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. Oakland Park Animal Hospital provides dental care for dogs and cats about ten to fifteen minutes from central Fort Lauderdale, from a doctor-led team that has served Broward County pets since 1987.
Dental problems rarely announce themselves. Pets keep eating and acting normal while inflamed gums, loose teeth and infection quietly build. A regular dental exam is how we find these problems while they are still manageable.
Learn more about our pet dental care services.
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. Watch for any of the following, and call if you notice them:
None of these signs is a diagnosis on its own, but each is a good reason to let a veterinarian take a look. Because pets hide discomfort, waiting to see whether the problem resolves often means a more involved treatment later.
Bacteria from the mouth can affect a pet’s comfort and overall health, and dental pain often goes unnoticed because animals hide discomfort. Many owners are surprised by how much more energetic and affectionate a pet becomes once a painful mouth has been treated. Routine dental care is one of the simplest ways to protect an older dog or cat’s quality of life.
We start with a hands-on exam while your pet is awake, and we sit down with you afterward to talk through what we found, in plain language, before any decisions get made. If a deeper cleaning is needed, it is done under close anesthetic monitoring, with a trained member of our team staying by your pet’s side the entire time. Depending on the situation, care can include digital dental radiographs, a professional cleaning, an extraction when a tooth is too damaged to save, and oral surgery for more complex problems.
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. Senior pets often benefit from a closer look at their mouths, and our senior pet care approach includes exactly that kind of attention to detail. 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.
We offer Cherry and CareCredit financing, and our Stay Well Pet Plan can help make routine preventive care more predictable. Our team gives you an upfront estimate before treatment begins, so you know what to expect before you agree to a plan for your pet. Financing and payment questions are welcome at any time, including before your pet’s visit.
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 would love the chance to hear your pet’s story and help write a healthier next chapter.
Schedule a visit with our compassionate team and let’s partner in your pet’s lifelong well-being.
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