Pet Dental Care in Arlington, VA

Your pet’s dental health is closely tied to their overall well-being. At Cherrydale Veterinary Clinic, we provide dental care for dogs and cats in Arlington, VA — from cleanings and exams to at-home guidance — helping protect your pet’s teeth, gums, and oral health at every stage of life.

Request an Appointment

What Dental Care Includes

We recommend having every pet’s teeth and gums evaluated at least twice a year to determine whether a cleaning is needed. A professional dental cleaning includes scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatment, and may also involve X-rays and periodontal treatment when necessary — all performed with your pet’s comfort and safety as our priority.

Dental Cleanings

Scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatment under general anesthesia, so we can clean thoroughly and safely below the gumline.

Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork

Safety screening before anesthesia to confirm your pet’s liver and kidneys can process it, reducing risk.
Request an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about your pet’s dental care? Here are answers to what Arlington pet owners ask us most about cleanings, anesthesia, and keeping their pet’s smile healthy.

K
L

Why does my pet need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?

Because pets won't "open wide" or hold still, general anesthesia lets our team clean thoroughly and safely below the gumline, take X-rays, and treat any problems without stress or pain. We tailor the anesthetic to your pet's age, weight, and health, and monitor them closely throughout the procedure.
K
L

Why is pre-anesthetic bloodwork recommended?

Bloodwork before a dental procedure helps confirm your pet's liver and kidneys can safely process anesthesia. Even healthy-looking pets can have hidden organ problems, and finding them ahead of time lets our Arlington team reduce risk and plan the safest possible care.
K
L

When should I bring in a new puppy or kitten?

As early as six to eight weeks. Puppies and kittens need a series of visits through about 16 weeks for their vaccine series and parasite testing, followed by spay or neuter and microchipping around six months of age.
Request an Appointment

Why Dental Health Matters

Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats — and it affects far more than the mouth. Plaque and tartar below the gumline can release bacteria that strain the kidneys, liver, and heart. As the American Veterinary Medical Association notes, a yearly dental check helps catch problems early. Treating disease early protects your pet’s whole body, and maintaining oral health costs far less than treating advanced disease later.

Caring for Your Pet’s Teeth at Home

A little care at home goes a long way between professional dental cleanings.

Professional cleanings are only part of the picture — what you do at home matters too. Our team is happy to recommend safe, effective products and show you simple ways to keep your pet’s teeth healthier between visits.

Safe Toothpaste brown

Safe Toothpaste

Never use human toothpaste, which can upset your pet’s stomach. Ask us about pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste in flavors your dog or cat will love.

Dental Diets brown icon

Dental Diets & Products

We may recommend a prescription dental diet or products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council to help reduce plaque and tartar.

Request an Appointment
A person's hand pets a happy white dog with its mouth open and tongue out, lying on a rough, textured surface.