Dog Dental Care in Chattanooga, TN

A comprehensive dental visit at The Healthy Hound includes more than just a cleaning. We begin with a full oral exam and pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your dog’s safety and readiness for the procedure. Dental X-rays are used to assess underlying issues.

Under anesthesia, we perform ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and below the gumline, followed by polishing to smooth the tooth surface. If needed, we may also perform tooth extractions or minor oral surgery.

Before your dog goes home, we’ll review everything with you, sharing a clear home care plan and recommendations to support long-term oral health.

In general, most dogs benefit from annual dental cleanings. However, some may need more frequent visits. Especially senior dogs, small breeds, or dogs with a history of dental issues.

Regular professional canine dental cleanings help prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth loss, supporting your dog’s overall well-being and comfort.

If you notice any of the following, it’s time to schedule a dog dental exam:

• Bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Yellow or brown tartar buildup
• Drooling or pawing at the mouth
• Difficulty eating or loss of appetite
• Loose or missing teeth

These are all signs that your dog may be experiencing pain or dental disease, and early intervention makes a big difference.

Canine dental care should begin early, typically around six months to one year of age. At-home brushing habits paired with annual veterinary cleanings from puppyhood help prevent long-term oral health issues.

Our team takes a proactive approach to your dog’s health, offering gentle guidance and support at every stage of life.

A typical professional vet dental cleaning takes between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your dog’s needs and whether additional procedures like tooth extractions or dental X-rays are required. Each visit includes preparation, anesthesia, the cleaning procedure, and monitored recovery. Typically, these patients will be dropped-off with us the morning of the procedure and ready to go home with their owner that afternoon. 

To ensure both safety and effectiveness, all of our cleanings are performed under anesthesia. This allows us to:

• Thoroughly clean below the gumline
• Prevent pain and discomfort
• Evaluate and treat oral problems that can’t be seen or addressed in an awake animal

At The Healthy Hound, we follow modern veterinary anesthesia protocols to monitor your dog closely and keep them comfortable every step of the way.

Neglecting your dog’s dental health can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Painful gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Bacterial infections that can affect your pet’s overall health
• Persistent bad breath

Routine dental care helps prevent these complications, saving your pet discomfort and you from potential long-term costs.

Your dog may experience mild grogginess for 12–24 hours after the procedure. If extractions were performed, we may recommend soft food and medications for pain or infection prevention.

You’ll receive clear, supportive post-op instructions, and our team is always available if questions arise during recovery.

Keeping your dog’s teeth healthy at home is simple with the right habits:

• Brush your dog’s teeth daily or at least a few times a week
• Use vet-approved dental chews and water additives
• Schedule annual dental cleanings
• Stay up to date with routine wellness exams

Preventive care is the most powerful tool we have to protect your dog’s health.

At The Healthy Hound, our dental cleaning packages typically vary in cost depending on your dog’s size, the severity of their condition, and whether additional treatments are needed.

We’ll always provide a transparent estimate before any procedure. Our goal is to deliver trusted, value-focused care with advanced diagnostics and a gentle, personalized approach.

• Canine-exclusive care in a calm, welcoming setting
• Longer appointments for deeper, more thoughtful conversations
• Advanced technology and modern dental protocols
• Same-day sick appointments for urgent concerns
• Trusted leadership from a seasoned Chattanooga veterinarian
• Convenient location in Hixson, serving Chattanooga and surrounding communities

We treat every dog like they’re our own—with compassion, attentiveness, and a commitment to wellness.