Today, we are going to talk about the importance of cleaning dogs teeth as an all-inclusive part of your pet’s overall care. Believe it or not, this is a crucial part of ensuring your dog stays healthy and happy.

If you live in the Santa Monica or Hollywood area, Dr Jeff can walk you through the steps of promoting good oral health during a regular check-up. He will show you how to brush your pet’s teeth and will recommend the proper food, toys and treats for good oral hygiene. In the meantime, you can follow these simple instructions from our veterinarian to maintain good dentl health for your dog.

The Basics of Cleaning Dogs Teeth

1. Timing is Everything. You may be ready to get the job done now, but it isn’t always a matter of convenience for you. Your dog will need to be calm and relaxed. As you start to make the cleanings more routine, you will be able to build-up to a daily brushing without any problems.

2. Get Your Supplies Ready. You will want to have a brush with soft bristles that is specially angled and dog specific. We suggest finger brushes if the dog is under 30 pounds, and a toothbrush with a long handle for larger dogs. You can purchase dog toothpaste in peanut butter and poultry flavors, so that they look forward to dog teeth cleaning time.

3. Check the Gums. Once both of you are in a comfortable position, it’s time to take a look at the gums for any inflammation and test for tenderness before you start cleaning. Gently lift your dogs lips to inspect the gums.

4. Cleaning Your Dogs Teeth. After you've found a toothpaste that your dog likes, you'll hold the lip up and approach the teeth and gums at a 45 degree angle and brush in a circular motion. Any bleeding could indicate an infection or a need to brush more gently.

5. Reward. You'll want to reassure your dog the whole time and end on a positive note. Possibly an extra treat or a long walk.

If you have any other questions or concerns, just give Dr. Jeff a call. Don't forget to schedule teeth cleaning in with your next veterinary visit.

How do you make teeth cleaning a good experience for you and your dog?

Our Veterinarian Urges Families to Have Pets Spayed or Neutered

The Humane Society estimates that half of all dogs and cats that enter shelters every year must be euthanized. This means that 3 to 4 million healthy, sociable animals that would have made great family pets - except that there were no families to adopt them - are euthanized. The majority of these animals are the offspring of domestic pets that were never spayed or neutered. Help us avoid more unnecessary tragedy. Our Santa Monica and Hollywood veterinarian provides advanced spay and neuter surgeries that help the community and improve your pet’s overall quality of life.

Top 3 Reasons for Spay and Neuter Cat or Dog Surgery

1. Reduce Overpopulation: Almost every pet expert recommends spay or neuter dog surgery to reduce the unwanted pet population. These surgeries can take pressure off of cash-strapped community shelters struggling to find homes for all of the animals they care for.

2. Cut Veterinary Cancer Risks: Spay and neuter surgeries can improve your pet’s health as well, reducing the chance of developing deadly cancers of the reproductive organs. For females, this cuts the risk of breast and uterine cancers and infections. In males, neutering nearly eliminates the danger of testicular and prostate cancers.

3. Curtail Behavioral Problems: Pets in heat can exhibit troublesome behavior problems. Spaying female dogs entirely eliminates the messiness and whininess of being in heat. Un-neutered male dogs act out aggressively, hurting themselves, people and property in their desperation to find a female. A large percentage of the male dogs that get hit by cars ran out into traffic looking for a female in heat. Neutered males are less likely to engage in such alarming, self-destructive behavior. After neutering surgery, they are much more relaxed, less prone to wander and easier to train.

We strongly recommend spay and neuter surgeries to families with new pets because they are such an easy and affordable way to prevent death, disease and sorrow on so many levels.

Do you have any questions or concerns about having your pet spayed or neutered? Let us know in the comments section below!

Hollywood Vet Features Dog Grooming

Cat and dog grooming accomplishes much more than making your pet look like a movie star. It promotes pet health and is an opportunity to identify dermatology and/or other potential pet problems. Dr. Jeff, a well known Hollywood vet, stresses regular professional and home grooming for the significant health benefits.

Just as you feel wonderful after a day at the spa, your pet feels equally fabulous after a professional grooming session at our vet clinic. We consider outstanding grooming as part of our well care services, along with cleaning dogs’ teeth and a protective rabies vaccination.

Vet Clinic Provides Professional Dog Grooming

You need not be a medical pet expert to understand the numerous health benefits of having your cat or dog properly groomed. Loose or matted fur makes your pet uncomfortable and prone to picking up excess dirt or fleas. Grooming removes excess or painfully tangled hair and makes checking your pet's skin for parasites easy.

Proper grooming and brushing also spreads the natural skin oils your pet creates for their coats. Redistributing these oils keeps your pet's skin and fur healthy and shiny. Having your pet groomed at our clinic also permits discovery of any developing dermatology problems. Recognizing potential skin issues allows our professional groomer to alert Dr. Jeff or one of our experienced staff to potential problems before they become serious.

Short-haired cats and dogs also need regular professional grooming. We trim their nails so they just touch the floor, preventing curling or injury. Your pet also benefits from a healthy shampoo and conditioning treatment to keep their short-hair clean and free of parasites.

It is equally important for our Los Angeles-area pet owners to continue home grooming. Along with the health benefits of brushing--yes, including your short-haired animal family members--home grooming is a wonderful, enjoyable way to personally bond with your pet. Gaining the unwavering trust of your treasured pet returns daily benefits to you.

Our veterinary team blends skill with compassion to keep your pet healthy, happy and looking wonderful.

What steps do you take to ensure your pet is properly groomed? Do you bathe and brush your cat or dog at home?