Dental care is one of the most important ways to keep animals living longer and healthier lives. By the age of 5, most animals need their first professional dental cleaning. Smaller animals (pets weighing 20 pounds or less) may require dental cleaning sooner. Animal Tracks Veterinary Service recommends scheduling a dental exam with one of our Veterinarians if your pet has bad breath or his/her teeth are starting to build up with tartar. Prior to having a dental procedure we evaluate each patient to help tailor their dental prophylaxis. Some patients require blood work and/or antibiotics prior to having a dental procedure. With proper dental care, pets can maintain fresh breath and healthy teeth for years to come. This also helps keep the heart, liver and kidneys healthier.