Dentistry

Your pet’s oral health plays an important role in their overall wellness. Dental disease is one of the most common health concerns seen in dogs and cats and can lead to discomfort, difficulty eating, and other health complications when left untreated.

Our dentistry program begins with a thorough oral examination, diagnosis, and personalized treatment recommendations. Together, we will create a plan that fits your pet’s individual needs and supports their long-term health. When treatment is recommended, we offer professional dental cleanings under anesthesia, dental radiographs when appropriate, extractions, oral surgery, and ongoing gum care.

Each year, our office celebrates Pet Dental Health Month in February by offering special rates on dental cleanings. In the spirit of promoting lifelong wellness, we are proud to offer tiered pricing options designed to encourage routine dental care before dental disease progresses.

In addition to professional dental cleanings, we offer a variety of dental support products to help maintain your pet’s oral health between visits. These options may include dental water additives, dental chews, enzymatic toothpaste, and other recommended products tailored to your pet’s needs.

For patients requiring advanced or specialized dental procedures, we work with trusted veterinary dental specialists and can provide referrals to ensure your pet receives the highest level of care.

Laser Surgery

Riverside Animal Clinic & Holistic Center utilizes surgical laser technology and electrocautery for the majority of our surgical procedures. These advanced tools help cauterize tissue during surgery, providing benefits that may include:

• Less pain
• Reduced swelling
• Faster recovery
• Reduced anesthesia time
• Significant reduction in blood loss

A surgical laser seals nerve endings and blood vessels as it moves through tissue, which can help minimize discomfort during recovery and reduce bleeding compared with traditional surgical techniques. Because the laser allows for precise tissue cutting and efficient cauterization, procedures may be completed more quickly, reducing the amount of time your pet spends under anesthesia. The result is less tissue trauma, reduced swelling, and a more comfortable recovery process.

Our team is equipped to perform many of the surgical procedures commonly seen in general practice, including spays, neuters, growth and tumor removals, minor ophthalmic procedures, and more. At this time, we do not offer orthopedic surgery, advanced eye surgery, or emergency surgical services. However, we maintain a strong referral network for patients requiring specialized or advanced procedures.

Dr. Jim Carlson has performed approximately 22,000 laser-assisted surgeries throughout his 28-year veterinary career and brings extensive surgical experience, skill, and precision to every procedure.

Laser Declaws

Declawing is a sensitive and highly debated topic. While declawing is not a procedure we routinely recommend, we understand that there may be rare circumstances where it is considered the only remaining option. When declawing is performed, we utilize laser technology rather than traditional scalpel methods to help reduce tissue trauma, minimize inflammation, and support a more comfortable recovery. We also prioritize comprehensive pain management and appropriate post-operative care to support the best possible long-term outcome for each patient.