How Do I Know If My Dog or Cat Has Dental Pain?

How Do I Know If My Dog or Cat Has Dental Pain

One of the most common things owners tell us when we recommend dental treatment is:

“But he’s eating normally. Surely his teeth aren’t hurting?”

Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we regularly see dogs and cats with significant dental disease that are still eating perfectly normally.

Do Dogs and Cats Hide Dental Pain?

Yes. Very well.

Animals are remarkably good at adapting to dental pain.

A dog with a badly infected tooth may simply chew on the opposite side of its mouth. A cat with painful teeth may swallow its food with very little chewing.

Some animals continue eating normally even when they have several severely diseased teeth.

Eating normally does not mean the mouth is pain-free.

What Are the Signs of Dental Pain?

Some signs are quite obvious, while others are easily missed.

  • Bad breath
  • Red, inflamed or bleeding gums
  • Dropping food while eating
  • Chewing on one side of the mouth
  • Avoiding hard food or toys
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Excessive drooling
  • Becoming quieter or less interested in playing

However, many dogs and cats show none of these signs, even with advanced dental disease.

How Do We Know If a Tooth Is Painful?

During an examination, we look for fractured teeth, inflamed gums, loose teeth and other signs of dental disease.

But the biggest limitation is that we cannot see what is happening underneath the gums during a normal consultation.

Dental X-rays allow us to examine the roots and surrounding bone, where significant disease may be hidden.

This is particularly important in cats, which can develop extremely painful resorptive lesions that are difficult to identify without dental X-rays.

Will My Pet Feel Better After Dental Treatment?

Very often, yes.

Owners frequently tell us that after dental treatment their dog or cat seems happier, more playful or more interested in food.

Sometimes they hadn’t noticed anything wrong beforehand.

It is only after the painful teeth have been treated that they realise how much their pet may have been putting up with.

Our Advice at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital

Don’t wait for your dog or cat to stop eating before having their teeth examined.

By that stage, dental disease may already be quite advanced.

Our goal is not simply to give your pet clean-looking teeth.

We want to make sure they have a healthy, pain-free mouth.

If you’re concerned about your pet’s teeth, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital on 9598 7848 for a dental assessment.

Do Dental Treats Really Help Dogs and Cats?

There are hundreds of dental products available for dogs and cats. Dental treats, special diets, water additives, toothbrushes and toothpastes.

But which ones actually work, and which ones are worth spending money on?

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, this is a question we are asked regularly.

Do Dental Treats Actually Work?

Yes, some do. But not all dental treats are equally effective.

Dental treats work mainly by mechanically rubbing against the teeth as your pet chews. Some also contain ingredients that help reduce plaque or tartar formation.

Studies of particular dental products have demonstrated meaningful reductions in plaque and tartar, sometimes around 20–40%, but results vary considerably between products.

The important point is that dental treats help slow down the accumulation of dental disease. They do not remove established tartar or treat disease underneath the gums.

I recommend looking for products carrying the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which means there is evidence supporting their plaque or tartar control claims.

Do Water Additives Help?

They can help, but I consider them a secondary measure.

Some veterinary dental water additives have demonstrated benefits in reducing plaque or tartar.

However, they do not physically clean the teeth, and their effectiveness varies between products.

They may be useful for dogs or cats that won’t tolerate brushing, particularly when combined with other dental care.

I would not rely on water additives alone to maintain a healthy mouth.

Does Brushing Really Help?

Absolutely. Brushing is the most effective home dental care you can provide.

Plaque is a soft layer of bacteria that forms continuously on the teeth. Brushing physically removes it before it mineralises into hard tartar.

Ideally, teeth should be brushed every day using a pet-safe toothpaste.

Brushing a few times a week is better than nothing, but daily brushing gives the best results.

Once tartar has hardened onto the teeth, brushing will not remove it. A professional dental cleaning is required.

What About Dental Diets?

Some specially formulated dental diets can also reduce plaque and tartar accumulation.

They use particular kibble structures or ingredients to help clean the teeth as the animal chews.

These can be especially useful for pets that don’t tolerate brushing, although their effectiveness depends on the specific diet.

What Is Actually Worth Your Money?

If I had to prioritise dental care for my own dog or cat, this would be my order:

  1. Daily toothbrushing: The best home-care investment, provided your pet tolerates it.
  2. Regular veterinary dental examinations: To identify problems early, particularly disease hidden beneath the gums.
  3. Professional dental treatment when needed: The only way to properly remove established tartar above and below the gum line and treat existing disease.
  4. VOHC-approved dental treats or diets: Worth considering to help slow plaque and tartar accumulation.
  5. Water additives: A useful extra, but not my first choice if the budget is limited.

Avoid extremely hard dental chews, bones and antlers, as these can fracture teeth.

Can Good Dental Care Prevent Every Dental Problem?

Unfortunately, no.

As we have discussed in our other dental articles, genetics and breed play a major role in dental disease.

Some dogs have beautiful teeth at 10 years old despite very little dental care. Others develop significant dental disease at two or three years of age.

Cats can also develop painful tooth resorption, which brushing and dental treats cannot reliably prevent.

Good dental care helps, but it cannot overcome every underlying problem.

Our Advice at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital

If you are going to spend money on one thing for your pet’s teeth, start with a toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste.

If brushing isn’t possible, choose a dental treat or diet with good evidence behind it rather than simply buying something advertised as a dental product.

And remember, clean-looking teeth don’t always mean a healthy mouth.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, our goal is not just to reduce tartar. It is to make sure your dog or cat has a healthy, pain-free mouth.

Root Canal Treatment for Dogs at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital

Root Canal Treatment for Dogs at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital

Dogs can have root canal treatment to save a damaged tooth rather than having it extracted.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we offer root canal therapy for suitable teeth, particularly important teeth such as the canines.

Why Would My Dog Need a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment is usually recommended when the pulp—the living tissue inside the tooth—has been exposed, damaged or infected.

This commonly happens when a dog fractures a tooth.

Once the pulp is damaged, we generally have two options:

Extract the tooth or save it with a root canal.

What Does a Root Canal Involve?

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.

We take dental X-rays, remove the damaged or infected tissue from inside the tooth, clean and disinfect the root canal and then fill and seal it.

The nerve inside the tooth is removed, but the tooth remains in the mouth and continues to function.

Why Not Just Extract the Tooth?

Large teeth, particularly canine teeth, have very long roots and can require significant surgery to remove.

If the tooth can be saved, root canal treatment allows us to treat the pain and infection while keeping the tooth.

Suitability and Limitations

Not every damaged tooth can be saved with a root canal.

The tooth needs to have enough healthy structure remaining to be useful and strong after treatment. Dental X-rays are also important to assess the root and surrounding bone.

If the tooth is badly fractured, severely affected by periodontal disease, very loose or has significant damage around the root, extraction may be the better option.

Root canal treatment also doesn’t make the tooth indestructible. The remaining tooth can still fracture, so very hard toys, bones and other hard objects should be avoided afterwards.

How Much Does It Cost?

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, a canine root canal is approximately $3,399.

Our quote includes:

  • Pre-anaesthetic blood test
  • General anaesthesia and intravenous fluids
  • Professional scale and polish above and below the gum line
  • Dental nerve blocks
  • Root canal therapy
  • Pain relief and anti-inflammatory injection

It is normally a day procedure, with your dog going home the same day.

We examine the tooth again three days later, free of charge.

What Happens Afterwards?

Root canal therapy has an overall success rate of approximately 85–95%.

The tooth should be monitored throughout your dog’s life.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, extraction isn’t always the only option for a broken tooth.

If we can save an important tooth, root canal treatment gives us the opportunity to keep it.

What Are Feline Resorptive Lesions?

What Are Feline Resorptive Lesions

Feline resorptive lesions are a common and painful dental problem in cats.

You may also hear them called FORLs or tooth resorption.

In simple terms, the cat’s body starts breaking down and dissolving its own tooth.

What Causes Feline Resorptive Lesions?

The frustrating answer is that we don’t fully understand why they happen.

They are very common in cats and can occur even when a cat has otherwise healthy-looking teeth.

They are not simply caused by poor dental care or the food you are feeding your cat.

What Does a Resorptive Lesion Look Like?

Sometimes we can see a small red area or defect where the tooth meets the gum.

Other times the tooth may look relatively normal.

The problem is that much of the tooth is underneath the gum, and this is often where the disease is occurring.

This is why dental X-rays are so important in cats.

Are They Painful?

Yes. They can be extremely painful.

Cats, however, are remarkably good at hiding dental pain.

Many cats with significant tooth resorption will continue eating normally, which can make owners think their teeth aren’t bothering them.

How Are They Treated?

Unfortunately, once a tooth starts to resorb, we cannot reverse the process or repair the tooth.

The painful part of the tooth needs to be removed.

Dental X-rays are essential because they show us what is happening to the roots underneath the gum and help us decide how that particular tooth should be treated.

Depending on the type of resorption, this may involve removing the entire tooth and its roots, or in selected cases, removing the crown while the resorbing roots are left in place.

Why Dental X-Rays Matter So Much in Cats

A cat can have significant dental disease that is almost impossible to appreciate simply by looking inside the mouth.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, dental X-rays allow us to see what is happening underneath the gums and identify painful teeth that may otherwise be missed.

With feline resorptive lesions, what you can see above the gum is often only a small part of the problem.

What Is a Staged Dental in Dogs and Cats?

Staged Dental in Dogs and Cats

A staged dental means splitting your pet’s dental treatment over two separate procedures and two anaesthetics.

For example, the teeth may be examined and cleaned during the first anaesthetic, with your pet returning another day for extractions.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we only recommend staged dentals for very specific patients.

Why Don’t We Routinely Stage Dentals?

It is easy to assume that two shorter anaesthetics must be safer than one longer anaesthetic.

This isn’t necessarily the case.

The biggest risk of an anaesthetic is not simply the length of time your pet is asleep. Induction—when your pet goes under anaesthesia—and recovery—when your pet wakes up—are particularly important periods of risk.

When we split one dental into two procedures, your pet has to go through:

  • Two inductions.
  • Two anaesthetics.
  • Two recoveries.

By having two anaesthetic events for the same procedure, we are essentially doubling the anaesthetic risk for our convenience rather than for the benefit of the patient.

For this reason, if we can safely complete the necessary dental treatment during one anaesthetic, that is generally what we prefer to do.

Why Can a Dental Take a Long Time?

Once your pet is anaesthetised, we can properly examine the entire mouth and take dental X-rays.

Sometimes we discover much more disease than we could see while your pet was awake.

If several teeth are diseased and need extracting, the procedure can take longer than originally expected.

Our priority isn’t simply to make the anaesthetic as short as possible.

Our priority is to safely complete the treatment your pet needs while avoiding another anaesthetic whenever possible.

When Would We Stage a Dental?

There are exceptions.

For example, we may consider staging treatment in a patient with cancer or another significant medical condition, where there is a specific reason why completing everything during one procedure may not be in that patient’s best interest.

These cases are considered individually.

Our Approach at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital

We don’t routinely stage dental procedures simply because the dental is becoming long or difficult.

For most dogs and cats, if we can safely diagnose and treat the dental disease during one anaesthetic, we prefer to finish the job.

Our approach is simple:

The decision should be based on what is best for the patient—not what is most convenient for us.

Are Anaesthetic-Free Dentals Good for Dogs and Cats?

Are Anaesthetic-Free Dentals Good for Dogs and Cats

Anaesthetic-free dental cleaning can make a dog’s teeth look much cleaner.

Tartar and plaque can sometimes be removed from the visible surfaces of the teeth without putting the dog under anaesthesia.

As a cosmetic procedure, this can work well.

However, if the goal is dental health and controlling dental disease, there are some important limitations.

We Can Only Clean What the Pet Will Allow

Some dogs will tolerate cleaning of the outside surfaces of their teeth.

The problem is the inside of the mouth. A conscious dog will generally not allow us to properly clean the inside surfaces, examine underneath the gums or thoroughly assess every tooth.

In simple terms, roughly 50% of the mouth cannot be properly examined or treated.

With cats, the limitation is even greater.

Most cats will not tolerate even the outside surfaces of their teeth being properly cleaned while awake.

The Real Problem Is Often Under the Gum

Dental disease isn’t just the tartar we can see.

Periodontal disease develops underneath the gum line and around the roots of the teeth.

Removing visible tartar doesn’t necessarily treat the disease underneath it.

Think of a tooth like an iceberg. Cleaning what we can see above the surface doesn’t tell us what is happening underneath.

What About Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays allow us to see the roots of the teeth and the bone surrounding them.

Neither a conscious dog nor cat will tolerate having a dental X-ray plate positioned precisely inside the mouth around individual teeth.

Without X-rays, painful or diseased teeth can remain hidden.

This is particularly important in cats, where painful dental problems can sometimes be difficult to identify simply by looking at the teeth.

So Are Anaesthetic-Free Dentals Worthwhile?

It depends on what you are trying to achieve.

For some dogs, if the goal is cosmetic—to remove visible tartar and make the teeth look cleaner—anaesthetic-free cleaning can achieve this.

But if the goal is to properly assess dental health, control dental disease and treat problems underneath the gums, it cannot replace a dental procedure performed under anaesthesia.

For cats, anaesthetic-free dental cleaning is even more limited because most cats will not tolerate their teeth being properly cleaned while awake.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, our goal with dentistry isn’t simply to make teeth look clean.

We want to know that the mouth is healthy.

What Do Dental Grades Mean in Dogs?

Dental Grades Mean in Dogs

Dental grades help us estimate how severe a dog’s dental disease is, how difficult the procedure may be and ultimately give us an idea of the likely cost.

The important thing to remember is that the grade we give an awake dog is only an estimate.

Dental grades are an estimate before anaesthesia. Disease hidden below the gum line may change what we find.

What do the grades mean?

Grade 1 – Mild

Plaque and tartar with mild gum inflammation. We generally expect a straightforward clean with little or no periodontal disease.

Grade 2 – Early dental disease

More tartar and gum inflammation. Early disease may be developing below the gum line, so there is a greater chance that X-rays will find teeth needing treatment.

Grade 3 – Moderate dental disease

More significant disease below the gums, including loss of the bone and tissues supporting some teeth. Extractions are more likely.

Grade 4 – Severe dental disease

Advanced periodontal disease with significant bone loss, loose or infected teeth. Multiple extractions may be required.

Why isn’t the dental grade always accurate?

During a consultation we can see the crowns of the teeth, tartar, inflamed gums and sometimes loose teeth. But we cannot see what is happening around the roots.

A dog also will not allow us to place a dental X-ray plate inside the mouth and precisely position it around individual teeth while awake. Dental X-rays therefore need to be taken under anaesthesia.

Sometimes a mouth that looks like a Grade 1 while the dog is awake turns out to have much more significant disease once we can examine and X-ray it – occasionally closer to a Grade 3.

Think of a tooth like an iceberg

The crown is the part of the tooth we can see above the gum – like the tip of an iceberg above the water.

The root is hidden below the gum and inside the jawbone – like the much larger part of the iceberg underneath the water.

Dental X-rays allow us to look below the surface. They show the roots and the bone surrounding them, where important dental disease can be completely hidden.

How does the grade affect the price?

The higher the grade, the more treatment and time we are likely to need. A Grade 1 dental may simply require cleaning and polishing, while a Grade 3 or 4 dental may involve X-rays, extractions and considerably more anaesthetic and surgical time.

This is why dental grades are useful for estimating cost – but the final treatment and price can sometimes change once we can properly assess the mouth under anaesthesia.

Does your dog need a dental?

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, we use dental grades to give owners the best estimate we can before a dental procedure.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s teeth or bad breath, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital for a dental assessment.

Why Does My Dog Have Bad Teeth?

Dental disease is extremely common in dogs.

It usually doesn’t start with a rotten tooth. It starts with something much simpler: plaque building up on the teeth.

It Starts With Plaque

Every day, a thin sticky layer called plaque forms over your dog’s teeth.

Plaque contains bacteria.

If plaque isn’t removed, minerals in the saliva cause it to harden and form tartar, also called calculus.

This is the yellow or brown material you can often see building up on a dog’s teeth.

The Real Problem Is Under the Gum

The tartar we can see isn’t usually the most important part of dental disease.

The bigger problem is what is happening along and underneath the gum line.

Plaque and bacteria cause inflammation of the gums. Initially, this causes gingivitis, where the gums become red and inflamed.

As the disease progresses, the gum begins to separate from the tooth and bacteria can travel deeper around the tooth.

This is called periodontal disease.

What Happens if Dental Disease Gets Worse?

A tooth isn’t held in place by the gum alone.

Underneath the gum are tissues and bone that support the tooth.

As periodontal disease progresses, these supporting structures gradually become damaged. Eventually, the bone around the tooth starts disappearing and the tooth can become loose.

At this stage, the tooth may be painful and often needs to be extracted.

Why Do Some Dogs Have Worse Teeth Than Others?

Some dogs develop dental disease much faster than others.

Small dogs are particularly prone to dental disease, especially when they have crowded teeth.

Genetics, the shape of the mouth, tooth alignment, diet, chewing habits and home dental care can all influence how quickly dental disease develops.

Age also plays a role. Because dental disease develops progressively, it becomes increasingly common as dogs get older.

Does Bad Breath Mean My Dog Has Dental Disease?

Often, yes.

Persistent bad breath is frequently caused by bacteria associated with dental disease.

Bad breath shouldn’t simply be considered a normal part of your dog getting older.

Can Dental Disease Be Prevented?

The goal is to remove plaque before it has the opportunity to cause disease underneath the gums.

Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the most effective ways of doing this.

Dental diets, appropriate dental chews and regular dental checks can also help.

Once significant tartar and periodontal disease have developed, however, home care cannot remove the disease underneath the gum line. At that stage, a professional dental procedure may be needed.

Does Your Dog Have Bad Teeth?

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, we see dental disease in dogs every day.

Sometimes the visible tartar is only the beginning. The most important question is what is happening underneath the gum line and around the roots of the teeth.

A dental examination can help us determine how advanced the disease is and whether your dog needs treatment.

📞 If you’re concerned about your dog’s teeth or bad breath, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital for a dental assessment.

What Is the Coronoid Process in a Dog’s Elbow?

The coronoid process is a small piece of bone inside the elbow joint of a dog.

It may be small, but unfortunately it sits in an area that can receive excessive pressure when the elbow joint doesn’t fit together perfectly.

Problems with the coronoid process are one of the conditions we see as part of elbow dysplasia.

Why Does the Coronoid Process Get Damaged?

A healthy elbow is designed so that the bones fit together smoothly and share the dog’s weight evenly.

If the elbow doesn’t develop with a perfect fit, too much pressure can be concentrated on the coronoid process.

Think of a table with one leg slightly shorter than the others. Instead of the weight being shared evenly, the table rocks and certain points repeatedly take more pressure.

Something similar can happen inside an abnormal elbow.

Genetics, abnormal growth and nutritional factors during development can all contribute to problems with the way the elbow develops.

What Happens to the Coronoid Process?

Repeated excessive pressure can damage this small piece of bone.

The damage can range from:

  • Small cracks within the bone.
  • Damage to the cartilage covering it.
  • A partial fracture.
  • A fragment of bone breaking away inside the joint.

This can cause inflammation and pain within the elbow.

Over time, continued abnormal pressure and movement can also damage the rest of the joint and lead to arthritis.

What Are the Signs?

Dogs with coronoid disease commonly develop front leg lameness.

The limp may initially be quite subtle and only appear after exercise. Other dogs can be considerably more painful, particularly when a fragment has broken away.

During an orthopaedic consultation, we can usually determine whether the elbow is the source of the pain.

We will often then recommend X-rays to investigate the joint further.

Is Coronoid Disease Part of Elbow Dysplasia?

Yes.

Fragmented coronoid process is one of the conditions included under the term elbow dysplasia.

Elbow dysplasia simply describes a group of developmental problems where the elbow has not formed or fitted together normally.

Treatment depends on exactly what is happening inside the joint.

Some dogs can be managed with rest, anti-inflammatory medication and appropriate exercise management. In other dogs, particularly where there is a painful loose or damaged fragment, further investigation and surgical treatment may be recommended.

Is Your Dog Limping on a Front Leg?

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, elbow problems are a common cause of persistent front leg lameness that we investigate.

The first step is a good orthopaedic examination to determine whether the pain is coming from the elbow and whether further imaging is needed.

If your dog has persistent or recurring front leg lameness, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital to arrange an assessment.

Elbow Problems in Dogs: A Common Cause of Front Leg Limping

After paw injuries, the elbow is one of the most common areas we find causing front leg pain in dogs at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital.

Elbow problems can range from mild soreness after exercise to severe pain where a dog may barely want to use the leg.

One of the most common conditions we see is elbow dysplasia.

What Is Elbow Dysplasia?

Elbow dysplasia is a fancy term that essentially means the different parts of the elbow joint have not developed with a perfect fit.

When a joint doesn’t fit together properly, pressure is distributed unevenly across its surface.

In mild cases, this may simply cause some soreness after exercise.

In more severe cases, a small piece of bone or cartilage can become damaged or break away inside the joint. This can be extremely painful and can quickly lead to further damage and arthritis.

How Do We Know if the Elbow Is Sore?

During a consultation, we can usually determine whether the pain is coming from the elbow.

We watch your dog walk, examine the entire leg and compare it with the opposite side before carefully examining the painful joint.

If the elbow appears to be the problem, we will often recommend X-rays.

X-rays help us understand what is happening inside the joint and, importantly, what type of elbow problem we are dealing with.

Does Elbow Dysplasia Need Surgery?

Most elbow problems do not require or benefit from surgery.

Treatment can be as simple as:

  • Rest and controlled exercise.
  • A short course of anti-inflammatory medication.
  • Weight management where appropriate.
  • Longer-term management of arthritis if it has developed.

However, there are some elbow problems where surgery may be recommended.

For example, if a piece of bone has broken or become loose inside the joint, removing that fragment may be necessary.

When surgery is indicated, we generally want to deal with the problem as early as possible to reduce ongoing damage to the joint.

Is Your Dog Limping on a Front Leg?

If your dog is repeatedly limping on a front leg, particularly after exercise, the elbow may be the source of the pain.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, we regularly investigate front leg lameness and elbow problems in dogs.

A good hands-on examination can usually tell us whether the elbow is painful, with X-rays used when we need to understand exactly what is happening inside the joint.

📞 If your dog has ongoing or recurring front leg lameness, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital to arrange an assessment.