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Dental disease develops quietly. Your dog still runs the Peterson Ridge trails, your cat still jumps to her favorite windowsill, and nothing obvious signals that something is wrong — until it is. By the time bad breath, difficulty chewing, or visible tartar brings a Sisters pet owner through our door, the underlying condition has often been present for months. Pawtown Veterinary Care treats dental health as a core part of every pet’s care, not something to address only when a problem is obvious.

Pawtown is based in Bend and serves dogs and cats throughout Central Oregon, including Sisters. Dr. Erin Miller and Dr. Lauren Stayer include dental assessment as a standard component of every comprehensive wellness exam — catching early-stage disease before it requires more involved treatment.

Why Pet Dental Health Cannot Wait

The connection between oral health and overall health in pets is well documented. Periodontal disease — affecting the tissues and bone supporting the teeth — does not stay confined to the mouth. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys, and liver over time. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, most dogs and cats show signs of periodontal disease by age three. A professional dental exam is the only reliable way to evaluate what is happening beneath the gumline.

Pet Dental Services Offered at Pawtown

Dental Exams
A thorough evaluation of your pet’s teeth, gums, and oral tissues — conducted during every wellness exam and available as a standalone visit.
Professional Cleanings
Scaling and polishing under anesthesia to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline — the standard of care for dogs and cats.
Tooth Extractions
When a tooth is too damaged or infected to save, extraction relieves pain and protects surrounding teeth and tissue. Handled in-house at Pawtown.
Dental X-Rays
Full-mouth radiographs reveal bone loss, root damage, and disease beneath the gumline that cannot be seen on visual exam alone.
At-Home Care Guidance
Brushing technique, dental diets, and enzymatic chews — our team walks you through what actually works between professional cleanings.

Signs Your Sisters Pet May Have a Dental Problem

Pets are skilled at hiding discomfort. Any of the following warrants a dental evaluation at Pawtown:

Persistent bad breath
Not normal — usually a sign of bacterial buildup or active infection.
Dropping food or chewing on one side
Often indicates pain on one side of the mouth.
Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
Visible tartar is a sign that professional cleaning is overdue.
Pawing at the mouth or face
A behavioral response to oral pain or irritation.
Reduced appetite or weight loss
Eating less is sometimes the only visible sign of significant dental pain.
Red or swollen gums
Inflammation along the gumline is a classic early sign of periodontal disease.

Dental Care for Sisters Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats have different dental needs, and Pawtown addresses each accordingly. Active trail dogs in the Sisters area are more likely to experience dental wear and fractures from chewing debris on the trail. Cats, meanwhile, are particularly prone to tooth resorption — a painful condition identifiable only through X-rays. Our veterinarians tailor recommendations to the individual animal, not a generic protocol.

Dental care works best as part of an ongoing relationship with a practice that knows your pet. Annual dental exams alongside wellness exams allow us to track changes over time and intervene before small issues become significant ones. Sisters pet owners can schedule a dental consultation through our Sisters veterinary care page or by reaching out through our contact page.

Schedule a Pet Dental Exam Near Sisters
Pawtown is accepting new patients from Sisters and Central Oregon. Open Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm.