Serving Cleveland pet families since the 1960s  |  Open for emergencies until 1 AM daily  |  (216) 252-4500
Cleveland's #1 Voted Vet — 5 Years Running

Your Pet's Smile Could Be Hiding a Serious Problem — Here's How Cleveland's #1 Vet Practice Catches It Early

4 out of 5 pets over age 3 have dental disease. Most owners never know until it's painful and expensive. Our AAHA-certified team uses advanced diagnostics to find problems before they become emergencies.

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Watch: Why Pet Dental Health Is More Critical Than You Think (3 min)
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The Hidden Danger

Most Pet Owners Miss the Warning Signs

Bad breath isn't "just a dog thing." It's the first sign of periodontal disease — a condition that affects the majority of cats and dogs by age three. Left untreated, bacteria from infected gums travel through the bloodstream to the heart, kidneys, and liver.

The problem? Pets are hardwired to hide pain. By the time you notice them dropping food or pawing at their mouth, the disease is already advanced — and the treatment is more invasive and more costly.

4 out of 5
pets over age 3 have some form of dental disease — and most owners have no idea
The Proactive Approach

Catch It Early, Fix It Simply

At West Park Animal Hospital, dental exams aren't a quick glance at the teeth. We use advanced diagnostics — including our in-house CT scanner and full digital dental X-rays — to see what's happening below the gumline, where most disease hides.

  • Complete oral exam with digital dental radiographs
  • CT imaging for complex cases — done on-site, same day
  • Professional cleaning & polishing under safe anesthesia
  • Extractions and oral surgery by experienced veterinary surgeons
  • Personalized home-care plan so problems don't come back
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Trusted by Cleveland Pet Families

Why Cleveland Pet Owners Trust Us

Decades of dedicated veterinary care, verified credentials, and a community that keeps coming back.

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AAHA Certified
American Animal Hospital Association — only ~15% of practices earn this accreditation
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#1 Cleveland Hot List
Voted Cleveland's best vet practice — five consecutive years and counting
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Emergency Care Until 1 AM
Critical care and urgent services available every day — no referral needed
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Advanced Diagnostics
CT/CAT scanner, endoscope, and full in-house lab for same-day results

What Pet Parents Are Saying

Anytime we call or come in, they are welcoming and very helpful! To us, this is important when choosing a doctor.
★★★★★
Via wpahcle.com
West Park is by far the best place for our pets! From the doctors to the techs to the staff.
★★★★★
Via wpahcle.com
Our daughter takes her dog there and it's wonderful! The vet is great and their prices very competitive.
★★★★★
Via wpahcle.com
Over the last 10 years they have always delivered on their service!
★★★★★
Via wpahcle.com
I used to bring my dog here when we lived closer - I loved the people working there.
★★★★★
Via wpahcle.com
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Dr. Kari Swedenborg, Veterinarian and Partner at West Park Animal Hospital
Your Pet's Dental Team

Meet Dr. Kari Swedenborg

Dr. Kari is a veterinarian and partner at West Park Animal Hospital — a practice that has been caring for Cleveland's pets since the 1960s. She leads the dental and surgical teams with a simple philosophy: catch problems early, explain everything clearly, and treat every pet like family.

Under her leadership, the practice earned AAHA certification — a distinction held by only about 15% of veterinary practices nationwide — and has been voted #1 on the Cleveland Hot List for five consecutive years. When it comes to pet dental health, Dr. Kari and her team combine advanced diagnostic technology with decades of hands-on surgical experience.

🎓 AAHA Certified Practice 🏆 Cleveland Hot List #1 x5 💙 Full-Service Surgery 🧾 CT & Advanced Diagnostics
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Is a Dental Exam Right for Your Pet?

✅ This is for you if…

  • Your dog or cat has bad breath that won't go away
  • You've noticed your pet dropping food, chewing on one side, or drooling more than usual
  • Your pet is over 3 years old and has never had a professional dental exam
  • You want to prevent expensive emergency dental surgery down the road
  • You want a vet who explains everything and doesn't rush you
  • You're in the Cleveland area and want a practice with real credentials, not just marketing claims

❌ This probably isn't for you if…

  • You're looking for anesthesia-free dental cleaning (we don't offer this — it doesn't allow proper treatment below the gumline)
  • You're looking for the cheapest option regardless of quality
  • Your pet had a comprehensive dental exam within the last 6 months at another AAHA-certified practice
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Common Questions

Pet Dental Care FAQ

Does my pet really need a dental exam if they seem fine?

Yes. Pets are instinctively good at masking pain. The majority of dental disease happens below the gumline where you can't see it. By the time symptoms become obvious — bad breath, difficulty eating, facial swelling — the disease is often advanced. A proactive dental exam with digital radiographs catches problems early when treatment is simpler, less invasive, and more affordable.

Is anesthesia safe for my pet during a dental cleaning?

Modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe, and we take extra precautions. Every patient gets pre-anesthetic bloodwork through our in-house lab, continuous monitoring during the procedure, and dedicated technician supervision throughout recovery. Anesthesia lets us do a thorough exam and cleaning below the gumline — something that's impossible with the pet awake. The risks of untreated dental disease far outweigh the minimal risks of anesthesia in a healthy pet.

How much does a pet dental exam and cleaning cost?

Cost depends on your pet's specific needs, which we determine during the initial exam. We provide a full estimate before any procedure so there are no surprises. Many of our clients tell us our prices are very competitive compared to other Cleveland-area practices — especially given that we have AAHA certification and advanced diagnostics on-site. Call us at (216) 252-4500 for a ballpark based on your pet's situation.

What if my pet needs a tooth extraction?

Our surgical team performs both simple and complex extractions, including orthopedic-grade oral surgery, right here at the hospital. We use our CT scanner to plan complex cases so we know exactly what we're working with before we begin. If we find something during a cleaning that requires extraction, we'll explain what's going on and get your approval before proceeding. Most pets recover quickly and are eating comfortably within a day or two.

How often should my pet have a dental checkup?

We recommend an annual dental exam for most pets, starting around age 2-3. Some breeds — especially small dogs and certain cat breeds — are more prone to dental issues and may benefit from more frequent checkups. After your pet's first exam, Dr. Kari will recommend a schedule tailored to their specific needs and risk factors.

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Take the First Step

Your Pet Deserves a Healthy Smile —
And It Starts With One Appointment

Whether your pet has bad breath, hasn't had a dental checkup in years, or you just want peace of mind — book a dental exam at Cleveland's #1 voted vet practice. We'll show you exactly what's going on and give you a clear plan.

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Prefer to call? (216) 252-4500