Keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy is one of the most important steps you can take for their overall well-being. At Mitten Animal Clinic in Grand Rapids, we provide gentle, professional dental care for dogs and cats of all ages. From routine cleanings to advanced treatments, our team is here to help your furry family member stay comfortable, healthy, and full of life.
Many pets show signs of dental disease by the time they’re just a few years old. Left untreated, problems like tartar buildup, gum inflammation, and hidden infection can lead to pain and even affect vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. That’s why our veterinarians recommend regular dental screenings and cleanings, so we can catch issues early and keep your pet smiling.
Whether you’re in Grand Rapids, Kentwood, or anywhere in West Michigan, our goal is to make your pet’s visit stress-free and effective. You’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re in the care of an experienced, compassionate team that treats every patient like family.
Every dental visit is tailored to your pet’s unique needs. Puppies, kittens, adult pets, and seniors all receive care designed to protect their long-term health.
It’s easy to overlook your pet’s teeth, but dental care isn’t optional. It’s essential for their health and happiness. Just like people, pets are prone to plaque buildup, gum disease, and painful infections. Without regular cleanings, bacteria can spread below the gumline and lead to:
By spotting disease beneath the gumline, we can treat problems before they cause long-term discomfort.
Older pets, or those with chronic health conditions, benefit from detailed imaging to ensure nothing is missed.
Because dental X-rays are performed under anesthesia, your pet stays completely still and comfortable while we gather the images we need. This technology helps us provide the highest standard of dental care and peace of mind for pet owners in Grand Rapids and beyond.
Dental disease in pets often develops slowly, and many animals hide their discomfort until the problem is advanced. Knowing what to look for can help you schedule care before your pet is in pain. Common warning signs include:
Bringing your pet in for dental care may feel overwhelming, but our team makes the process safe, smooth, and stress-free. Here’s what you can expect at Mitten Animal Clinic:
Before the procedure, we review your pet’s health history, perform a physical exam, and may recommend bloodwork to ensure anesthesia is safe.
We scale and polish each tooth, removing plaque and tartar above and below the gumline where disease begins.
Throughout the entire visit, your pet’s comfort and safety are our highest priorities. We use modern equipment, attentive monitoring, and compassionate handling to make sure every patient receives the best care possible.
Most dogs and cats benefit from annual dental cleanings to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Just like people, pets develop plaque and tartar over time, even with good home care. Without regular cleanings, oral bacteria can lead to painful gum disease and other health complications.
Some pets may need dental cleanings more often. Senior pets, small breeds, and cats are especially prone to dental disease and may require more frequent care to prevent problems. During your pet’s wellness exam, our veterinarians will check their mouth and recommend the right schedule based on age, breed, and overall health.
By staying on top of cleanings, you not only prevent pain and tooth loss, but you also protect your pet’s long-term health. Routine dental care is one of the most effective ways to ensure your furry family member enjoys a longer, healthier life.
Specially designed chews can help scrape away tartar while also giving your pet something they enjoy.
– Veterinary-recommended products can reduce bacteria and freshen breath.
Booking your pet’s dental care is simple, and our team is here to make the process stress-free for you and your furry companion. You can schedule in three easy ways:
Most pets need professional cleanings once a year. Small breeds, seniors, and cats often need more frequent cleanings because they develop dental disease faster.
Bad breath, yellow or brown tartar, red or bleeding gums, drooling, pawing at the mouth, or changes in appetite are all common signs of dental disease.
Yes. Anesthesia allows us to clean below the gumline and take X-rays safely. It keeps your pet comfortable and ensures a thorough, stress-free procedure.
At Mitten Animal Clinic, safety is our top priority. We run bloodwork before anesthesia, monitor your pet closely, and use modern, gentle protocols to reduce risk.
The cost depends on your pet’s size and age, and whether extra treatments like X-rays or extractions are needed. Call us at (616) 957-4291 for an estimate based on your pet’s needs.
Yes. Oral bacteria can spread through the bloodstream and damage the heart, liver, and kidneys. Preventive dental care protects more than just your pet’s mouth.
Brushing with pet-safe toothpaste, dental chews, water additives, and regular vet check-ups all help reduce plaque buildup. But they don’t replace professional cleanings.
We’ll provide specific instructions when you book. Typically, you’ll need to withhold food the morning of the procedure and bring your pet in on time for pre-screening.
