If there's one thing you need to keep up on as a pet owner, dental care. Pets can have serious health problems as a result of poor dental hygiene. That’s why you should visit our veterinarian in Alexandria for pet dental services on a regular basis.
Do pets need their teeth brushed?
While there are some exceptions to this rule, just about every pet needs some form of dental care to keep them healthy. Dogs and cats need their teeth brushed, and you can add pet dental treats into their diet to supplement regular brushings. There are also pills that you can give your pets to help improve their dental health in a minimally invasive way.
Is home pet dental care enough?
If you're taking the time to brush your pet's teeth and give them treats that promote dental hygiene, you're already doing a great job. However, pets need specialized dental care on occasion just like humans do. While you should keep brushing your pet's teeth regularly and sticking to your home dental care routine, you should also visit a pet doctor about once every six months to have their teeth cleaned.
Does my pet have a dental problem?
If can be hard to figure out what's going on with your dogs or cats since they can't actually speak. If your pets are suddenly acting very moody, have no appetite, or get irritated when you get near their mouths, that's a good sign that they're dealing with some sort of dental disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure you take your pets to an animal hospital to have them checked out.
Do dental chews work?
You might have considered picking up a pack of dental chews for your dog or cat in between cleanings. While there's no replacement for regular brushing and pet doctor visits, dental chews can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup in the meantime.
Does eating kibble help clean a dog's teeth?
For many years, people have believed that eating dry dog food is a good way for a dog to keep its teeth clean. The truth is, that would be like expecting the hard foods we eat to clean our teeth. No matter what kind of food your dogs eat, you still need to brush their teeth regularly.
Get Some Help
Taking care of your pets can be a lot of work, especially if you've never dealt with pet dental care. If you need a helping hand when it comes to keeping your pets’ teeth clean, call Fort Hunt Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian today.
