, please visit the Veterinary Oral Health Council Website. We will recommend a follow-up schedule and give you practical guidance on maintaining your pet’s oral health between professional cleanings, because great dental care does not stop when you leave our clinic.
Know the Warning
Signs
Pets are remarkably good at hiding discomfort, which means dental disease can progress quite a bit before anyone at home notices something is off. Knowing what to look for can help you catch oral health problems early, when they are much easier and less costly to address.
If you notice any of the following signs in your dog or cat, it is worth scheduling a dental exam at North Davies as soon as you can.
Common Signs of Dental Disease in Pets
- Persistent bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar buildup
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty chewing or dropping food
- Pawing at the mouth or facial discomfort
Dental Care Backed by
Advanced Training
Not every general practice invests in advanced dental continuing education, but at North Davies, it is a real priority. Dr. Oas has completed specialized dental training and brings a deep level of clinical focus to every oral health case she sees. It is not something she does because it is on a checklist. It is something she genuinely loves. Combined with our COHAT protocols, we offer a standard of dental care that goes well beyond what most independent practices in the area provide.
We are independently owned and operated, which means every care decision is made based on what is actually right for your pet, not a corporate protocol handed down from somewhere else. If you have been looking for a veterinary practice in Lake Stevens that takes dental health as seriously as you do, we would love to meet you and your pet.
What You Can Expect at Every Visit to North Davies Veterinary Hospital
Community
Focused
FULL
TRANSPARENCY
Individualized
Care
Affordable
Treatment
FAQS
How often should my pet have a professional dental cleaning?
Most dogs and cats do well with a professional dental cleaning once a year, though some pets, particularly smaller breeds and those who tend to build up tartar quickly, may need more frequent care. Dr. Oas will take a look at your pet’s oral health at each wellness visit and give you a recommendation based on what she actually sees, not a generic schedule.
Is anesthesia safe for my pet's dental cleaning?
Yes. Anesthesia is genuinely the safest and most effective way to perform a thorough dental cleaning for pets. It allows us to clean below the gumline where disease is most likely to take hold, take full-mouth dental X-rays if needed, and keep your pet completely still and comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Our team monitors your pet closely from start to finish, and we follow current anesthesia safety protocols on every case. If you have concerns about anesthesia going into your pet’s appointment, please bring them up. We are always happy to talk through what we do and why.
Testimonials Sourced From Google Reviews