Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Every dog and cat should have a dental consultation with their veterinarian at least once a year, according to Dr. Christie Long, Chief Medical Officer at Modern Animal.
- A dental consultation is an exam and a discussion, not a procedure, and if your vet recommends a cleaning under anesthesia, they will review the full cost with you before you leave.
- Dental recommendations differ from pet to pet, so the consultation is how your vet decides what your individual dog or cat needs.
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems veterinarians find in adult dogs and cats, and it is easy to miss at home. Pets rarely show obvious signs of mouth pain, and much of the damage happens below the gumline. A yearly pet dental consultation gives your veterinarian dedicated time to look closely at your pet's mouth and talk with you about what they find.
To explain what these visits involve, we sat down with Dr. Christie Long, Chief Medical Officer at Modern Animal. Dr. Long recommends one for every pet: "All dogs and cats need a dental consultation at least yearly with their veterinarian." If your pet's yearly checkup is coming up, our guide on what to expect at your pet's annual wellness exam covers the rest of that visit.
What Is a Pet Dental Consultation?
A pet dental consultation is an in-depth examination of your dog or cat's teeth and gums, followed by a conversation with your veterinarian about dental health. Your vet looks for signs of dental disease, explains what they see, and recommends next steps for your pet.
"Our doctors typically look at your pet's teeth every time they see them," Dr. Long explains. What sets the consultation apart is the depth of the discussion. "The dental consultation is your chance to have a really in-depth conversation about dental care."
Reminders in the Modern Animal app. Dr. Long notes that "you might notice in the Modern Animal app that your pet is due for a dental consultation." When that reminder appears, it is a good time to book a visit if your pet does not already have one scheduled.
Is a Dental Consultation the Same as a Dental Cleaning?
No. A dental consultation is an exam and a conversation, while a dental cleaning is a procedure done under general anesthesia. The consultation is how your vet decides whether a cleaning is needed in the first place.
"It's important to know that the dental consultation is not actually the dental procedure itself," Dr. Long said. "It's really just an examination with your doctor and a discussion about dental disease." Your pet stays awake, and no work is done on the teeth.
What a professional cleaning involves. At Modern Animal, a cleaning under anesthesia includes a full dental exam and charting, scaling and polishing, and full-mouth dental X-rays to find problems hidden beneath the gums. Anesthesia keeps your pet still and comfortable, since much of the important work happens below the gumline and cannot be done well on an awake animal. You can learn more in What to Expect When Your Pet Gets a Dental Cleaning at Modern Animal and why pet dental cleanings require anesthesia.
If your vet recommends a cleaning. Dr. Long explains that "if your doctor decides that your pet does need a cleaning under anesthesia, they'll go over the full cost with you before you leave."
Why Do Dogs and Cats Need a Dental Consultation Every Year?
Dogs and cats need a dental consultation every year because dental disease develops gradually and often without obvious symptoms. A yearly check lets your vet track changes over time and catch problems while they are easier to treat.
Dental disease often goes unnoticed. Many pets keep eating normally even when their teeth hurt. Plaque hardens into tartar, bacteria inflame the gums, and over time the tissue and bone that hold teeth in place can break down. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss.
Every pet's needs are different. Dr. Long compares dental care to vaccines. "Like vaccinations, your pet's dental recommendations are going to be different based on your pet," Dr. Long said. "Dental consultations help us understand the individual pet's needs and help your veterinarian make the best recommendations for your pet."
Factors that shape your pet's recommendations. Dental disease tends to become more common as pets age. Small dogs often have crowded teeth that trap plaque, and flat-faced breeds can have teeth that are crowded or out of alignment. Cats can develop tooth resorption, a painful condition in which the structure of a tooth breaks down. Diet, chewing habits, and home care all factor in as well.
What Happens During Your Pet's Dental Consultation?
During a dental consultation, your vet examines your pet's teeth, gums, and mouth while your pet is awake, then talks with you about what they found. The visit ends with recommendations tailored to your pet.
The exam. Your vet will look for tartar buildup, red or swollen gums, broken or loose teeth, and any unusual growths in the mouth. In puppies and kittens, they may check for baby teeth that have not fallen out. Some problems sit below the gumline, where only dental X-rays taken under anesthesia can show them, so your vet will tell you if they suspect something they cannot see.
The conversation. Your vet will ask about your pet's eating habits, favorite chews, and any changes you have noticed. They will explain their findings in plain terms and walk you through options, which might include starting home care, rechecking at a future visit, or scheduling a cleaning.
How to prepare. Before the appointment, write down anything you have noticed, such as bad breath, chewing on one side, or dropping food. Note the food, treats, and chews your pet gets, along with any home dental care you already do. If you are unsure whether brushing is realistic for your pet, the consultation is the right time to ask.
What Signs of Dental Disease Should You Watch For at Home?
The most common signs of dental disease in dogs and cats are bad breath, visible tartar, and red or bleeding gums. Because pets often hide pain, any of these signs is worth mentioning to your vet, even if your pet otherwise seems fine.
Changes you can see or smell. You may notice yellow or brown buildup on the teeth, gums that look red or swollen along the tooth line, broken or discolored teeth, or swelling on the face.
Changes in behavior or eating. Watch for drooling, dropping food, chewing on only one side of the mouth, pawing at the face, or reluctance to eat hard food. Cats may eat more slowly or groom less than usual.
When to reach out between visits. A broken tooth, facial swelling, bleeding from the mouth, or a pet who suddenly stops eating should be checked promptly rather than waiting for the next yearly consultation. If you are an All Access or Essential member and are not sure whether something needs a visit, you can reach our team anytime through 24/7 Virtual Care.
How Can You Care for Your Pet's Teeth Between Visits?
Regular tooth brushing is the most effective thing you can do at home to slow plaque buildup in dogs and cats. Certain dental chews and diets can help as well, and your vet can recommend what is realistic for your pet.
Brushing. Use a soft toothbrush or finger brush made for pets and a toothpaste made for dogs or cats. Never use human toothpaste, since some contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Start by letting your pet taste the toothpaste, then work up to gently brushing a few teeth at a time. Daily brushing works best, but several times a week still helps.
Dental chews, diets, and other products. Look for chews, diets, and water additives with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which shows they met standards for plaque or tartar control. Avoid very hard items like bones, antlers, and hard nylon toys, which can fracture teeth.
What home care cannot do. Home care slows plaque buildup, but it cannot remove hardened tartar or treat disease below the gumline, which is why the yearly consultation still matters.
How Much Does a Pet Dental Consultation Cost?
The cost of your pet's visit depends on a few factors, including your pet's age, the services your vet recommends, and whether any diagnostics are needed.
For All Access members, Dr. Long notes that the dental consultation is "included in the cost of your All Access membership." All Access members get unlimited wellness exams included at no additional charge. Essential members get one exam included per plan year, and non-members pay between $75 and $85 per exam, depending on the city.
If a cleaning is recommended. A professional cleaning under anesthesia is a separate procedure with its own cost, which depends on factors like your pet's size, age, and health. Your vet will go over that full cost with you before you leave.
For a full breakdown of what's included at each membership tier, and the price of services and tests you may be recommended during your visit, visit modernanimal.com/pricing.
The bottom line. A pet dental consultation is a yearly exam and conversation that helps your vet understand your dog or cat's dental health and recommend the right care. It is not a procedure, and if a cleaning is recommended, you will know the full cost before you leave. If your pet is due, you can book an appointment at a Modern Animal clinic, and you can find more pet health guides in our resource hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
At least once a year. Dr. Christie Long, Chief Medical Officer at Modern Animal, recommends that all dogs and cats have a dental consultation with their veterinarian at least yearly. Dental disease develops gradually and often without obvious signs, so a yearly check lets your vet track changes and catch problems early. Your vet may suggest checking more often if your pet already has dental disease.
No. A dental consultation is an examination with your veterinarian and a discussion about dental disease. Your pet stays awake, and no anesthesia or procedure is involved. A dental cleaning is a separate procedure done under general anesthesia, which allows your vet to clean below the gumline and take dental X-rays. As Dr. Long explains, if your doctor decides your pet needs a cleaning, they will go over the full cost with you before you leave.
Yes, for All Access members. Dr. Long notes that the dental consultation is included in the cost of an All Access membership, which also includes unlimited wellness exams at no additional charge. Essential members get one exam included per plan year, and non-members pay between $75 and $85 per exam depending on the city. Treatments or procedures recommended during a visit, such as a dental cleaning, are priced separately.
The most common signs are bad breath, yellow or brown tartar, and red or bleeding gums. Other signs include drooling, dropping food, chewing on one side, and pawing at the mouth. Because dogs and cats often hide mouth pain, even mild changes are worth mentioning to your vet. A broken tooth, facial swelling, or a sudden refusal to eat should be checked promptly rather than waiting for the yearly dental consultation.