The truth is, the idea that pets should eat the same food all the time is a myth that originated in the pet food industry. Of course, every pet food company wants you to commit to their product, without switching to another brand.

This myth has been supported by the fact that pets sometimes have a negative reaction when introduced to a new type of food. But this usually occurs when they have been forced to eat a single source of food for an extended time and are transitioned to a new food very abruptly.

Digestive systems that have been trained to process a single type of diet for a prolonged period of time are sensitive to changes. But if you are able to transition your pet’s food gradually, you can avoid illness, stress, and aversion to the new diet.

At CityVet, we strongly believe that rotation is nature’s way of ensuring a complete and balanced diet. Therefore, it’s best to feed your pet a variety of healthy dry foods, wet foods, and fresh raw foods when possible.

Changing up your pet’s food can be tricky and require some trial and error, but it’s well worth the health and wellness benefits for your pet. Below are some common questions and answers about transitioning your pet’s food.

How do I transition my pet to a new food?
While some pets may be more sensitive to food adjustments than others, in general, we recommend transitioning your pet’s food on a one-week schedule.

1. Day 1-2: Mix 25% new food + 75% old food
2. Day 3-4: Mix 50% new food + 50% old food
3. Day 5-6: Mix 75% new food + 25% old food
4. Day 7: Feed your pet 100% new food

Keep in mind that these ratios are only a guide and that some pets will require a longer 2-3 week food transition schedule. If you notice adverse side effects while transitioning your pet’s food, experiment with a more gradual pace.

When is an ideal time to transition my pet’s food?
Food transitions are ideal when the pet is at home in familiar surroundings. Avoid beginning a transition while traveling, when someone else is caring for your pet, or during the holidays and other high-stress, high-foot traffic times in your home.

What if my pet just won’t adjust to the new diet?
For some pets, a more gradual 2-3 week transition schedule may be necessary. Don’t give up right away! You may just need to experiment with different flavors or brands until you find what works your pet.

Additionally, you can rest assured that CityVet will accept your opened bag of dog or cat food for a full return or exchange if the new food is simply not working out.

What if my veterinarian recommends prescription pet food?
You should always consult with your veterinarian on the best way to transition to a prescription food, as this will vary depending on your pet’s unique needs.

My pet is having negative side effects on their new diet. What should I do?
In some cases, undesirable symptoms such as stomach upset, flatulence, loose stool, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite will occur as a result of introducing a new food. These symptoms are common in pets that are not used to variety in their diets.

Keep in mind that variety is natural and healthy! If you encounter these symptoms when transitioning your pet’s food, try slowing down the transition process. You may also add a digestive aid and/or anti-diarrheal supplement, or consult with your veterinarian.

We recommend following these steps for dealing with minor symptoms:

If symptoms persist or become severe, especially if your pet stops eating, we recommend that you stop the transition immediately and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Prescription medications may be used to treat severe symptoms. In some cases, a pet may need to remain on a limited diet because of a medical condition or allergies.

Rest assured that in time, most pets will eventually adjust to the transition process and thrive on a diet that consists of dry, wet, and raw foods rotated appropriately.

Still, have questions about transitioning your pet’s food? Don’t hesitate to contact CityVet for more information!

We don’t like to think of it, but health problems can pop up unexpectedly. Often our pet’s health will decline as they age, yet we have not thought of them getting older and needing more care.

Difficult situations can be less difficult if you have planned ahead financially. Few of us can suddenly cough up thousands of dollars suddenly when a pet is hit by a car, tears its ACL, is attacked by another animal, obstructs its bowel after eating something he or she shouldn’t have, develops pancreatitis, diabetes or some other disease that requires extensive testing, surgery, medication, etc. Planning in advance can help keep these situations from being devastating both financially and emotionally.

One suggestion is to start a savings account for your puppy or kitten so that when they are older and need more veterinary care, there is money set aside.

Another effective and beneficial approach is to obtain pet insurance for your pet immediately. Just like with some human medical insurance plans, pre-existing conditions may be excluded, so get the insurance ASAP so that when a problem is found (and problems can be identified very early in life!), it will be covered.

There are many pet insurance companies, some better than others, so do your homework. Ask friends, or even people at the dog park, which companies they have used and are happy with. A valuable website to start with is petinsurancereview.com.

Remember: costs associated with having a pet as part of the family are more than just food and recommended vaccines! Plan for you furry bundle of joy accordingly.

Here are a few tips that can help find your pet:

• Start your search as soon as your animal is missing. The sooner you start, the better the chances are that your pet will be found.
• Immediately place a large piece of your clothing, bedding outside where they can smell the scent.
• Search nearby for any areas where your pet may have become trapped- garages, basements, drainage areas, etc.
  • Search during the day AND at night as some pets, especially cats, may hide during the day
  • Bring canned food and/or treats to entice your pet to come when called

• Spread the word! – Notify your neighbors, area veterinary clinics, pet supply stores and other area businesses that your pet is missing.
  • Use neighborhood social media pages to quickly reach a large group of people
  • Post “Lost Pet” signs around the neighborhood and in local businesses- offering a reward may increase the chance of having your pet returned, include a picture and description of your pet and your contact information
• Call AND visit local shelters and animal control facilities every day to check for your pet. Many shelters are very busy and it may take time for them to process found pets. Visiting may increase the chance of finding your pet sooner.
• Pets who are microchipped and/or wearing ID tags have a much greater chance of returning home.
• If someone posts a sign that they have found your pet, be prepared to claim them by having a photo of you with your pet. Always have a current photo of your pet on your phone for this reason. We often have many photos of our pets, but few with the owner. This could be the only confirmation that you are their owner on a weekend or late at night.

Because dogs and cats can’t tell us when they’re in pain, it’s up to us to notice those subtle signs that indicate they’re not feeling quite right. It’s also our responsibility to be proactive about their wellness and take steps to keep them healthy.

Below are 10 things every pet parent should know about animal safety and protection.

1. Stay up to date with vaccines and yearly vet check-ups.
Properly caring for your pet’s health begins with yearly visits to your veterinarian. Vets can use their trained eye to examine your furry family member from ears to tail, and spot signs of trouble. These visits will also ensure your pet is up to date on their immunizations.

2. Know the signs of an allergic reaction.
Just like humans, animals of all types and sizes can suffer from allergic reactions. Signs of an allergic reaction include redness, itching, obsessive licking, swelling around the eyes or face, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect an allergic reaction, you should bring your pet in for a vet check-up right away.

3. Keep your dog away from fatal human foods.
Many dog owners know that chocolate is bad for their pups. But did you know it can actually cause severe symptoms like seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and even death? Salty foods, onions, grapes, raisins, nuts, and yeast dough are all among the worst foods for dogs.

4. Don’t let your cat play with string.
There are few sights more adorable than a playful kitten attacking a ball of yarn. But cats have been known to ingest yarn and string, which can result in a medical emergency. Ribbons, twine, Christmas tree tinsel, and shoelaces should all be kept out of reach as well.

5. Keep pets away from household chemicals.
Animals are often curious about all sorts of objects and substances around the house – and that can include dangerous household chemicals like detergents, bleach, fertilizers, glues and other cleaners. These substances can cause harm not only if inhaled or swallowed, but also upon contact with your pet’s skin or fur. Keep your animals away from the area you’re using the chemicals in, and store all chemicals safely out of reach when you’re finished.

6. Include your pet in your disaster preparedness plan.
When disaster strikes – whether it’s an earthquake, fire, hurricane or blizzard – you never know what could happen. It’s important to plan ahead to ensure everyone in your family will have access to food, water, shelter and medications, even if your power and water is cut. Stash several day’s worth of food, water and supplies for your pet in your emergency kit.

7. Don’t keep toxic plants around the house.
Your new houseplant may be beautiful, but did you know it could also be fatal to your dog or cat? Lilies, sago palms, tulips, pothos, aloe vera, areca palms, elephant ears, money plants and spider plants are all on the list of houseplants that can be toxic and fatal to pets.

8. Know the signs of dehydration.
Pets can become dehydrated for a number of reasons, and this is a situation where it’s important to act quickly. Signs of dehydration in dogs and cats may include loss of skin elasticity, dry mouth, sunken eyes, and exhaustion. See your vet as soon as possible if you notice these signs so they can perform a full assessment.

9. Microchip your pets.
If your furry family member gets lost, a microchip could make the difference in whether they find their way home or not. Collars and tags are not foolproof, as they can break or fall off. If your pet gets lost and ends up in a shelter, a microchip will enable someone to access your contact information and reunite you with your pup or kitty. If you move or change your phone number, be sure to update your contact information accordingly.

10. Spay and neuter your pets.
Spaying and neutering your pets is a responsible choice for many reasons, including the fact that it offers health benefits to your pet. Cats and dogs that have been neutered or spayed have a lower risk of various types of cancers, and are less prone to problematic behaviors like aggression and roaming.

Every loving pet parent wants the best for their animals, but it can be difficult to know which steps you should take your keep your pets safe and healthy. We hope these quick tips make it easier to care for your pet and keep them protected every month of the year.

In today’s economy, CityVet’s model of business stands out with practice ownership rising above the industry’s stale corporate culture and consolidation trends. Dr. Cannon’s goal is to give vets much-needed room to do what they do best: take care of pets and their people.

It All Started With a Burning Building
“The easiest way to explain how we came to be is just giving a little bit of history,” Dr. Cannon said. “When I got out of school, I knew that success for me as a practitioner would have to be where I focused on taking care of people and their pets. I couldn’t [just] do what all of us want to do as veterinarians, which is taking great care of pets – I knew the key to it was also taking great care of people, too.”

After working for a vet who was unwilling to sell his practice, Dr. Cannon aimed his sights on the Flower Mound area to launch his own operation. He met with and studied under developers to learn the building process in exchange for finding the site of his new practice.

Dr. Cannon soon had to halt development after a fellow vet joined a practice across the street from the potential site. A day later, the developmental plans fell through on his plot because of zoning concerns.

Despite the setbacks, Dr. Cannon maintained hope that his dream would one day be fulfilled. Leaning on his faith and trusting that the right moment to finally put his plan into action would arrive, Cannon turned to working as a mobile vet.

As it turned out, the right moment was even closer than he anticipated.

While waiting for new opportunities to arise, Dr. Cannon regularly attended a Bible study located off Oak Lawn and Lemmon Avenues in the urban sprawl of Dallas. Each time he commuted in for the study, he marveled at the lack of veterinarians in the downtown area. “My wife’s working at UT Southwestern around the corner too, and she realizes there’s a whole lot of people down in this urban area of Dallas,” explained Dr. Cannon. “I said, ‘That’s funny you mention that, because I’ve been going to this Bible study and the traffic is incredible, but every time I’m stuck in traffic I see people walking dogs.’”

The final push to Cannon’s dream took place when he witnessed his proverbial burning bush. On the way into Oak Lawn, traffic diverted due to an arson fire. The building had previously been occupied by a family of fortune tellers that were firebombed out by a rivalling group. But in the midst of the carnage, Dr. Cannon saw opportunity – at last, he knew it was time for his hard work and fortitude to pay off.

Contacting the landlord across the street, Cannon got the lease and made the move into the renovated building, which is now the site of the CityVet Oak Lawn Ruffit location. Finally – after a failed practice development, months of searching and networking, and more months of working as a mobile vet – Dr. Cannon had fulfilled his dream of practice ownership.

Today, Cannon attributes much of his success to his faith, his determination, and his unwillingness to give up on his vision. “I had no plans to come to downtown Dallas, but I’m so glad I did.”

Bigger Than a Vet Practice
“We were in an area that was – at that time – devoid of Petsmart or Banfield or a boarding facility,” Dr. Cannon said. “They didn’t know how to come to the city because it’s hard to park, hard to be smaller. We had figured that out.”

What started out as a vet practice began to grow into a boarding facility, and then a pet supply store. Dr. Cannon’s goal was to tailor retail offerings based the supplies that vets used on their own pets. For the Oak Lawn area, he pushed the idea that vets should be the primary resource for animal information – more so than Dr. Google or pet supply store clerks.

Dr. Cannon wanted to arm owners with the information to make good decisions for their pets without judgement or bias. At the same time, he aimed to enable vets to fulfill their goals in veterinary medicine while aiding them with business management support.

“You take care of the person, and you’re going to help them take the best care of their pet,” Dr. Cannon said. “We had people at the level of poverty and we were able to help them. Then you had the people on the other side of the street living in mansions on Turtle Creek, and we met their needs, too.”

20 Years Later, CityVet’s Future is Bright
CityVet has grown a little since its founding in 1999, now with a staff of more than 300 team members who have served more than 50,000 clients and their pets over the past 20 years. It’s performed 16,000 neuter and spay operations, given 75,000 vaccines, and has even survived a hurricane.

“We’ve become a client-centric business model with a DVM ownership equity model that’s focused on being in urban areas where the need is high,” Dr. Cannon said. “It has become an identity that not only I’m thankful for and proud of, but that every veterinarian that has joined our team can relate to.”

From its humble beginnings to today’s family of 14 clinics and four boarding facilities, CityVet has Dr. Cannon as excited as ever for the days ahead.

You want your pet to be in the best possible hands when you go out of town, but which boarding or sitting option is the right choice? Traditional petcare options include:

• Pet sitting in your own home; typically, this involves paying a sitter to stay at your home or drop by at pre-scheduled times to feed your pet and let them outside.
• Pet boarding, which may take place at a standard boarding facility, someone else’s house, or a veterinary office.

Many pet owners believe that their dog or cat will be most comfortable if they’re able to stay in their own home, but this can be problematic if the sitter only stops by a few times per day. Your pet may become lonely or bored, prompting them to engage in destructive behaviors.

Dog boarding apps have become popular in recent years; however, these apps raise several safety concerns. Most of these boarders are not trained animal professionals, and pet parents may feel uneasy leaving their fluffy family member at the home of a complete stranger.

Leaving your pet with a standard boarder is another option, but the quality of care provided in these facilities can vary greatly. Additionally, many boarders and pet hotels rely on gimmicks like “luxury suites” and cutesy decor – features that end up costing you more, but that your pet won’t even notice or care about. So, what is a loving pet owner to do?

Why Veterinary Boarding is the Best Option for Your Pet
Finding a reliable vet with boarding services is a smart idea, as you’ll have a single go-to expert to take care of all your pet’s many needs. Over time, your veterinarian will develop trust with both you and your pet. Who better to care for your beloved pup or kitty in your absence than someone with whom you already have an established relationship?

Truthfully, your pet only has a few basic needs when it comes to feeling safe, happy and comfortable each day: a cozy place to sleep, a quiet and calm environment, plenty of food and fresh water, daily exercise, and loving one-on-one attention.

Boarding your dog or cat with your vet will tick all of these boxes, with the added bonus of knowing they are in expert hands if they become sick or stressed. After all, no one is better prepared to handle a pet health emergency than a trained team of veterinarians.

When you board your pet with CityVet, you can trust that they will have plenty of space to play and roam each day, along with endless hugs and pats from our team. The cozy sleeping quarters will appeal to their natural den-dweller instincts, making them feel secure and comfortable even in your absence.

There’s no need for your pet to “ruff it” while you’re gone – find a vet with boarding services near you, and rest easy knowing that they’re in reliable hands while you’re away.

Why Is Dog Ear Care Important?
Dogs’ ears are sensitive, and as wax and oils build up inside the ear over time, they can become increasingly prone to infections. External factors like excess moisture or allergies can further elevate the risk of infections.

Signs that your dog may have developed an ear infection include:

• Foul odor around or in the ear
• Discharge from the ear
• Swelling or redness of the ear canal
• Excess pawing or scratching of the ears

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment for an exam and ear cleaning with your vet right away.

How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears at Home
The good news? Regular cleaning and care can help prevent ear infections in the first place. Get into the habit of inspecting your dog’s ears regularly; around once per week or every other week. Not only will this help you detect potential problems early, but it will also get your pup comfortable with having his or her ears touched.

To clean your dog’s ears at home, you’ll need to select a gentle, pet-formulated, ear cleanser. Hold your dog’s ear flap upright, and dribble a small amount of the cleansing solution into the ear canal. As the cleanser seeps down into the canal, use your fingers to massage the base of the ear for around 15-20 seconds.

Your dog may want to shake their head after this part of the cleaning process is over; a towel can help to avoid messes. Use a clean cotton ball or pad (but not a cotton swab, which could damage your pup’s ears) to wipe out the excess solution and any loosened earwax.

Helpful Dog Ear Care Tips
Wondering how often your dog’s ears need to be cleaned? In general, once per month is a good rule of thumb. Breeds with long, floppy ears or dogs who swim frequently may need to have their ears cleaned every other week, or even weekly. After bathing or swimming, be sure to properly dry your pup’s ears.

Good general grooming – such as keeping the hair around the ear flap clean, neatly trimmed and free from matts – will make cleaning your dog’s ears easier. Above all, be as gentle as you possibly can, and never insert objects directly into the canal. Doing so could irreversibly damage your pup’s hearing.

Ear cleaning can be stressful for dogs, so it.s important to make it a positive experience. Only clean your dog’s ears when they are already in a calm state, and reward them with plenty of treats during and after the process.

Knowing how to care for your dog’s ears is an essential part of their complete care routine. With occasional ear cleanings at home, regular professional groomings, and staying up to date with vet check-ups, you can help ensure your pup’s ears stay healthy for life.

Find your CityVet to get the best care for your dog.

Preparing your pet for an emergency is an extremely important part of pet ownership, but can be easy to forget about or overlook. Don’t wait until your family needs to evacuate due to a disaster, or until your pet becomes lost or injured – start preparing today with the tips below.

Microchip Your Pet
Microchipping your pet can make the difference between whether or not they return home safely after becoming lost. It’s a quick and easy procedure that can save your pet’s life and prevent heartbreak. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you are interested in microchipping your pet.

After the microchip is implanted, it’s important to register the microchip and make sure your associated contact information is accurate. If the pet is ever rehomed or if your family moves to a new address or acquires new telephone numbers, the microchip information will need to be updated accordingly. Outdated information is useless for finding your lost pet.

Create a Pet Evacuation Kit
In the event that your family ever needs to evacuate, prepare an easy-to-carry, waterproof go-bag stocked with pet supplies. Store the bag close to an exit like an entryway closet or a laundry room that is adjacent to the garage for easy access.

Evacuation Kit Checklist:

• A two-week supply of medicine*
• Collar or harness with ID tag & a leash
• Current picture of your pet
• Familiar items (toys, treats, etc.)
• At least 3-7 days of food*
• Plenty of water
• Crate or pet carrier
• First aid kit
• Sanitation items (litter, trash bags, paper towels)
• Extra blanket or bedding

*These items must be rotated and replaced to ensure they don’t expire.

Caring for Your Pet After a Disaster
After any disaster, be sure to survey the area inside and out to identify sharp objects or other hazards that may harm people and pets. Comforting each other is also important. Petting and snuggling with your dog or cat will help reduce any anxiety for the whole family. Make sure to examine your pet closely; if you observe injuries or any signs of stress, discomfort or illness, contact your veterinarian to schedule a checkup.

If your pet has become lost, visit your local animal control or shelter daily. Some of these agencies also use social media to post information regarding lost and found animals. Post images of your lost pet on social media and your local neighborhood app. If you have microchipped your pet, notify the microchip registry that your pet is missing.

1. Punish him for behaving like a dog. Your canine companion is a creature of opportunity, and when you give him opportunities to “misbehave” by leaving tantalizing items within his reach, he’ll take advantage. Translation: don’t leave food or scraps where he can smell or see them.

Don’t leave him in the bedroom alone with your slippers or socks. Ensure the only opportunities you provide your dog are ones he can succeed at.

2. Tell her “no” over and over. If your dog is doing something she shouldn’t be doing, telling her “no” will probably cause her to stop the behavior temporarily. But saying no to a dog without offering an alternative turns your “no” into merely an interruption, not a request or demand.

Unless you show your dog what you want her to do instead of what she’s doing, chances are she’ll be right back doing it sooner or later.

3. Give her a variety of verbal commands for a single behavior. Many pet guardians assume their dog or cat knows English, and therefore knows that “drop it” and “leave it” mean the same thing, or that “get it” and “bring it to me” are the same.

Train your dog to respond to simple, preferably single-word commands (sit, stay, come, down, pee, poop, etc.) and then use those words, and only those words, to communicate. Otherwise, you’ll create stress in your dog because she knows you want her to do something, but she doesn’t know what based on the words you’re using.

4. Tell him “it’s okay.” Many dog guardians tend to say this phrase to their pet when something decidedly not okay is about to happen. For example, you’re driving your dog to the groomer, which is a place he’s not fond of. You’ve driven him there often enough that as always, he starts to whine when the grooming shop comes into view.
And as always, you say, “it’s okay” in an effort to comfort him. The second you utter those words he knows without a doubt where he’s going, and his stress level shoots through the roof.

“It’s okay” becomes a verbal cue to panic. Instead, help your dog learn to relax and cope more productively with anxiety-producing situations.

5. Pull his leash. A dog that has been properly trained to walk on a leash doesn’t typically do a lot of pulling, so if you feel the need to constantly yank the leash to redirect him, it’s probably time to refresh your pet’s leash manners.

It’s also important to anticipate that your dog will naturally stop and sniff as often as possible, and pull in the direction of someone or something interesting. Be kind and understanding – allow your furry friend a reasonable amount of time to smell-inspect his outdoor territory and pick up his pee-mail without yanking him toward your destination.

6.Hold him while you hug or kiss him. Canines really don’t get these human expressions of affection and can be confused by them – especially when the hugger or kisser is a relative stranger. Also, since dogs are typically being held (restrained) during the bear hug or smooch-fest, it increases their stress level.

Imagine how you would feel if someone large and in charge grabbed hold of you and wouldn’t let go. It’s not a good feeling and does nothing to generate trust, right?

Unless your dog is remaining contentedly still on his own while being hugged or kissed, it’s best to stick to stroking and petting, which most dogs can’t get enough of.

7. Stare at her. Most people are uncomfortable being stared at by other people, so it’s easy to imagine how unsettling it might be for your dog. The canine species views staring as a confrontational sort of a “Let’s get ready to rumble” signal, which naturally triggers a stress response. There’s no need to stare at your dog unless you’re returning her gaze.

8. Point or shake your finger at her. The finger pointing/shaking thing is a universal stress inducer for dogs (and many humans). That’s probably because it’s usually done while you’re standing over your pooch in a menacing posture, or while you’re speaking in a tone of voice that signals your displeasure.

Many a guilty dog look is the result of the finger-pointing thing, but your pet isn’t so much feeling guilty as uncomfortable, wary, confused, and yes… stressed.

9. Tell him to “get down” when he jumps up. If like most people you use the verbal cue “down” to ask your dog to go from a sit to a lie-down, it’s not going to work in situations where he’s jumping up on you or someone else (or a piece of furniture). Train him to stop jumping with the verbal command “off” or “paws on floor” instead. You’ll save your dog the confusion and stress that comes from trying to understand your command, and you’ll potentially save yourself or a guest from a friendly mauling.

10. Wake her up. Unless there’s a pressing reason to awaken your four-legged family member from a nice snooze, try to avoid it. Being shaken or shouted awake is stressful for all of us.

This condition is caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth and formation of bacteria around the gums. Over time, periodontal disease can lead to a range of health concerns, including tooth loss, systemic infections and internal organ damage.

The sad reality is that 85% of all pets develop dental disease by age three. Fortunately, it is entirely possible to keep your pet’s teeth in tip-top shape with proper oral care. Yearly professional teeth cleaning for your dog or cat is important, but it is not enough. Below are steps you can begin taking today to ensure good dental health for your pet.

Pet Dental Care & Cleaning at Home
The best way to care for your pet’s teeth at home is by getting into the habit of regular brushing. Daily brushing would be excellent, but if this is an unrealistic goal for you and your pet, aim for at least 2-3 times per week. It only takes a few minutes, and can prevent your beloved pet from developing serious health concerns over time.

The only tools you will need are a soft bristled toothbrush and a pet-formulated toothpaste. For small pets like cats a finger brush may work best. Toothpastes for pets are available in tasty flavors like poultry, beef and seafood – find one your pet loves, and you can transform brushing from a chore into a treat.

It may take some time for your dog or cat to get used to having their teeth brushed. Take things slowly to ensure they are comfortable with the process, and the experience will soon become easier for both of you. At the beginning, you may only be able to brush a few teeth at a time – baby steps are better than no steps!

Some pets will be more resistant to brushing than others, even with regular practice. In these cases, it is important to supplement with dental-formulated foods, water additives and treats, which can round out your pet’s complete oral care plan. These products are specifically designed to remove plaque buildup, and may also freshen your pup or kitty’s breath.

Professional Pet Teeth Cleaning
In addition to regularly cleaning your pet’s teeth at home, it is essential to schedule professional cleanings on a yearly basis. Annual dental cleanings should begin when your cat or dog is around 1-2 years old.

Your veterinarian has a trained eye that will quickly be able to identify signs of dental disease, such as inflamed gums, bleeding or yellowish buildup on teeth. Veterinary offices are stocked with the right tools and technology to clean those hard-to-reach spaces in your pet’s mouth, ensuring no nook or cranny gets missed.

Another benefit of having your pet’s teeth cleaned by your veterinarian is that if they notice something isn’t right, they’re equipped to provide treatment onsite. While a standard groomer is great for supplementing your pet’s dental care, they can’t offer that same level of care.

When to See Your Vet
Your dog or cat is very good at hiding pain, which can make noticing a serious dental problem tricky. If you observe any of these tell-tale signs of dental disease, it would be wise to schedule a consultation with your vet right away:

• Chronic bad breath
• Inflamed, red or bleeding gums
• Yellow-brown tartar on teeth
• Difficulty eating or chewing
• Blood left behind on chew toys
• Excessive saliva

Oral hygiene is a critical part of your pet’s overall health and wellbeing, just as much as proper nutrition and exercise. If your dog or cat is overdue for a professional dental cleaning or checkup, don’t wait – find a location near you and schedule an appointment today.