Renfrew Animal Hospital provides professional dental care for dogs and cats in East Vancouver, addressing one of the most common and frequently overlooked health concerns in companion animals. Dental disease affects a significant proportion of adult dogs and cats, often developing without obvious signs until the condition is well advanced. Our team offers dental cleanings, extractions, X-rays, and oral surgical procedures to restore and maintain your pet's oral health. Healthy teeth and gums support your pet's overall wellbeing and quality of life. We are open seven days a week at 1801 Renfrew St, Vancouver, welcoming new patients and walk-ins.
A professional dental cleaning at Renfrew Animal Hospital involves the removal of plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gum line, followed by polishing of the tooth surfaces to slow the reattachment of plaque. Unlike home brushing, professional dental cleaning is performed under general anesthesia to allow thorough access to every tooth surface and both sides of the gum line. During the cleaning, our team also performs a full oral examination, probing gum pockets for depth and assessing individual teeth for mobility, fracture, or root involvement. We recommend an annual cleaning for most adult dogs and cats to prevent the progression of periodontal disease.
When a tooth is irreparably damaged by fracture, infection, or severe periodontal disease, extraction is often the most appropriate way to eliminate pain and prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and tissue. At Renfrew Animal Hospital, dental extractions are performed under general anesthesia with full patient monitoring. Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions following any extraction, and most pets return to normal eating and activity within a few days. We will only recommend extraction when it is genuinely in your pet's best interest and will always explain the reasoning clearly before proceeding.
Dental X-rays allow our team to evaluate the structures beneath the gum line that are not visible during a standard oral examination. Approximately two-thirds of each tooth lies below the gum line, making dental radiography an essential tool for identifying root disease, bone loss, retained tooth roots, cysts, and other conditions that cannot otherwise be detected. At Renfrew Animal Hospital, dental X-rays are routinely performed as part of every dental procedure to ensure nothing significant is missed. Findings are reviewed with you following the procedure, with a clear explanation of what was found.
A carnassial abscess is an infection affecting the root of the upper fourth premolar, one of the largest and most functionally important teeth in dogs. The condition often presents as swelling below the eye or a draining sore on the cheek, though some pets show minimal external signs despite significant underlying infection. Carnassial abscesses are managed through extraction of the affected tooth and drainage of the abscess. Most dogs recover well following the procedure and experience significant relief from the chronic discomfort associated with the infection.
Complex dental conditions, including severe periodontal disease requiring multi-tooth extraction, carnassial abscess repair, and oral mass removal, fall within the scope of dental surgery at Renfrew Animal Hospital. These procedures are performed under general anesthesia with comprehensive patient monitoring. Recovery guidance is provided in detail following any dental surgical procedure. Additional information about our broader surgical services is available on our Surgical Services page.
Professional cleanings are most effective when supported by consistent home care between visits. At Renfrew Animal Hospital, we provide practical guidance on establishing a home dental care routine for your pet. Daily toothbrushing using a pet-safe toothpaste is the most effective option available to pet owners. For pets that do not tolerate brushing, we can discuss alternative approaches such as dental rinses, dental chews, and water additives that have been shown to support oral hygiene. Our team will help you find an approach that works for your pet and your household.
