Pets given dental exams

The Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital recommends that pets be given yearly teeth cleaning to prevent periodontal disease and progressive tooth loss.

Proper pet dental cleaning requires ultrasonic scaling, polishing and a fluoride application while under safe anesthesia. When done correctly, the risk to the animal is very low, and the results are superior to nonanesthetic painful, hand-scaling cleanings.

Under anesthesia, technicians are able to work on all surfaces of the teeth, including periodontal pockets. Other nondental procedures may also be performed while the pet is under anesthesia.

Cleanings at the hospital begin at $110 for cats and $120 for dogs. Extractions and treatments are extra.

The hospital provides a $10 coupon for pet owners who return within one year.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

Caring hands Veterinary Hospital is at 1020 E. Avenida de Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks. For more information, call (805) 492-4951.