Dental exams and care for dogs and cats, about ten to fifteen minutes from central Fort Lauderdale.
Bad breath is easy to dismiss, but it is often the first sign of dental disease. Most dogs and cats show signs of dental disease by about age three, and because pets keep eating and acting normal while inflamed gums, loose teeth and infection quietly build, a regular dental exam is how we find problems while they are still manageable. Oakland Park Animal Hospital provides dental care for dogs and cats about ten to fifteen minutes from central Fort Lauderdale.
Our doctor-led team has served Broward County pets since 1987, and Dr. Spencer Ratnoff has spent more than 40 years caring for the families in this part of South Florida. Dr. Ratnoff is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Broward County Veterinary Association, and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association. You can read more about our pet dental care services, or keep reading for what a dental visit involves and what affects the cost.
Professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar.
Imaging that shows what is happening below the gumline.
For a tooth that is too damaged or infected to save.
Surgical care for more complex problems in the mouth.
Pets tend to hide pain long after their mouths start to hurt, so small changes matter. The American Animal Hospital Association notes that most dogs and cats have some dental disease by about age three, so these signs are worth watching for at any age. AAHA’s owner guide is a helpful reference. Call us if you notice any of the following.
None of these signs is a diagnosis on its own, but each is a good reason to let a veterinarian take a look. Dental problems also tend to become more common as pets age, which is one reason mouth checks are part of our senior pet care.
Knowing the steps helps most owners feel more comfortable before the day of the procedure.
Anesthesia-free dental cleaning sounds gentler, but veterinary dental organizations, including the American Veterinary Dental College and AAHA, advise against it. An awake pet cannot hold still for a full exam of every tooth, cannot have X-rays taken, and cannot be cleaned safely below the gumline, where much of dental disease lives. Scraping visible tartar can leave a mouth looking better while the painful problems underneath go untreated.
Anesthesia does carry risk, and every pet is different. That is why our team monitors your pet closely, and why we talk through your pet’s age and health with you before any procedure. If you have worries about anesthesia, ask us. We would rather answer every question than leave you unsure.
The cost of a dental visit depends on your pet’s size and age, how much tartar and disease are present, whether X-rays show a problem below the gumline, and whether any teeth need to be extracted. A healthy mouth that needs a cleaning is very different from a mouth with several damaged teeth. Because we cannot know until we examine your pet, we give you an upfront estimate before treatment begins, so you know what to expect before you agree to a plan.
We offer Cherry and CareCredit financing, and our Stay Well Pet Plan can help make routine preventive care more predictable. Financing and payment questions are welcome at any time, including before your pet’s visit.
Daily home care makes a real difference. Ask our team which options suit your pet, and start slowly, using praise and treats so brushing feels like a normal part of the day. Chew products and dental diets are not right for every pet, so it is worth checking with us before you buy.
Many families pair a dental visit with a wellness exam or a boarding stay so it takes only one trip. Ask about combining visits when you call, and mention any dental concerns so we can plan enough time.
Head north on US-1 or I-95. Most drivers from Victoria Park, Coral Ridge, Las Olas and downtown Fort Lauderdale arrive in ten to fifteen minutes. Saturday hours run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., which gives working families an option outside the weekday schedule. Call ahead to check availability for a dental exam.
Dr. Ratnoff has spent more than 40 years caring for the pets and families of this area, and that kind of trust is earned slowly, visit by visit. We remain a family-owned, doctor-operated hospital, which means every decision is guided by what is right for your pet.
If it has been a while since your pet’s last dental exam, call (954) 731-4228 or request an appointment. We will examine your pet, explain what we find in plain language, and give you an upfront estimate before any treatment begins.
Schedule a visit with our compassionate team and let’s partner in your pet’s lifelong well-being.
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