All your life, you have likely been receiving advice to brush your teeth at least twice a day to maintain the best dental health. Like people, pets need dental care to have healthy teeth and gums. Regular pet teeth cleaning is crucial whether you own a dog or cat. While you can clean your pet's teeth at home, taking your pet for professional teeth cleaning at an animal hospital is best. Our team at Sagamore Hills Animal Hospital in Sagamore Hills, OH, provides exceptional dental care for pets. So, how often should your pet get its teeth cleaned?

At Least Once a Year

Veterinarians recommend you take your pet for professional teeth cleaning at least once a year. If you own small pets like cats, small dog breeds, or guinea pigs, it's best to take them for professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year. Keep in mind that after your pet's first professional dental care, the vet might recommend a more regular cleaning interval depending on its dental health situation.

What Age Is Appropriate to Start Pet Dental Care?

You should take your pet for its first professional teeth cleaning sometime before it reaches a fifth of its expected lifespan. For example, the anticipated lifespan of dogs is 10 to 13 years. Therefore, it should have its teeth professionally cleaned when it's between 2 and 3 years old.

Smaller dog breeds have a slightly lower expected lifespan; thus, they should be introduced to professional dental care right before age two. Cats can live for between 12 and 18 years; therefore, they should start getting professional dental care from an animal hospital when they are between 2 and 3 years old.

Additional Benefits

Once the veterinarian has cleaned your pet's teeth, we are likely to prescribe:

• Antibiotics to ward-off infections if needed
• A diet to improve dental health
• Dental chews to improve tooth strength
• Toothpaste and a toothbrush
• Dental wipes and pads

Are You Looking for Professional Pet Dental Care?

Sagamore Hills Animal Hospital has top-notch veterinary care providing professional pet dental cleaning in Sagamore Hills, OH. Call our team today at (330) 468-2900 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.