By 3 years of age, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have periodontal disease.
Bad breath is the earliest warning sign that your pet needs dental support, and despite the common misconception, it is not normal. Poor dental health doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth; it can also cause more serious health conditions affecting organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys. Good dental health is vital for overall health and well-being!
Our pets are experts at hiding pain!
This means it is very important that we, as their owners, are able to spot the signs that they may need help. If you spot any of the following signs, it is time for a dental health check-up:
- Bleeding, red and inflamed or recessed gums
- Layers of tartar overlying the teeth
- Discoloured teeth
- Loose teeth or missing teeth
- Bad breath
- Pawing at their mouth
- Reluctance to eat dry food or preferentially eating soft food
None of us wants our pets to suffer in silence.
There is plenty we can do at home to help maintain good dental health for our pets.
Toothbrushing
The most effective way to prevent dental disease in pets is daily tooth brushing. Brushing less often. Starting when your pet is young makes the process much easier and helps them build good lifelong habits. Remember to always use a pet-safe toothpaste, ideally an enzymatic one, as human toothpaste can be harmful. Begin by gently applying the toothpaste with your finger until your pet is comfortable, then introduce a toothbrush, as the mechanical brushing action is what truly keeps teeth clean. If you need further support, our team will be happy to help!
Prescription Diet
In addition, we recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet® t/d®, a clinically proven dental diet that helps reduce plaque, staining, and tartar.
Dental Treatments
Finally, if your pet needs more advanced dental care, we can provide this in our dedicated dental suite. Procedures are carried out under general anaesthesia and may include descaling, removing unhealthy teeth, and polishing. After treatment, we’ll supply you with a special plaque-reducing paste and personalised advice to help keep your pet’s mouth healthy.