Did you know that dental disease is found in 4 out of 5 pets over the age of 3?

We all know the importance of looking after our own teeth but it is just as important to look after your pet's teeth as well. The introduction of a dental hygiene routine and selecting a suitable feed can help towards preventing dental disease.

Signs of dental disease include

• Smelly breath (halitosis)
• Red or swollen gums (known as gingivitis)
• Difficulty in eating and chewing food
• Loose teeth
• Bacterial overgrowth on teeth, leading to plaque and tartar formation which causes discoloration of teeth
• Long-term disease to weight loss

Brushing Teeth

Both dogs and cats require special brushes. There are dog and cat toothpastes - either fish or poultry flavoured. Human toothpaste should never be used as this can lead to problems with flouride toxicity. If introduced at an early age, many pets will tolerate teeth brushing well. Finger brushes can be used at first and then progressing to tooth brushes once your pet is more accustomed to the routine. We offer free nurse clinics, where they can show you how to brush your pet's teeth.

Food Products

Diets such as Royal Canin Dental Veterinary diet and Hills T/D diet are both dry diets, which have a specifically designed kibble sized to produce a mechanical brushing effect on the teeth. These diets can be bought at all of our branches.

Dental Work

Many dogs and cats require dental work to be carried out under anaesthesia. This is because they would not tolerate work done whilst they were conscious like you or I. The majority of dogs would benefit from scale and polish of their teeth.  This will result in the teeth lasting longer and your pet being more comfortable.  If teeth in your pet are painful and loose then often the best option is to remove them. 

Gums are one of the quickest healing tissues in the body so your pet will be back to chewing in no time.  Usually we just recommend a few days of soft food and pain relief after the procedure.This work is carried out by one of our surgeons and is a day procedure so your pet will not stay overnight.