February 2026
When we think about our pets’ health, teeth don’t always make the top of the list, but dental care is about so much more than fresh breath. In fact, dental disease is one of the most common (and most overlooked) health issues we see in dogs and cats.
Why Dental Health Matters
- Pain and difficulty eating
- Loose or lost teeth
- Infections that can spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys
Pets are experts at hiding pain. Just because they’re still eating doesn’t mean their mouth is not causing them discomfort.
Signs to Watch For
Some dental problems are easy to spot, others not so much. Keep an eye out for:
- Bad breath (not just “dog breath”)
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
- Dropping food, chewing on one side, or changes in their eating routine (for example, being hesitant to eat, when they would normally dive right into their food bowl)
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time for a dental examination.
What Professional Dental Care Looks Like
A full dental cleaning is performed under general anesthesia so we can:
- Clean thoroughly above and below the gumline
- Take dental radiographs to evaluate tooth roots and jawbone health
- Identify and treat painful or infected teeth
Anesthesia allows us to do a complete, yet comfortable, oral health assessment and treatment. It’s the gold standard for proper dental care, and at Shoreview Veterinary, we do not settle for anything less.
What You Can Do at Home
Between professional cleanings, home care goes a long way:
- Regular tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste 🪥
- Veterinary-approved dental diets, treats, or chews – look for the VOHC Seal of Acceptance, which will be found on all products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council to reduce the severity of periodontal disease in pets ✅
- Routine wellness exams to catch issues early 🩺
Not sure which options are best for your pet? We’re happy to help!
Dental Health Month Special – February Only!
To help make dental care more accessible, clients who book a dental cleaning in February will receive the cost of their pre-anesthetic blood work off of their dental cleaning (minimum savings of $180.92 after tax).
Appointments are limited, so we encourage booking early!
A Healthy Mouth = A Healthier Pet
Dental care isn’t just about teeth. It’s about comfort, overall health, and quality of life. If you have questions about your pet’s dental health or want to take advantage of our February Dental Health Month special, give us a call! We’d love to help keep those smiles shining! ✨
This month, we celebrate the incredible dedication, compassion, and hard work of our veterinary assistants. Their tireless efforts behind the scenes, from comforting patients and supporting our veterinarians to keeping the clinic running smoothly (all while in between 10+ loads of laundry), make a world of difference every single day.
Raveena has been with us from the day we opened our doors in June 2024. With an extensive background in a specialty hospital, Raveena’s experience and input helped shape many of our practices that make Shoreview run the way it does. Her ambition and hunger for learning quickly made her an integral part of our surgical team – she picked up the skills to assist in laparoscopic surgeries almost immediately! She is also the clinic’s designated “Snack Queen,” always bringing in little treats for the team.
Evelyn joined us shortly after we opened, and honestly, she immediately fit in so well that it is hard to remember what it was like before she was hired! Ev has earned the title of our “Jackie of All Trades,” as she can be found helping in every aspect of our clinic. Her hard work, whether assisting in appointments or helping clients at the front desk, has made her an irreplaceable member of our work family.
The newest addition to our team of VAs, Keianna, has brought such joy to our team with her enthusiasm, permanent smile, and silly jokes (she also does a mean air guitar). Her ability to be everywhere, all at once is remarkable – so much so that Tracy, our Practice Manager, often has to do a few laps around the clinic just to catch up! We are all excited for Keianna as she begins training with Raveena and the rest of the surgical team.
Even though Bri has been at school since September (with a special appearance over the holidays), her dedication to the clinic and value to our team, can not go unmentioned – and neither can the fact that it is almost impossible to have a bad day when her laugh can be heard from every corner of the clinic! We can’t wait to have her back with us this summer – and for her to show off all of her new skills that she learned in her first year in the Veterinary Technician program at Seneca!
Thank you all for your patience, your skill, and the kindness you show to every patient who walks through our doors. You are truly the heart of our clinic, and we are so grateful for everything you do.
Here’s to you – our amazing veterinary assistants! ⭐⭐⭐⭐