Dental disease is the most common health problem we see in dogs and cats, and honestly, it's the one most pet owners don't see coming. By the time there's a smell or your pet is reluctant to eat, the disease has usually been developing for a while. What starts as plaque buildup can quietly progress to gum infection, tooth root damage, and bacteria that travels through the bloodstream and stresses the heart, kidneys, and liver. The good news is it's completely preventable, and a professional cleaning can stop that cycle in its tracks. We know the idea of anesthesia can feel scary. It's the number one thing Toledo pet owners ask us about when we recommend a dental cleaning. Dr. Graber takes that concern seriously, which is why every dental procedure at our clinic starts with a pre-anesthetic exam and bloodwork to make sure your pet is a safe candidate before we ever proceed. Once they're under, a dedicated technician monitors their vitals continuously from start to finish. Heart rate, oxygen, blood pressure, temperature. Your pet is never left alone. The cleaning itself is thorough in a way that a quick once-over simply can't capture. We examine every tooth above and below the gumline, remove buildup with both ultrasonic and hand instruments, and polish the surface so plaque has a harder time taking hold again. If we find anything that needs further attention during the procedure, we'll contact you before moving forward. Recovery happens right here with our team keeping a close eye on things. We'll call or text you as soon as your pet is awake and ready to go home. Most pets bounce back quickly and are back to their normal selves the same evening. If your pet hasn't had a dental exam in a while, or if you've noticed any hesitation around food or chewing, it's worth a conversation. Give us a call at (419) 475-3456 and we'll take a look.