February is Pet Dental Awareness Month at Weston Road Animal Hospital!

Just like us, pets can get plaque and gum disease that cause pain and other health issues — but the good news is it’s easily preventable with regular care and a professional COHAT.

What is a COHAT?

A COHAT is much more than a simple cleaning.
It’s a thorough dental procedure performed under gentle anesthesia that includes:

• Full oral examination by one of our highly skilled veterinarians

• Full-mouth digital dental X-rays

• Professional scaling and polishing

• Pain prevention and fear-free comfort at every step

The result? Fresher breath, healthier gums, less pain, and a longer, happier life.

Pre-Anesthetic Labwork: The Key to Safe, Tailored Dental Care

Before any anesthetic procedure, we perform pre-anesthetic labwork and screening tests to evaluate your pet’s internal health and choose the safest protocol.

For Pets Under 7 Years Old

We recommend:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Checks for infection or anemia

• Chemistry Panel – Evaluates liver and kidney function

• Urinalysis – Assesses hydration and kidney status

• Electrolyte Panel – Detects imbalances that affect anesthesia

• PT/PTT (Coagulation Tests) – Ensures normal clotting

• Heartworm Test – Confirms your pet is heartworm-free before anesthesia

These results help us tailor anesthetic medications and prevent complications.

For Pets Over 7 Years Old

As pets age, their hearts and organs change. For our seniors, we recommend all of the above plus:

• Thoracic Radiographs – Evaluate heart and lung health

• ProBNP Cardiac Screening – Blood test that detects early heart disease

• Electrocardiogram (EKG) – Evaluates heart rhythm

• Blood Pressure (BP) – Identifies hypertension or hypotension

These tests allow us to create a personalized anesthetic plan that keeps your pet safe from start to finish and ensures a smooth, comfortable recovery.

February Dental Specials – Limited Spots Available!

To celebrate Pet Dental Awareness Month, we’re offering special discounts and offers all February long.

Appointments fill up quickly each year.
Schedule early to reserve your pet’s spot!

Our Fear Free Promise

From gentle handling to calming environments and tailored pain management, every step of your pet’s dental visit is designed to protect both their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Because at Weston Road Animal Hospital, your pet’s comfort and safety always come first.

westonroadanimalhospital.com

By Dr. Miguel Rivas