dental care 
animal dental clinic in seattle, WA
Dental health is about far more than a clean smile. At Madison Street Animal Hospital in Seattle, WA, our animal dental clinic provides cat and dog dental cleaning, oral exams, and oral surgery for pets—helping protect their mouth, their comfort, and their overall health for the long term.
why pet dental care can’t wait
By age three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show evidence of periodontal disease—and most owners have no idea. Left untreated, dental disease causes mouth pain that makes eating difficult and allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, where they can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular dental care is one of the most impactful things you can do to protect your pet’s quality of life, and it starts with knowing what to look for.
what’s included in our dental care services?
Our dental services are designed to address your pet’s oral health thoroughly and safely, from routine cleanings to more involved procedures. Every step is guided by current AVMA and AAHA standards for veterinary dentistry and oral surgery.
Oral Health Exams
We thoroughly evaluate your pet’s teeth, gums, and oral tissues—using dental X-rays as necessary—to identify concerns.
Cat & Dog Dental Cleanings
We perform anesthetic dental cleanings so we can safely scale above and below the gumline to eliminate tartar and plaque.
Oral Surgery
When dental disease is advanced, tooth extractions and other oral surgery procedures may be necessary to eliminate pain.
dental care at Madison Street Animal Hospital
Choosing an animal dental clinic that holds itself to a high standard matters. At Madison Street Animal Hospital in Seattle, we follow established veterinary dentistry guidelines because your pet’s safety and comfort aren’t things we’re willing to compromise on. Our team is here to make dental care feel approachable—for you and for your pet.
dental care FAQs
Dental care raises a lot of questions, especially for pet owners who haven’t been through the process before. Here are answers to what we hear most often at Madison Street Animal Hospital in Seattle.
How do I know if my pet has dental disease?
Bad breath is one of the earliest and most common signs. You may also notice changes in eating habits, pawing at the mouth, drooling, or visible tartar buildup along the gumline. Because pets instinctively hide discomfort, many don't show obvious signs even when dental disease is well advanced—which is why routine exams are so important.
Why do you only perform anesthetic dental cleanings?
Anesthesia allows our team to clean thoroughly above and below the gumline, where most plaque and tartar accumulate. It also allows us to take dental X-rays and perform a complete oral exam without causing stress to your pet. Non-anesthetic cleanings, while growing in popularity, cannot reach below the gumline and can be extremely stressful for animals. The AVMA and AAHA both support anesthetic cleanings as the appropriate standard of care.
How often does my pet need a dental cleaning?
Most dogs and cats benefit from a professional dental cleaning once a year, though pets with a history of dental disease or heavy tartar buildup may need more frequent care. Our team will assess your pet's oral health at each visit and recommend a cleaning schedule based on what we find.
Can I do anything at home to support my pet's dental health?
Yes—regular toothbrushing with a pet-safe toothpaste is the most effective home care routine you can establish. We know that's easier said than done with some pets, so our team can show you techniques that work and suggest additional products to help maintain oral health between professional cleanings.
How often does my pet need a dental cleaning?
Most dogs and cats benefit from a professional dental cleaning once a year, though pets with a history of dental disease or heavy tartar buildup may need more frequent care. Our team will assess your pet's oral health at each visit and recommend a cleaning schedule based on what we find.
Can I do anything at home to support my pet's dental health?
Yes—regular toothbrushing with a pet-safe toothpaste is the most effective home care routine you can establish. We know that's easier said than done with some pets, so our team can show you techniques that work and suggest additional products to help maintain oral health between professional cleanings.
compassionate veterinary care in seattle & beyond
Madison Street Animal Hospital provides full-service veterinary care for dogs and cats, supporting pet families throughout Capitol Hill, Madison Valley, Madison Park, and the surrounding Puget Sound area. From preventive wellness exams and vaccinations to diagnostics, digital radiology, dental care, and surgery, our veterinary team is committed to helping pets stay healthy and comfortable through every stage of life. Whether your pet needs routine preventive care or a closer look at something new, we're here to provide compassionate, personalized veterinary care you can trust.