Archive for February, 2010

Dental Care For Your Pet…Three Steps to Success

Dr Andrews
Feb 18 |15:08

Your pet needs dental care – regular, professional care from your veterinarian, as well as care at home from you. The American Veterinary Dental Society recommends that pet owners follow three basic steps:

STEP 1: Take your pet to the veterinarian for a dental exam. Don’t wait for his annual checkup if you suspect a problem.

STEP 2: Begin a dental care regimen at home. Your veterinarian can suggest steps that may include brushing your pet’s teeth. One of the most convenient and effective ways to combat oral disease is feeding specially formulated foods proven effective in combating plaque and tartar buildup. The Seal of Acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council, an organization initiated by the American Veterinary Dental Society to guide consumers, appears on products that meet defined standards for plaque and tartar control in dogs and cats. For further information on the VOHC or their product standards, visit www.vohc.org.

STEP 3: Schedule regular veterinary checkups. These are essential in helping your veterinarian monitor the progress of your pet’s dental health routine. Your veterinary health care team can help you schedule the appropriate visits.

Please visit petdental.com for this article and for more  information on caring for your pet’s teeth!

 

Home Dental Care

Dr Andrews
Feb 12 |07:44

There are several ways you can care for your pet’s teeth every day.

A complete home dental care program for your pet often will include brushing as well as a special pet food that helps care for your pet’s teeth while he or she eats.

Even if you aren’t able to brush your pet’s teeth every day, by incorporating a special pet food into your pet’s daily routine, you can provide the dental care needed to keep your pet healthy. Be sure to talk with your veterinarian about the options that exist and which are right for your pet.

Brushing Your Pet´s Teeth

STEP 1: Introduce a brushing program to pets gradually. Avoid over-restraining your pet and keep brushing sessions short and positive. A cat or small dog can be held in your lap. Praise and reassure your pet throughout the process.

STEP 2: At first, dip a finger into beef bouillon for dogs or tuna water for cats. Rub the soaked finger gently over the pet’s mouth and teeth. Make the initial sessions short and positive.

STEP 3: Gradually, introduce gauze over the finger and gently scrub the teeth in a circular motion.

STEP 4: Finally, you can introduce a soft toothbrush designed for pets. Use a sensitive or ultra-soft brush designed for people or a brush designed for pets. Special pet toothbrushes are available from your veterinarian or specialty pet store. Don’t use toothpaste designed for people because it could upset the animal’s stomach.

Avoid feeding pets table scraps because they can increase the build up of plaque and tartar, and can lead to other health problems.

Feed your pet a nutritionally balanced food. Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Canine t/d® and Feline t/d® are specially formulated pet foods with dental benefits for dogs and cats. This food is available through veterinarians and is clinically proven to reduce the accumulation of plaque, tartar, and gingivitis.

Please visit petdental.com for this article and for more  information on caring for your pet’s teeth.
 

Free Dental Exams and 10% off Dental Cleanings for February!

Dr Andrews
Feb 11 |08:48

We know times are tough and Stockton Hill Animal Hospital is trying to make it a little easier to care for your pet’s teeth during the month of February.  As always, we are offering free dental exams, so we can evaluate your pet’s teeth to see what they need to have done and to discuss proper dental care for your pet.  And for those pets who are needing to have their teeth completely cleaned, we are taking 10% off the regular dental cleaning price.  Don’t delay! Call 757-7979 today to schedule your free dental exam and take advantage of 10% off dental cleanings this month!