The Animal Doctor Vet ClinicThe Animal
Doctor Clinic
Oral health

Dental Care

Healthy mouth, healthier pet.

By the age of three, over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease — yet it remains one of the most overlooked areas in pet health. If your pet has bad breath, it's almost certainly not 'normal.' It's a sign of bacterial build-up, gum inflammation, or tooth decay that needs attention.

Veterinary dental procedure on a dog

Untreated dental disease causes chronic pain that animals are remarkably good at hiding. Pets rarely stop eating even with fractured teeth or severe gingivitis — they simply chew differently. Over time, bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Our dental services range from routine oral health assessments during wellness exams to full dental procedures under anaesthesia — ultrasonic scaling, polishing, dental X-rays to see what's happening below the gumline, and extractions when teeth are beyond saving.

We'll also teach you practical at-home dental care techniques — toothbrushing (yes, really), dental chews, water additives, and diet choices — so you can maintain your pet's oral health between professional cleanings.

Why choose us for dental care

Ultrasonic scaling & polishing

Hospital-grade ultrasonic scalers remove tartar above and below the gumline, followed by polishing to slow re-accumulation.

Dental X-rays

Two-thirds of every tooth is hidden below the gum. X-rays reveal root abscesses, fractures, and bone loss invisible to the eye.

Surgical extractions

Severely diseased or fractured teeth are removed carefully under anaesthesia with proper pain management and wound closure.

Gum disease grading

We grade periodontal disease on a 0–4 scale and explain exactly where your pet stands and what treatment is needed.

Safe anaesthesia protocols

Dental procedures require anaesthesia for safety and thoroughness. We follow the same rigorous monitoring as full surgery.

At-home care coaching

We show you how to brush your pet's teeth, recommend dental diets, and suggest chews that actually work.

What's included

Every dental care appointment at The Animal Doctor includes the following as standard.

Pricing: Dental cleanings from KSh 6,000 (cats) / KSh 8,000 (dogs). Includes anaesthesia, scaling, polishing, and X-rays. Extractions are priced per tooth and discussed before proceeding.

  • Oral health assessment
  • General anaesthesia with full monitoring
  • Ultrasonic scaling (supra & subgingival)
  • Tooth polishing
  • Full-mouth dental X-rays
  • Periodontal disease grading
  • Tooth extractions (if necessary)
  • Post-procedure pain management
  • Dental care home kit & instructions
  • Follow-up check included

How it works

1

Oral assessment

We examine your pet's mouth during a wellness visit and recommend a dental procedure if disease is present.

2

Pre-dental blood work

On the day of the procedure, we run blood work to confirm your pet is safe for anaesthesia.

3

Dental procedure

Under anaesthesia: X-rays, scaling, polishing, and extractions if needed. Full monitoring throughout.

4

Recovery & home care plan

Your pet goes home the same day with pain meds, soft food instructions, and an at-home dental care plan.

Dental scaling in progress
Dental X-ray showing root abscess
Clean teeth after dental procedure
At-home brushing demonstration

Frequently asked questions

Why does my pet need anaesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Thorough cleaning requires scaling below the gumline, which is painful and impossible to do safely on an awake animal. Anaesthesia also allows us to take X-rays and examine every tooth properly. 'Anaesthesia-free dentals' are cosmetic only and miss the disease that matters.
My dog's breath smells bad — is that normal?
No. Persistent bad breath is almost always a sign of dental disease — bacterial build-up, gum infection, or decaying teeth. It's worth getting checked.
How often does my pet need a dental cleaning?
Most pets benefit from a professional cleaning every 1–2 years, depending on breed, diet, and home care. Small breeds and brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds often need more frequent attention.
Can I really brush my cat's teeth?
Yes — with patience and the right approach. We'll show you how to introduce a finger brush gradually. Even 3 times a week makes a big difference in slowing tartar build-up.
Will my pet be in pain after extractions?
We use multi-modal pain management — nerve blocks during the procedure and take-home pain medication for 3–5 days. Most pets eat soft food comfortably within 24 hours and feel much better once the diseased tooth is gone.

Ready to book?

Schedule an appointment online or reach out on WhatsApp and we'll get back to you within 2 hours.