As pet parents, we do everything we can to keep our furry family members happy and healthy, providing them with the best food, plenty of exercise, and all the love they could ever need. But there’s one crucial part of their health that often gets overlooked: their teeth!  

Like us, pets need regular oral care to prevent dental disease, discomfort, and potential health complications. That’s why at JM Pet Resort & Veterinary Clinic, we now refer to professional dental procedures as COHATs—which stands for Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment.  

If your veterinarian recommended a COHAT for your pet, you might wonder what that means and what to expect. We’re here to walk you through the process so you feel informed, prepared, and confident in your pet’s care!  

When Should My Pet Have a COHAT? 

A COHAT is about more than simply cleaning a pet’s teeth—it’s a thorough assessment and treatment plan designed to support their lifelong oral health. Here’s when your pet may need one:  

  • Puppies & Kittens: When your pet is around 6 months old, it should have its first oral health check-up to ensure that adult teeth are growing properly.
  • Small-Breed Dogs (Under 30lbs) & Cats: Typically, their first Routine COHAT is recommended around 1 year old to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
  • Larger Dog Breeds: Since their teeth develop more slowly, they may not need a COHAT until around 2 years old.
  • Adult Pets (Over 2 Years Old): Just like people visit the dentist once or twice a year, COHATs are typically recommended annually to keep their pet’s mouth healthy and free of disease.

Your veterinarians will examine your pet’s teeth at every wellness visit and let you know when it’s time for a COHAT!  

What Happens During a COHAT?

Step 1: Wellness Exam & COHAT Recommendation

Every COHAT starts with a routine wellness visit. During this exam, your veterinarian will take a close look at your pet’s teeth and gums:  

  • If they see mild tartar buildup but no major disease, they recommend a Routine COHAT to clean and protect the teeth.
  • If they find broken teeth, inflamed gums, or severe dental disease, they’ll recommend an Extended COHAT, which may include tooth extractions to prevent pain and infection.

Step 2: The COHAT Procedure

To ensure a thorough and pain-free assessment, your pet will be placed under general anesthesia during their COHAT. This allows our team to perform a complete oral health evaluation and treatment safely.  

Every COHAT includes:  

  • Full-mouth digital radiographs (x-rays) to assess the health of teeth beneath the gum line.
  • Probing & charting of each tooth to check for pockets, fractures, or hidden disease.
  • Ultrasonic scaling & polishing to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup.
  • Optional Perioceutic applications (as discussed with you) to help protect your pet’s teeth post-cleaning.

A Routine COHAT typically takes between 20-45 minutes. If a pet requires extractions, they will undergo an Extended COHAT, which includes the aforementioned elements and lasts no longer than two hours under anesthesia to ensure their safety.  

In the cases where multiple extractions or advanced treatment are needed beyond the scope of a Routine or Extended COHAT, our veterinarians may recommend a Staged Oral Surgery approach, meaning additional procedures over time for the best outcome for your pet.  

What to Expect After a COHAT?

Recovery & Post-COHAT Care

Most pets bounce back quickly after a COHAT, but here’s what you can expect:  

  • Your pet may be sleepy or groggy for the first 24 hours as the anesthesia wears off.
  • Soft food is recommended for at least one week to allow your pet’s mouth time to heal.
  • If your pet had extractions, you may notice minor bleeding, which is normal--- but call us if it seems excessive.
  • Your veterinarian will send you home with personalized care instructions and may prescribe medication to keep your pet comfortable.

At-Home Dental Care

The best way to maintain your pet’s oral health between COHATs? Daily tooth brushing! We know it sounds tricky, but a few times a week can make a big difference. Learn how to get started brushing your dog’s teeth.  

Our veterinarians do not typically recommend dental treats or water additives as a substitute for brushing. Special diets may sometimes be recommended to support your pet’s oral health. Regular wellness visits will help us monitor your pet’s teeth and determine when their next COHAT is needed.  

A Healthy Smile = A Happy Pet!

A COHAT is one of the best ways to ensure your pet’s long-term health and comfort, preventing pain before it starts and keeping its mouth fresh and healthy. If your veterinarian has recommended a COHAT, trust that it’s an important step in keeping your furry friend happy, healthy, and pain-free. As always, we’re to answer any questions and guide you through every step of your pet’s care!  

Ready to learn more or schedule your pet’s COHAT? Call us today at 508-588-5661 to book an appointment with our expert veterinary team!