Why a Complete Oral Health Assessment (COHAT) Is Better Than Just a Descale and Polish for Your Pet

When it comes to looking after our pets, dental care often gets overlooked—but it plays a huge role in their overall health. You may have heard of a routine descale and polish, which can help freshen breath and remove visible tartar. But if you really want to look after your dog or cat’s teeth, there’s a much better option: a Complete Oral Health Assessment and Treatment, or COHAT.

At Your Family Vets in Knaresborough, we recommend COHAT for cats and dogs because it goes far beyond surface cleaning—it gets to the root of the problem (sometimes quite literally!).

So, What Is a COHAT?

COHAT is a thorough dental procedure carried out under general anaesthetic. It involves:

  • A full clinical exam and pre-anaesthetic blood testing (additional costs may apply)
  • A detailed inspection of every tooth—above and below the gumline
  • Digital dental X-rays to detect hidden issues like broken roots or bone loss
  • Scaling and polishing of all teeth
  • Removal of any diseased or damaged teeth where necessary
  • A tailored dental care plan for home

Why Not Just a Descale and Polish?

While a descale and polish may make your pet’s teeth look better, it doesn’t catch deeper issues that could be causing pain or infection. Imagine only brushing the front of your teeth while leaving a cavity untreated!

Hidden dental disease can be a source of chronic pain, infection and even organ damage if bacteria spread through the bloodstream. A COHAT allows us to diagnose and treat problems early—before they affect your pet’s quality of life.

Your Pet Deserves the Best Dental Care

Dr Philip Simon and our experienced team at Your Family Vets are fully equipped to deliver advanced dental care in a calm, caring environment. We believe prevention is better than cure—and that includes looking after your pet’s teeth before problems arise.

Get 20% Off Dental Procedures with Our Wellness Plan

Members of our Ultimate Wellness Plan (from just £25/month) receive 20% off all dental procedures, including COHAT, with a descale and polish starting from £360 and a COHAT from £636. That means you can give your pet the very best care—while saving money in the long run.

Our plan also includes all vet and nurse consultations, routine vaccinations, flea and worming treatments, health checks and more. It’s a brilliant way to stay on top of your pet’s health year-round.


Let’s Talk Teeth!

If you’ve noticed bad breath, discoloured teeth or a change in eating habits, your pet could be suffering in silence. We’re here to help.

📍 Visit us at: 61 Wetherby Road, Knaresborough, HG5 8LH
📧 Email: hello@yfvets.co.uk
📞 Call: 01423 900770

Book a consultation today and let’s give your pet the healthy, pain-free smile they deserve.