General Dental Care for Dogs & Cats

Oral exams help detect and prevent potential oral health issues that can have a negative impact on your pet's quality of life.

Learn More About Oral Exams

It's not uncommon for a pet's teeth and jaw to become misaligned as they grow and develop. For instance, their jaw may be too long or too short, or their teeth may be out of place, crowded, or sitting at the wrong angle.

Orthodontic intervention can help alleviate pain, improve oral hygiene, and enhance your pet's overall quality of life.

If your pet's tooth or jaw alignment is causing abnormal tooth-to-tooth or tooth-to-soft tissue contact, it's important to have these corrected before they develop into larger issues.

If you believe your pet may benefit from orthodontic treatment, don't hesitate to contact your primary veterinarian for a referral to Dr. Hamilton.

Orthodontic Treatment & Show Dogs

At Hale Veterinary Clinic we feel that giving a dog a competitive advantage in the show ring, by using orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth, is dishonest. Dr. Hamilton will not provide orthodontic treatment for this purpose. Orthodontic treatment will only be provided to dogs that have a genuine need for it, such as improving their overall dental health or correcting a functional issue.

The Canadian Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club have competing views on whether this procedure can be performed for show dogs. The concern is that dogs that are successful in competition are often used for breeding and may, if they have a hereditary malocclusion, pass that along to their offspring. Preventing these dogs from competing is an effort to ensure that only the best of the breed is truly represented in the competition.

Periodontics is a branch of veterinary dentistry that focuses on the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It can cause pain, discomfort, and potential tooth loss if left untreated.

By taking your pet to the veterinarian for regular check-ups and professional cleanings, you can significantly reduce their risk of periodontal disease. Professional cleanings are essential to remove plaque and tartar buildup that at-home brushing alone cannot eliminate.

If your primary care veterinarian has expressed concern about your cat or dog’s gum health, ask for a referral to Hale Veterinary Clinic.

At our veterinary dental clinic in Guelph, we use cast metal crowns to repair damaged or fractured teeth in cats and dogs to protect them from further damage.

Cast metal crowns for dogs and cats can provide a durable and long-lasting solution for fractured or damaged teeth.

These crowns are durable prosthetics that can be placed on a tooth once disease tissue or decay has been removed. Adding this protective covering to your pet's damaged teeth can ensure that their tooth is protected, and allow them to eat, chew, and play without discomfort. Made from high-quality metals, such as stainless steel, they may offer better strength and durability compared to other dental restoration options.

We can collaborate with your primary care veterinarian to assess your cat or dog’s oral health and determine if a cast metal crown is the right solution for their dental needs.

At Hale Veterinary Clinic, we use dental fillings to repair cavities and restore the functionality of teeth. Cats and dog's from all across Canada can benefit from strong, restored teeth.

Although cavities are not as common in cats and dogs as they are in humans, they do occur. When they do, it is important to have them treated as soon as possible. Untreated cavities can lead to more serious dental issues and even infections of the tooth's pulp, which may lead to your pet needing a root canal.

Dental fillings in dogs and cats are similar to those in humans. When a tooth becomes decayed or damaged, a filling, which is usually made from bonded composite resin, is used to restore its structure, prevent further problems, alleviate pain, and restore functionality.

Dental X-rays are a safe, painless, and non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses only very low doses of radiation to capture images of your pet's oral structures.

At Hale Veterinary Clinic, digital radiography is one of the most common procedures we do. This diagnostic test helps our veterinarians evaluate fractures, the position of teeth, and so much more.