Updated: December 29, 2025

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 we've transformed the way we approach pets' dental care needs. At JM Pet Resort & Veterinary Clinic, we refer to professional dental procedures as COHATs, which stands for Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment.  

Our veterinarians will thoroughly walk you through the process when they make this recommendation, but we know you might have additional questions about 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!  

What is 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. 

When Should My Pet Have a COHAT? 

Your vet will examine your pet’s teeth at every wellness visit. Here’s when our veterinarians may recommend your pet have a COHAT:  

  • Puppies & Kittens: When your pet is around 6 months old, they should have their 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.

What Happens During a COHAT?

Step 1: Standard Wellness Office Visit & COHAT Recommendation

Every COHAT starts with a routine wellness visit. During your pet's annual wellness visit, your veterinarian will take a close look at your pet’s teeth and gums, among the many other standard assessments:  

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

In either case, a second visit will be recommended following the wellness visit to allow for the appropriate amount of care time. Think of it like this: when humans need dental work, you'd often get an initial assessment and cleaning, and if more work is needed, you'd come back for a second treatment session. The same is true during your pet's wellness visit! While the doctors aren't performing a standard cleaning during this visit, they are assessing your pet's teeth to recommend the appropriate next steps. 

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 an inventory of each tooth, just like a human dentist assesses your teeth 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 or our doctor discovers more serious signs of disease upon x-ray, they'll recommend an Extended COHAT, which includes a longer treatment time to allow multiple extractions to take place, but lasts no longer than 2 hours to ensure a pet's safety under anesthesia.  

In cases where multiple intensive 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 to achieve the best outcome for your pet.  

What to Expect After a COHAT?

Recovery & Post-COHAT Care

Most pets bounce back quickly as the anesthesia wears off 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 weans out of their system.
  • Soft food is recommended for at least one week to allow your pet’s mouth time to heal, especially if they've had extractions.
  • If your pet has had extractions, you may notice minor bleeding, which is normal. Always feel empowered to call us if you have concerns or if the bleeding doesn't stop after a few days. 
  • 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 dental cleanings? Daily tooth brushing!

We know it sounds tricky, especially if you've never brushed your pet's teeth before, but even a few times a week can make a big difference. Learn how to get started brushing your dog’s teeth. We can help, too! Did you know we offer teeth brushing as a Health4PETS® Extra? Next time your pup comes to visit us for PLAYtrain® Doggie Daycare, or for a Boarding stay, elevate their stay by adding fresh breath to their day-- add a teeth brushing session to keep their teeth healthy! 

Our veterinarians recommend dental treats or water additives that have the VOHC seal of approval, such as Tropiclean Fresh Breath Water Additive or Greenies. 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/if 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 their 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!  

Want to learn more about what to expect during your pet's dental cleaning? Call us today at 508-588-5661, and press 2 to speak with our expert veterinary team!