Clean teeth, healthy life

At Livermore Family Pet Hospital, we believe that a healthy mouth is essential to a healthy dog. Just like humans, dogs rely on good dental care to help them live longer, happier lives. Yet, dental health is one of the most overlooked aspects of pet care. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association reports that by the age of 3, up to 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease.

Understanding Dental Disease

Over time, bacteria, saliva, and food particles build up on your dog’s teeth, forming plaque. Without regular brushing and professional cleanings, that plaque hardens into tartar and can lead to gingivitis—a condition marked by inflamed, irritated gums. If left untreated, this can progress into periodontal disease, a serious infection that damages the tissues and structures supporting the teeth.

Unlike gingivitis, periodontal disease is not reversible, and it can cause persistent pain, gum recession, tooth loss, and bad breath. Even more concerning, the infection can spread through the bloodstream and affect vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Common signs to watch for include:

  • Yellow or brown tartar near the gumline

  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

  • Swelling of the jaw or swelling below or near the eyes

  • Reluctance to chew

  • Persistent bad breath

  • Pawing at the mouth or changes in eating habits

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

The good news is that most dental diseases are entirely preventable. Our compassionate team at Livermore Family Pet Hospital is trained in modern veterinary dental care—from routine cleanings and polishings to advanced procedures like x-rays and extractions, when needed.

We’re also here to support you at home. We’ll guide you on how to brush your dog’s teeth and recommend products that make at-home care easier and more effective.

We can help protect your dog from pain, tooth loss, and serious illness. If you have any questions about your dog’s dental health or would like to schedule a dental exam, we’re just a call away. Your dog’s well-being means the world to us.

Prophy Program

By forward booking a 6-month dental progress exam the day of your pet’s dental comprehensive oral health exam and treatment (COHAT), you qualify for the Prophy Program.

How it works:

  • After a full dental COHAT is performed, and all teeth are deemed healthy, by forward booking a 6-month dental progress exam on the day of the dental COHAT, you become eligible for our Prophy Program.

  • Should your pet require another dental at the 6-month examination, you will receive a $250.00 discount for your pet’s dental COHAT procedure off the regular price, if booked within 30 days of the recommendation.

  • Should your pet NOT require a dental COHAT at the 6-month dental progress exam, you will forward book another 6-month dental progress exam to remain eligible, and the $250 Prophy Program discount will carry over.

  • All appointments must be forward booked the day of your pet’s dental procedure (or your first 6-month dental progress exam) in order to be eligible for the Prophy Program.

  • The Prophy Program carries until 1 year after the dental procedure.