How often should your pet receive veterinary dental cleanings?
While your pet’s breath is charming, that funky odor may have you wondering about your pet’s dental health. How often should your pet receive veterinary dental cleanings? The team at Alexander Animal Hospital shares how critical it is to keep that stinky mouth healthy.
Benefits of Veterinary Dental Cleanings
Your veterinarian does more than inspect your pet’s teeth during his or her veterinary dental cleanings. These procedures involve eliminating plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing can’t do. The advantages of a thorough oral cleaning and exam for your pet include:
- Without tartar and plaque to thrive inside your pet’s mouth, there is a lower risk of gingivitis and gum disease.
- Veterinary dental cleanings minimize bacteria that can harm vital organs such as the kidneys and heart.
- Your vet can detect problems such as infections or fractures before they worsen.
- A dental cleaning for your pet can eliminate oral pain from unresolved dental issues and eliminate bad breath.
- Regular veterinary dental cleanings mean easier chewing and eating, which means more joy for your kitty or pup.
What is the Ideal Pet Teeth Cleaning Frequency?
Although most veterinarians recommend professional dental cleanings at least once yearly for the average pet, veterinary dental cleanings vary on your pet’s breed, age, and health. For example, small dog breeds like maltipoos and chihuahuas are more prone to dental issues. Older cats can also quickly develop dental disease and benefit from regular vet dental care. Pets with predispositions or existing dental problems might require more frequent dental visits.
Best Course of Action for Pet Owners
The best course of action for pet parents is to:
- Set a veterinary dental cleaning appointment immediately, especially if your dog or cat has never had one before.
- Ask your veterinarian how frequently your pet needs a professional dental cleaning and oral examination.
If you haven’t done so, take your pet to Alexander Animal Hospital in Severna Park, MD, so he or she can enjoy a healthy mouth for life!
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, X, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!